Metal Horse Figurines by Carolyn Martin (2004, Book, Illustrated)

I found this wonderful book on eBay, and picked it up quickly, since I was already familiar with Carolyn Martin's excellent work after having purchased her first book on Metal Horses earlier on.

Ms. Martin's impressive efforts have rounded up many hundreds (thousands?) of beautiful photos and descriptions of metal horses of all types, working from eBay listings, private collections, and her own extensive knowledge on the subject.

She includes reference materials, footnotes, and informative descriptions of the companies that manufactured these wonderful old horses, as well as background material on the sculptors who created the works, and it's all packed into a very attractive, glossy catalog of vintage and antique pieces.

It is a masterpiece in its own right, because it is not only well-done...it is the sequel to the very first book of its kind! Ms. Martin was the first researcher/author to take on this very demanding subject, and she did it so very well! Her books on metal horses give the avid collector not only clear photos, but ideas on the value of these pieces, based on eBay final sales over a number of years.

Her third book on the many fabulous metal horses created by the world-renowned horse artist and sculptor, Gladys Brown Edwards, is out now, and should be available on eBay shortly. Keep an eye out for it!

I found the first two books to be excellent reference material, and a pair of very thorough, definitive works. I highly recommend all of Ms. Martin's books to serious collectors of antique metal horses, horse-related metal designs, vintage carnival horses, vintage metal horse sculptures, and souvenir horses. You will not find a more authoritative and beautiful set of works anywhere.