J Chein & Co. A Collector's Guide to an American Toymaker, by Alan Jaffe.

This Chein guide book is by far the most comprehensive and accurate book in existance. It gives the history of J Chein & Co. and covers the years from 1903-1975.  The section dedicated to logos is fantastic. Many sellers list their items with incorrect dates. When these sellers are incorrect, they almost always are incorrect using an earlier date. We all know older antiques in great shape are worth more than newer ones in the same condition. So, instead of listing a ferris wheel made in the 1950's, they are listed as being made in the 1930's. I have seen roller coasters claiming to be made in the 1930's when the fact is these roller coasters weren't even sold until 1949. I have watched buyers pay double-triple for an item that has been falsely advertised. I got my Chein guide at Barnes & Noble for $49.99, but they are always being sold on eBay for around 35 bucks. The mistakes some buyers make costs them far in excess of a mere investment into this guide.

Jaffe covers all of the eras that the tin toys represented, and has organized them in an easy to read order. Numerous pictures are on every page to help prevent the buyer from purhasing a look-alike toy. Anyone who would buy a Chein toy is at a disadvantage if they haven't first read this book. It will save you $100.00's by educating you on how to identify the real Chein items, years made, and prices, and show you how not to get stuck buying a cheap reproduction or paying more than the toy is worth.