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Antique Paperweights for Sale


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1603 Antique Franchini Type Aventurine Venetian Murine Paperweight Scent Bottle.  circa 1840-1880.  This rare Franchini type miniature Venetian scent bottle has two early murrine canes.  On the front is a murrine of a gondola.  The murrine on the back depicts a winged lion on water, or the Lion of St. Mark.  This murrine has a small fracture in the cane.  The six-sided shape is similar to known scent bottles made by Giacomo Franchini.  The glass is filled with aventurine and colored swirls.  It is in very good condition aside from the fractured murrine and has normal age appropriate wear.  There are also small fractures on the neck.  It does not have its original stopper and hinged cap.  Most likely it also originally had a chain.  Despite the similarity to known Franchini items, I am selling this as "Franchini Type" as other glass artisans of the period probably copied the work of the Franchini workshop. 

For comparable images, see the following pages in Miniature Masterpieces - Mosaic Glass 1838-1924 by Giovanni Sarpellon.  A similar six-sided scent bottle appears in figure 520 on page 57.  Similar gondola murrine appear in figures 425-439 on page 47.  The lion of St. Mark appears in figure 422 on page 46. 

Note on condition:  The scent bottle has several flaws.  The cane of the Lion of St. Mark has a small fracture.  There are also small fractures on the neck.  The scent bottle does not have its original stopper, hinged cap, or chain.  It also has age appropriate wear.

Giacomo (Jacopo) Franchini (1827-1897) worked with his father Giovanni Battista Franchini (1804-1873) on the development of millefiori canes incorporating figurative designs as well as floral patterns. His is best known for his miniature portraits of the famous people of his time.  He produced some of the most remarkable glass portraits and many were incorporated into scent bottles, walking stick handles and other objects, some useful and some purely decorative.  His creative period ended in 1863 when he was confined to an asylum.  For more details on the remarkable work produced by the Franchini family and others of the period, see the book Miniature Masterpieces - Mosaic Glass 1838-1924 by Giovanni Sarpellon.

Miniature size:  Just over 2 3/8" tall by just under 15/16" wide by 11/16" thick..  It weighs two ounces.  The base is ground flat.
Condition:  The scent bottle has several flaws.  The cane of the Lion of St. Mark has a small fracture.  The scent bottle does not have its original stopper, hinged cap, or chain.  There are also small fractures on the neck.  It also has age appropriate wear.
Signature:  This scent bottle is unsigned.  Despite the similarity to known Franchini items, I am selling this as "Franchini Type" as other glass artisans of the period probably copied the work of the Franchini workshop.

For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links:

Large picture
Closeup of gondola on front
View of back
Closeup of Lion of St. Mark on the back
Horizontal view showing mouth
Another view of mouth
Side view
Another side view
Horizontal view
Another horizontal view
Base
$395 postage paid in the US.

Click on the picture to see a larger image.

Click on the picture to see a larger image
Antique Franchini Type Aventurine Venetian Murine Paperweight Scent Bottle
2048 Magnum Antique Graeser Order of Elks Paperweight.  circa 1890.  This uniquely American style paperweight features a detailed image of an elk with very large antlers above the logo "B.P.O.E." logo for the "Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks".  On each side of the elk are two colorful hand painted floral sprays, each with a large light pink or amber rose.  There is a clock pointing to the 11 o'clock hour in the center below the elk.  The elk and hand painted spray are placed on a white enamel disk.  The image at the center was printed onto the white disk using a photographic process developed by William Maxwell and commercialized by Albert Graeser.  After the decorations were complete the disk was encased in glass.  The hand painted floral sprays and large roses are outstanding.  A wonderful paperweight.

Note on colors:  The pictures don't capture the color accurately.  The roses are a light pink or amber with a slightly yellow tint.

Albert Graeser was a well known producer of photographic paperweights working in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in the 1890-1900 period.  He used a process patented by William H. Maxwell in 1882.  For more information on this style of paperweight see the article "Fraternally Yours" by William Price, Jr. in the 2001 Annual Bulletin of the Paperweight Collectors Association.  This style of paperweight is also described on page 413 of American Glass by George and Helen McKearin.

