Collecting the West #

The Old West is still alive today in the films, the books, and now, more than ever, the memorabilia of the era. People have been collecting Western articles for over one hundred years. And today the popularity of Native American crafts, cowboy-related objects, and Spanish American and mining artifacts is at an all-time high, creating an exciting new field of collecting.Collecting the West illustrates all of these major categories of Old West collectibles with more than 200 full-color photographs. From hand-carved Spanish American crafts dating from the mid-1800s to turn-of-the-century Native American wares to cowboy "kitsch" from the 1930s, here are the quintessential ceramics, artworks, jewelry, clothing, tools, and furniture from the Old West. William C. Ketchum will guide you in your search for inexpensive and accessible objects from this important era of American history. Learn what to look for, where to find it, and how to recognize its authenticity.Collecting the West will have wide popular appeal for those who are interested in the great American West. Ketchum writes about the history of each collectible and its importance to the various cultures of the era. He provides fascinating stories and legends surrounding an object, describing why it was made, how it was used, and what the collector needs to know about it today. For example, he explains the ceremonial aspects of Native American basket making that are often overlooked by collectors. He tells us why the cowboys seldom carried handguns, and how the more unusual mining tools were actually used in mines and gold mills.Collecting the West provides an illuminating look at the Old West life-style as illustrated by the memorabilia of the time. It will seize as an important guide to the vast number of collectors who are entering the field of western antiques and collectibles, and will interest those who are simply curious.