The Charlton Standard Catalogue of Royal Doulton Beswick Storybook Figurines. 5th ed.

Janet Arnett is the former campus manager of adult education at Ontario’s Georgian College. She is the author of Antiques and Collectibles: Starting Small, The Grange at Knock, and 673 Ways to Save Money.

Charlton catalogs are firmly positioned as the leading authority on
china and pottery collectibles. These three Royal Doulton books join
Charlton’s extensive reference library, which is frequently updated to
include new information, new figures, and current pricing. For example,
these titles (two of which are 5th editions) now include a section on
the impact of the Internet on collecting.

A Charlton catalog is the source of choice for details on backstamps,
dates, colors, size, and price. The Beswick Jugs volume includes more
than 600 listings, each with a photo and U.S., U.K., and Canadian
prices. Beswick Storybook Figurines and Bunnykins are equally extensive,
each with nearly 700 illustrations and with prices given in four
currencies, including the Australian.

Each catalog includes some general information on the collectibles,
unique features to watch for, and factors influencing value. Each work
is indexed by both item name and model number and has a few color
plates.

It is impossible to imagine anyone attempting to build a collection of
these china items without a Charlton catalogue at hand. They’re
essential reference works for all serious collectors.