Very large size:  3 3/8" diameter by just over 2 3/8" high.  The base is ground flat and finished with a matte finish although there is a remnant of the pontil mark. 
Signature:  No signature, but I guarantee that this an antique paperweight using the patented Maxwell process and is most likely a product of Albert Graeser. 
Condition:  Very good condition.  The paperweight has tiny scratches and flea bites, but no cracks.

For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: 

Large picture
Closeup
Profile
Side view
Base
$145 postage paid in the US.

Click on the picture to see a larger image.

Click on the picture to see a larger image
Magnum Antique Graeser Order of Elks Paperweight
5984 Antique New England Glass Company (NEGC) Faceted Millefiori Nosegay Paperweight with Garland on Double Latticinio Ground.  circa 1860.  This is a wonderful antique faceted New England Glass Company (NEGC) millefiori nosegay or posy paperweight.  The nosegay setup is very nice with three large millefiori canes, four leaves, and a stem placed on a perfect double swirl latticinio ground.  The nosegay is surrounded by a millefiori garland with twenty complex millefiori canes alternating blue & white and red & white canes.  The paperweight is faceted with a large six sided top faceted and twelve side facets in two rings.  The lower ring has three side notches (crows feet) between each pair of facets.  The top facet has many small notches along each edge.  An amazing paperweight worthy of any collection of antique paperweights.

New England Glass Company (NEGC) operated in Cambridge, Massachusetts from 1818 to 1888.  You can read about paperweights from the New England Glass Company in the book by Hawley, The Art of the Paperweight  - The Boston & Sandwich and New England Glass Companies

Size:  Just under 2 5/8” diameter by 1 9/16 high.  The bottom is ground concave. 
Signature:  This paperweight is not signed, but I guarantee it to be an authentic antique New England Glass Company paperweight. 
Condition:  Very good to excellent condition with one small nick on the edge of a facet (see side picture), one pinprick on the side, and age appropriate wear wear on the base.  Some bubbles in the glass.

For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: 

Large picture
Side view
Closeup
Profile
Base
Another side view
Another view of the base
$675 postage paid in the US.         US Sales only, no international shipping.      Delivery will require a signature.

Click on the picture to see a larger image.
Click on the picture to see a larger image
Antique New England Glass Company (NEGC) Faceted Millefiori Nosegay Paperweight with Garland on Double Latticinio Ground
3506 Antique Baccarat Miniature Single Clematis with Millefiori Garland Paperweight.  circa 1845-1860.  Antique Baccarat miniature red/orange single clematis with six ribbed petals, five leaves, and a stem.  The center of the flower is a complex millefiori cane with two rings of white star shaped canes arranged around a red bulls-eye cane.  The clematis is surrounded by an outer garland of alternating ten white and ten blue and white complex millefiori canes.  The white canes in the garland match the cane at the center of the clematis flower.  The blue and white canes have a ring of arrowhead canes around a Baccarat star cane.  The design is placed over a clear ground and finished with a Baccarat star cut on the base.  The paperweight is unsigned but I guarantee that this is a genuine Baccarat millefiori paperweight from the classic period 1845-1860.  A unique addition to any collection of miniature paperweights.  Great color. 

Note:  The flower is noticeably off-center in this paperweight. 

Note on white glare:  Please ignore the white areas, they are glare from the lights.

According to Paul Dunlop in Baccarat Paperweights: two centuries of beauty, the single clematis is much rarer than the double clematis.

Miniature Size:  1 15/16" diameter by just under 1 7/16" high.  The bottom is ground slightly concave and is finished with a Baccarat star.    
Condition:  Excellent condition.  There is a slight amount of wear on the base, but no other scratches, chips, or cracks were found on inspection.  The flower is off-center.
Signature:  Unsigned but I guarantee that this is a genuine Baccarat millefiori paperweight from the classic period 1845-1860.

For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links:

Large picture of the paperweight
Closeup view
Profile View
Star cut on base
Side view
$1,750 postage paid in the US.                         US sales only for this paperweight.  Delivery will require a signature.  

Click on the picture to see a larger image.
   
