A comprehensive reference book on looking after and repairing all the smaller collectables one might inherit, pick up at a fair or find in a second-hand shop. The book includes many of the professional tricks of the trade, using readily available materials and equipment, but does not encourage the restoration of valuable antiques, which should always be worked upon by experts. The book is organized by material in order to cover the widest possible range of objects: ceramics china and pottery; glass; metal silver, gold, copper, brass, pewter, bronze, tinware, lead, iron and steel; semi-precious materials tortoiseshell, horn, coral, jet, jade, amber, marble and mother-of-pearl; and wood and veneer.