Neptune's treasures: A study and value guide - Softcover

Über die Autorin bzw. den Autor

The Smyth's love of antiques began when, as newlyweds in the early 1970s, they filled their home in England with, what was then unappreciated, Victoriana. At the same time, their writing partnership began with editing a technical journal.

By the mid '70s and now living in the States. A new world was discovered when they walked into their first Long Island Antiques Store, filled with American country furniture, primitives and folk art. Carole fell in love with what Richard called 'farmyard junk'. Within a year, Carole was a dealer, specializing in, what else but American country furniture, primitives and folk art.

Now, twenty five years later, together, they exhibit the 'Carole Smyth Collection' of serious fun stuff, a light-hearted blend of Victorian, county, whimsy and funk at over 40 antique shows a year.

They belong to the Long Island Professional Antique Dealers' Association and are members of the Advisory Council for Schroeder's Antique Price Guide and Schroeder's collectible Toys' Price Guide. They have appeared on Fox TV's 'Personal FX - The Collectible Show', Harry Rinker's radio program "Watcha Got?". Besides writing occasional articles for various Antiques Newspapers and national magazines they have their own feature column "Our Two Cents" published monthly in 'New York City's Antiques News' for whom they also write the front page article for each issue.

Carole and Richard have been featured in 'The Wall Street Journal', "The New York Times', 'Newsday', 'Style 1900','Country Living', and numerous other publications nationally.

As the Smyths both enjoy photography, writing, research and arguing, writing antique books and price guides is a natural way to fill their 'spare time'! "Neptune's Treasures" is the third book they have written and the second one they self published.

"The Burning Passion" was their first book and covers the story of American Pyrography, the art of burning designs onto wood and leather which was very popular at the last turn of the century.

"Pails by Comparison, A study and Price Guide for Sand pails and other Sand Toys" was their second book and has become the reference book for collectors and dealers of sand pails. It is the most quoted book on the internet by collectors and dealers in sand toys and is recognized as a significant contribution to recording the history of tin lithographed toys.

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"The need for souvenirs in the ever expanding resorts and spas grew so Marcus Senior, introduced a range of shell decorated boxes, pin cushions and holders, needle cases and miniature furniture forms, often adorned with silk or velvet, die cuts and mirrors, along with blotters, letter holders and framed creations. These quickly became known as 'A GIFT FROM BRIGHTON' and became an ever increasing facet of his business. According to Isaac F. Marcosson's book ' The Black Golconda' published in 1924, it was Marcus' children that gave Samual the idea for the shell novelties. The family was on vacation in the English seaside town of Margate and the children had taken a boxed lunch to the beach. Fascinated by all the sea shells on the beach, they decorated the empty box with some and took the treasure home to show Ma and Pa.