Baccarat was founded in 1776 in Alsace-Lorraine with the name of Verrerie de Sainte Anne.  The original location was near the town of Baccarat.  Today the firm is known as Compagnie des Cristalleries de Baccarat.  Most collectors refer to three periods of Baccarat paperweight production. 
  • 1845-1860 - Classic period 
  • 1900-1934 - Dupont period 
  • 1953 - on - Modern period
This classification is definitely an over simplification as it is likely that Baccarat made some paperweights on and off through most of 19th century.  The best millefiori and lampwork paperweights were made during the classic period (1845-1860).  Pansy weights and rock weights continued in production until much later.  Some paperweights are identified as Dupont period and were made at the end of the 19th Century or early in the 20th century. 

Baccarat continued to make paperweights after the classic period (1845-1860), but little is known about the extent of the product line or who made the paperweights.  It is known that by 1910, the offering in the catalog had dwindled to pansy paperweights, simple open concentric paperweights, and rock paperweights.  Popular lore attributes 1920-1934 Baccarat paperweights to a Mr. Dupont, who supposedly was the last worker at Baccarat to know the secrets of paperweight making.  These paperweights were sold at a Baccarat retail shop in Paris.  No collector or scholar ever met Mr. Dupont although at least one visited the Baccarat factory and asked to meet with him.  The weights stopped appearing in the shop in 1934. 

New research of the Baccarat archives has identified the actual maker as Joseph Boyé (1877-1948).  He is recorded as the maker of millefiori canes and millefiori paperweights during this period (1920-1934).  Very little is known about Mr. Boyé, but there is enough similarity in the millefiori canes to suggest that he had access to the original molds or some of the original millefiori canes from the classic period.  He later trained another glassworker, Georges Brocard, to make open concentric paperweights in 1946.  Armed with this knowledge, Brocard was influential in the revival of paperweight making at Baccarat in the 1950s.  Another glassworker, Louis Idoux (1882-1941), is recorded as making the Baccarat pansy paperweights during the 1920-1934 period. 

You can read more about the Baccarat paperweights in the new book Baccarat Paperweights - two centuries of beauty by Paul Dunlop or one of the older books on paperweights in general, such as The Encyclopedia of Glass Paperweights by Paul Hollister or World Paperweights by Robert Hall.

Click on the picture to see a larger image
Antique Baccarat Miniature Single Clematis with Millefiori Garland Paperweight
4747 Antique Paperweight Style Mystery Object - Probably a Cut Down Candle Holder.   circa 1900.  I don't know for sure what this was originally.  It is safe to assume the shape has been altered because it has no apparent use in its current form except as paperweight.  It has a cup at one end and the other end is faceted with a flat base.  The middle section has a paperweight form with ice pick flowers and small bubbles.  The faceted end has a five sided shape in the center with five sloping cuts away from that.  I'm certain it is an antique and that the cup end has not been modified.  The way the bubbles in the faceted end are towards the center suggests that the cup was originally the up side.  I've discussed this with other collectors and our best guess is that this was originally a candle holder for a fairly large candle which would fit the cup.  It is also likely that the original shape was supported by a five sided stem and larger base to provide stability.  If you look at pictures of older style candle holders or candlesticks you can find some with a round cup and faceted stem.  An interesting object - too good to throw in the trash.  I'm not asking much for it.

Note:  Although this object can be used in its current form as a candle holder, but caution you not to use it with a lighted candle.  It doesn't have the large base that would normally provide the necessary stability.

Size:  In its current form, it is 3" long, the cup has a diameter of 2".  The inner diameter of the cup is just over 1 1/2".  The base is flat in the center.  The original shape is unknown.
Signature: Unsigned, but I guarantee this is an antique object from an unidentified factory.
Condition:  Very good condition for its age although the shape has been modified.  No cracks or chips found on inspection.

For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links:

Large picture
Side view
View of the cup
Closeup of paperweight section
Faceting on base
View with cup down
$65 postage paid in the US.

Click on the picture to see a larger image.

