THE EASY EXPERT IN COLLECTING AND RESTORING AMERICAN ANTIQUES

'Easy?' One questions that after reading this explicit and knowledgeable book on the 'how-to' of collecting and restoring antiques. But certainly Mr. Marsh makes it all understandable and practical. He starts with that important definition of what is antique. He goes on to where and how to buy, and discusses auctions, junk shops, picking up chance finds, and identifying fakes. Then follows a brief and to the point descriptive section on successive periods of American furniture, the identification of imports, the relative values -- and, briefly, wooden ware. What are the evidences of age and authenticity? Here -- and to the end of the book -- it is a book to own and study, not simply to consult at the public library. Tools and materials, steps of restoration, hardware, the removal of old paints and varnishes, the putting on of new finishes- all this is handled in exact, step-by-step procedure, for the practical man -- or woman. But it is none of it 'easy'. A bibliography, a list of sources of supplies, expands the practical value.