HOW DO YOU KNOW IT'S OLD?

For the serious collector (not the little woman who attends tag sales), dealer and curator -- Mr. Peterson who serves as the latter for the National Park Services' 200 museums brings to light (it often takes ultra-violet) some forty years of experience in evaluating what might have emerged from a basement workshop. The equipment is simple, the knowledgeability commanding if you want to become an expert at judging wood (via its shrinkage, wear, hardware, patination, nails, etc.) metals (oxidation, solder marks, again patination) and glass, ceramics, scrimshaw, etc. There is a dosing chapter on how to avoid being taken and what steps to pursue if you are (usually ungratifying). All clear as old glass -- or should it have air bubbles? -- and precisely instructive.