Click on the picture to see a larger image
Antique Paperweight Style Mystery Object - Probably a Cut Down Candle Holder
4388 Large Antique Clichy Faceted Concentric Millefiori Paperweight.  circa 1845-1860.  This wonderful antique Clichy concentric millefiori paperweight has a classic arrangement of three concentric rings of complex millefiori around a blue pastry mold cane.  The inner ring has nine Clichy eight lobed edelweiss florets.  The second ring consists of fifteen purple eight lobed florets.  The outer ring has an alternating pattern of 24 pastry mold canes with six green pastry mold canes and 18 pink pastry mold canes.  In all, there are 49 millefiori canes over a clear ground.  The canes are intricate and very colorful.  See the close-up picture for more detail.  There are six side facets and a top facet.  A fantastic paperweight. 

Clichy paperweights are highly sought after by collectors for their complex canes and brilliant colors.  Clichy paperweights with rose canes are especially desirable.  The Clichy factory was founded at Billancourt near Paris in 1837.  Shortly after that it moved to Clichy-la-Garenne, which gave the factory its best known name.  They stayed in operation until about the 1870s. 

Large Size:  2 5/8" diameter by just under 1 3/4" high.  The base is ground concave.  There are six side facets and a large top facet. 
Condition:  Very good condition for its age.  There are scratches and tiny chips on the body and on some of the facets.  The largest bruise is a 1/8" bruise on one facet.  There is wear on the base.  There is plenty of glass and the paperweight could be restored, but I chose not to do so. 
Signature:   Unsigned but I guarantee this to be an authentic antique Clichy paperweight. 

For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links:

Large picture
Closeup
Profile
Side view
Base
Another view of base
Bruise on facet
New Price $475 (was $950)  postage paid in the US.

Click on the picture to see a larger image.

Click on the picture to see a larger image
4542 Antique New England Glass Company (NEGC) Mixed Fruit Paperweight.  circa 1869.  This is an antique New England Glass Company (NEGC) mixed fruit paperweight, consisting of five apples (or pears), four radishes (or cherries), four large leaves and four smaller leaves over a nearly perfect double swirl latticinio ground.  The fruit have bright vivid colors and the leaves show good definition.  The cruciform design is beautifully composed.  Unfortunately there are of striations (sugaring) in the glass that are exaggerated in the pictures.  The paperweight is in great condition and appears to have been restored in the past.  It displays beautifully.  

Many authors call the fruit pears and cherries.  I feel that they look more like apples and radishes.

The New England Glass Company (NEGC) operated in Cambridge, Massachusetts from 1818 to 1888You can read about paperweights from the New England Glass Company in the book by John Hawley.  The Art of the Paperweight  - The Boston & Sandwich and New England Glass Companies covers both B&S and NEGC. 

Size:  2 9/16" diameter by 1 13/16" high.  The base is ground concave.
Condition:  Excellent condition.  No chips, cracks, or scratches.  This paperweight has been professionally restored in the past.  The glass contains many striations (sugaring) as shown in the pictures.  This happened when the paperweight was made.  It is not damage. 
Signature:  Unsigned, but I guarantee this to be an authentic NEGC antique paperweight.   

For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links:

Large picture
View from the back
Closeup
Profile
Base
Side
Another side view
$395 postage paid in the US.

Click on the picture to see a larger image.

Click on the picture to see a larger image
Antique New England Glass Company (NEGC) Mixed Fruit Paperweight
5382 Antique New England Glass Company (NEGC) Blown Glass Pear Paperweight - Good Condition.  circa 1860.  This is a wonderful antique New England Glass Company (NEGC) life-size blown pear placed on a round clear glass cookie.  The pear is hollow.  It is complete with blossom end up in the air and an intact stem resting on the clear cookie.  The coloration shades from a light red to a yellow-green.  Unlike most examples of this type, there is no crackling of the surface.  The paperweight displays beautifully with the sides or stem end displayed.  Please read the note below about condition.  If you don't already have one in your collection, this is a chance to acquire a NEGC blown pair at a bargain price.

Note on condition:  Unfortunately there is an area near the blossom end that has a loss of surface color and a strange white stripe where no color was applied.  There is some chipping near the blossom end.  And there is also a tiny nick in the area of deep red where some color is lost.  Finally, there is a fracture at the bottom of the pear visible only through the base. 

