Review - BoS - Collector’s Encyclopedia Vol 2 by Barbara Bell

The collection continues - with articles from Barbara Nicholson Bell's Antiques and Collectibles Topic at Suite101. Taking articles written from 1998 to 2003, Vol 2 follows the same format of Vol 1 with an alphabetized listing and organization.

Yes, the expected Potteries and China are included. Susie Cooper China, Portmeirion China, McCoy Pottery (is it the Real McCoy?), Mary Gregory Glassware as well as others round out this edition.

As usual, Ms. Nicholson Bell gives precise information on the apparent history of each collection - how it began, its rumours and truths, and reference links. Photos are clear and brilliant in their colour - as usual, I would like more - and am given many sites to check out to satisfy my pictorial craving.

But of particular interest is the Miniature Villages - and I defy anyone to not fall in love with these exquisite detailed towns. There is something so appealing about setting up your own world, being able to renovate with a single hand or simply add in another building. Ms. Nicholson Bell captures the essence while showing us its history - we learn despite ourselves.

The same is true for most of the articles in this Volume. When I went to read the section on Russian Icons, I was not prepared to learn about Russia and the Church. And the section on Snowglobes or Snowdomes delves into their shaky origin and sometimes "cheesy" (her word) moments. Yet, as Ms. Nicholson Bell states - it is this frozen, miniature world that fascinates us - where the snow never turns to slush or needs shovelling.

In continuing this Collection, the inclusion of Teddy Bears brings us some important information - the Teddy is now over 100 years old! Do you know the origin of the Teddy Bear? I did not - and I won't spoil the surprise.

Thimbles also have an important section here - and we are informed that thimbles were often used as a marketing giveaway. So check your mother's sewing basket and see if your thimbles have any logo on them.

The final section is on Walking Sticks or Canes - and the author correctly points out how the mighty have fallen - we now view someone with this implement as being disabled and needing the stick to support themself. However, not too long ago, this was an absolute necessity as an accessory for the proper gentleman. You even needed a license to carry one in England in the 18th century!!

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