Ivor Noel-Hume's book, A Guide to the Artifacts of Colonial America, not
only has a great deal of wonderful information, but it also explains the
methods he used to build a data base for dating and identification, using
printed advertisements, etc.  The method would work for just about any kind
of artifact you are interested in. It is rather outdated, but still a good
reference.  And, while at it, you certainly should look at his book "All the
Best Rubbish".

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