The most common NEGC blown fruit are apples and pears, although some collectors have seen other fruits.  It is not unusual to find pieces of these fruit in scramble paperweights, mixed in with millefiori and twist canes.  The shading of the colors on the exterior often leads to crackling and this flaw is found in varying degrees in many blown fruit paperweights.  Normally a NEGC hollow blown pear paperweight would be a $800 to $1,000 paperweight but this one is offered at a considerably reduced price to compensate for the flaws in condition.   

The New England Glass Company (NEGC) operated in Cambridge, Massachusetts from 1818 to 1888You can read about paperweights from the New England Glass Company in the book by John Hawley.  The Art of the Paperweight  - The Boston & Sandwich and New England Glass Companies covers both B&S and NEGC or the newer book by John Hawley devoted just to NEGC, The Art of the Paperweight - The New England Glass Company.  

Size:  The pear itself is 2 1/2” diameter by 3 1/4” long.  Overall dimensions are 3 7/16" diameter by 2 9/16" high. 
Signature:  This paperweight is not signed, but I guarantee it to be an authentic antique New England Glass Company blown glass pear paperweight. 
Condition:  Good condition.  While there is no crackling, unfortunately there is an area near the blossom end that has a loss of surface color and a strange white stripe where no color was applied.  There is some chipping near the blossom end.  And there is also a tiny nick in the area of deep red where some color is lost.  Finally, there is a fracture at the bottom of the pear visible only through the base.   

For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: 

Large picture
Top view
Base
Loss of color and stripe near blossom end
Another view
Stem end
Another view of blossom end
Fracture on base of pear visible through clear cookie
Another base view
$325 postage paid in the US.

Click on the picture to see a larger image.

Click on the picture to see a larger image
Antique New England Glass Company (NEGC) Blown Glass Pear Paperweight - Good Condition
5378 Antique New England Glass Company (NEGC) Seal with Millefiori Nosegay Handle.  circa 1860-1888Interesting NEGC seal with millefiori nosegay handle.  The nosegay has three marvelous complex millefiori.  The base has a grid cut and is not customized for the owner.  Fair to good condition, with many small chips on the edges and corners.  The handle has a six sided top facet plus two rows of six facets each.  The stem and base are six sided.  Rare item.

The New England Glass Company (NEGC) operated in Cambridge, Massachusetts from 1818 to 1888You can read about paperweights from the New England Glass Company in the book by John Hawley.  The Art of the Paperweight  - The Boston & Sandwich and New England Glass Companies covers both B&S and NEGC.

Size:  The six-sided handle is 1 5/16" wide at its widest.  2 5/8" long.  The base is 7/8" width at its widest.  Heavily faceted.
Condition:  Fair to good condition, with many small chips on the edges and corners.      
Signature:  Unsigned, but I guarantee that this is an antique New England Glass Company seal.

For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: 

Large picture
Another view
Top view
Worst of the chips
Base
Side view
And side another
$1,100 postage paid in the US.                     US Sales only, no international shipping.  Delivery will require a signature.

Click on the picture to see a larger image.

Click on the picture to see a larger image
Antique New England Glass Company (NEGC) Seal with Millefiori Nosegay Handle
5102 Large Antique Clichy Spaced Concentric Millefiori Paperweight with 25 canes including a Green and Pink Rose.  circa 1845-1860.  This wonderful antique Clichy spaced millefiori paperweight contains an arrangement of 25 millefiori canes on lace ground.  There are three rings with 12 canes in the outer ring, six in the middle ring and six in the inner ring plus a wonderful large green and pink rose cane in the center.  The canes are intricate and very colorful.  See the close-up picture for more detail.  A fantastic paperweight.

Clichy paperweights are highly sought after by collectors for their complex canes and brilliant colors.  The Clichy factory was founded at Billancourt near Paris in 1837.  Shortly after that it moved to Clichy-la-Garenne, which gave the factory its best known name.  They stayed in operation until about the 1870s. 

