If you're an avid collector that specializes in a particular type of item, it's always a search for a reference book that zeros in on your field of collecting. Finding a book with only a short chapter or two dedicated to your collection can be disappointing. That won't happen with those who enjoy collecting glass antique Christmas ornaments. With almost 1500 large images of antique ornaments Christmas Rarities will be a delight for antique Christmas ornament collectors.

Christmas Rarities is a work of love that was almost four years in the making. Lightner literally traveled around the world to make this vision come true. He spent over 5000 hours on the book and succeeded in self-publishing a book that is already being used as reference material at auction houses.

Take the Book Shopping:

• Find an ornament you haven't seen before? Check the Rarity Index to see how common it is and whether you should buy it now or can wait for a better price/example.
• Compare the pictures to the ornament to be purchased, checking the size as well.
• Not sure if the price is right? Value ranges are shown with each ornament pictured.
• • More About the Book:
    There are fourteen chapters of different ornament categories such as angels, Santas, religious, wire wraps and more. Each ornament has a reference number that will help identify pieces, as well as help when describing pieces to other collectors.
    
    Want to know more about Kugels? There's a whole chapter on Kugels, along with large clear pictures of 29 different caps and descriptions.
    
    Bottom Line:
    Recently I found an old ornament that I loved, but was priced at $350. I had no idea if this was a good or outrageous price, so I passed on it. When I checked my copy of Christmas Rarities a week later, I found the ornament, saw that it was valued at $400 - $500 and is considered fairly rare. Now I'm sorry I missed adding it to my collection.
    
    At $75. the book is a bit pricey, but when one considers that the cost of a single ornament can easily be several times that amount, the antique Christmas ornament collector would be wise to add this book to their library.