Military Badge Collecting by John Gaylor

Military Badge Collecting by John Gaylor lands on the shelves of my shop.

Leo Cooper, 1983, Hardback in dust wrapper.

3rd (revised) edition, 1st printing, [First Published: 1971] Illustrated by way of: Black & White Drawings;

From the cover: It is an interesting paradox that, in spite of the rundown in strength of the British regular army and the cutbacks in the reserve forces, interest in military traditions has grown apace and many of those who were never called upon to do National Service are now collecting what are probably the most readily-found of militaria regimental cap-badges.

In this, the third edition of his book, John Gaylor, who is the Honorary Secretary of the Military Historical Society, treats every aspect of this fascinating hobby. He tells of the evolution of the present regimental badges from the numbered regiments of foot up until 1881, of the Volunteers, of the Territorials, the Home Guard, military cyclists, Kitcheners Army and many other unusual units. He gives much useful advice on the acquisition, mounting and storing of badges. New appendices deal with the tartans worn by Scottish infantry regiments and a full listing of all the infantry Volunteer battalions in 1908, just before the creation of the new Territorial Force.

With photographs of over 750 badges from 1881 to 1983 this book will continue to be invaluable as a guide and a work of reference to beginner and to experienced collector alike.

Very Good in Poor Dust Wrapper. Dust wrapper heavily sunned at the spine, a little rubbed at the edges. Pages lightly age-tanned.

Black boards with Gilt titling to the Spine. 163 pages. Index. 8¾” x 5¾”.

Of course, if you don’t like this one there are plenty more available here!

Jane Asher’s Calendar of Cakes by Jane Asher

Jane Asher’s Calendar of Cakes by Jane Asher lands on the shelves of my shop.

Pelham Books, 1989, Hardback in dust wrapper.

Illustrated by way of: Colour Photographs; Diagrams;

From the cover: Jane Asher has used all her talent and skill to produce a book which is packed full of highly original and imaginative cakes.

Jane Ashers Calendar of Cakes has cakes for all sorts of special occasions. There is a cake for each sign of the zodiac, a back-to-school cake, cakes for different times of the year Christmas, Easter, Halloween, November 5th. Special events in the family are covered with cakes for a christening, a fortieth birthday and there is an unusual wedding cake plus lots more.

The cakes range from ones which are quick and easy to make to those that are more elaborate and require more time. However each cake has full instructions and is accompanied by detailed step-by-step diagrams. Often useful shortcuts can be used and these and other helpful hints are included.

Not only is Jane Ashers Calendar of Cakes a useful source of clever ideas but it is also beautiful and fun to look at.

Very Good in Very Good Dust Wrapper. Tiny nick to the upper panel otherwise a very well presented copy.

Grey boards with Black titling to the Spine. 111 pages. Index. 10″ x 7″.

Of course, if you don’t like this one there are plenty more available here!