Large Size:  Just over 3 1/16" diameter by 2 1/8" high.  The base is ground concave. 
Condition:  Very good condition.  No cracks, chips or scratches found on inspection.  The profile is slightly flat and not completely smooth, resulting in a tiny bit of distortion.
Signature:  Unsigned but I guarantee this to be an authentic antique Clichy paperweight.   

For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links:

Large picture
Closeup
Profile view
Another closeup
Side view
Base
Still another closeup
And another
$1,295 postage paid in the US.                     US Sales only, no international shipping.  Delivery will require a signature.

Click on the picture to see a larger image.

Click on the picture to see a larger image
Large Antique Clichy Spaced Concentric Millefiori Paperweight with 25 canes including a Green and Pink Rose
2270

German or Bohemian Souvenir Paperweight with Ruby Stain Engraved Scene of Münster in Freiburg.   circa 1840-1910.  This is a large footed paperweight with an engraved image of the cathedral of Freiburg im Breisgau in southwest Germany.  There are initials after the title which I assume are those of the engraver. The engraving is done from the bottom which has a ruby stain.  The paperweight has a footed or pedestal base.   

The techniques used in this type of paperweight are attributed to the pioneering work with colored stains (sometimes incorrectly called flash overlays) by Friedrich Egermann (1774-1864) in North Bohemia.  Egermann discovered methods of applying metallic salts to glass to produce a colored stain.  Silver salts would produce a yellow stain, copper salts would produce a ruby stain, etc.  The application of this colored layer enabled many Bohemian (and also European) glass factories to engrave a variety of images as souvenirs of the prominent buildings and spas throughout Europe.  The style became known as spa paperweights.  Although the technique was enabled by Egermann's discoveries, it is not possible to attribute this paperweight to a specific factory, engraver, or country.  There is an excellent article this subject with many examples in the 2016 Annual Bulletin of the Paperweight Collectors Association "19th Century Engraved Bohemian Paperweights: Spas and Other Local Views" by Jim and Nancy Barton. 

Bohemian Glass generally refers to the glass made in the regions that form the border area between the Czech Republic, Poland, and Germany.  Most of these areas are now parts of the western Czech Republic.
 
  

Size:  3 7/8" diameter by approximately 1 3/8" high. The foot has a diameter of 3 1/2".    
Condition: Very good condition for its age.  It has considerable wear on the base and some scratches.  There is some stray red color inside the glass.
Signature:  Unsigned, but I guarantee this is an antique paperweight from Bohemia or Germany.  

For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links:

Large picture
Side view
Base
Closeup
Profile
Another closeup
$135 postage paid in the US.

Click on the picture to see a larger image.
Click on the picture to see a larger image
German or Bohemian Souvenir Paperweight with Ruby Stain Engraved Scene of Münster in Freiburg
2100 Large Antique New England Glass Company (NEGC) Blue Double Poinsettia Paperweight on a Double Swirl Latticinio Ground.  circa 1860 - 1888.  This is an antique New England Glass Company (NEGC) double poinsettia with a two rings of five dark blue petals arranged around an interesting complex millefiori center.  There are also three well formed NEGC leaves and a stem.  Well placed bubbles give the appearance of dew drops on the flower and the leaves.  The design is placed over a double swirl latticinio ground.  As is typical of NEGC poinsettias, the flower is placed leaning off to the left.   This paperweight will be a worthwhile addition to any collection of antique American paperweights offered at a bargain price.

Note on condition:  Good to very good condition.  There are some minor scratches on the body and considerable wear on the base.  There is also a pontil scar on the base.  No chips or impact marks.  The center millefiori cane lacks proper coloration.

The New England Glass Company (NEGC) operated in Cambridge, Massachusetts from 1818 to 1888You can read about paperweights from the New England Glass Company in the book by John Hawley.  The Art of the Paperweight  - The Boston & Sandwich and New England Glass Companies covers both B&S and NEGC.  

Large size:  Just under 2 3/4" diameter by 2" high.  The base is ground concave.  It has a relatively high profile.
Condition:  Good to very good condition.  There are some minor scratches on the body and considerable wear on the base.  There is also a pontil scar on the base.  No chips or impact marks.  The center millefiori cane lacks proper coloration.
Signature:  Unsigned but I guarantee this to be an authentic New England Glass Company antique paperweight.  Circa 1860 - 1888. 

For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: 

Large picture
Profile
Side view
Another side view
Close up
Base
$195 postage paid in the US.

Click on the picture to see a larger image.
lick on the picture to see a larger image
Large Antique New England Glass Company (NEGC) Blue Double Poinsettia Paperweight on a Double Swirl Latticinio Ground
2254 Antique Thuringia Lauscha Bohemia Millefiori Paperweight with  Name Plaque "Hauptm. Karl".  Circa 1870 - 1940.  Colorful antique paperweight with colorful millefiori canes arranged around a central name plaque.  The name "Hauptm. Karl" is probably an abbreviation of "Hauptmann Karl", meaning Captain Karl or leader Karl.  The complex millefiori canes repeat in alternating patterns to make up the design with 26 canes in all.  The pattern is arranged over a multicolored frit ground.  There are some wonderful complex canes in this paperweight.  An interesting example of a type of weight that is becoming more in demand as collectors learn more about the various Bohemian factories and eastern Germany factories.  This is a relatively rare item.

The maker of this paperweight is unknown, except that it is believed to originate in the region along the Czech - German border, hence the label Bohemian.  Similar paperweights have are on display in the museum in Lauscha and are identified as being from Lauscha in Thuringia.   The area was part of Bohemia prior to WWI.  

Similar examples can be found in the book by von Brackel, Paperweights: Historicism - Art Nouveau - Art Deco - 1842 to Today   See pages 90-95 and figure 507 on page 221. 

Large Size:  2 3/4" diameter by 1 11/16" high. The base is ground flat with a matte finish.  There is a depression remaining from the pontil mark in the center.
Condition: Very good condition for its age.  There are some scratches on the surface and one noticeable 1/16" nick on the side (shown in one of the pictures).   
Signature:  Unsigned, but I guarantee this is paperweight is from the regions described (Bohemia or Silesia or Thuringia) and was most likely made pre-WWII.

For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: 

Large picture
Close-up View
Bottom view
Profile view
Another view showing damage on side
$195 postage paid in the US.                          

Click on the picture to see a larger image.

Click on the picture to see a larger image
5385 Large Antique New England Glass Company (NEGC) Salmon Red Double Poinsettia Paperweight on a Blue and White Jasper Ground.  circa 1860 - 1888.  This is an antique New England Glass Company (NEGC) double poinsettia with a two rings of five salmon red petals arranged around an interesting complex millefiori center.  Well place bubbles give the appearance of dew drops.  There are also three well formed NEGC green leaves and a green stem.  The design is placed over wonderful blue and white jasper ground giving this paperweight a patriotic red, white, and blue theme.  Unlike many NEGC poinsettias, the flower is fairly well centered.  This paperweight will be a worthwhile addition to any collection of antique American paperweights.

The New England Glass Company (NEGC) operated in Cambridge, Massachusetts from 1818 to 1888You can read about paperweights from the New England Glass Company in the book by John Hawley.  The Art of the Paperweight  - The Boston & Sandwich and New England Glass Companies covers both B&S and NEGC.  

Large Size:  2 11/16" diameter by1 5/8" high.  The base is ground concave.  It has a relatively flat profile.
Condition:  Very good condition for its age with only minor scratches and a few very small nicks.  This may have been restored in the distant past.
Signature:  Unsigned but I guarantee this to be an authentic New England Glass Company antique paperweight.  Circa 1860 - 1888. 

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$495 postage paid in the US.

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Large Antique New England Glass Company (NEGC) Salmon Red Double Poinsettia Paperweight on a Blue and White Jasper Ground
5699 Large Antique Millville Umbrella Paperweight.  circa 1860-1912This style of old paperweight is associated with Millville, New Jersey.  Examples date from as early as 1860 and continued to be made until about 1912.  Many, if not all, were made at the Whitall Tatum factory in Millville.  The design consists of a white mushroom shape with a center bubble.  Additional colored bits of glass are added and melted into the top.  The top is of the mushroom is pushed down with a crimp to form an umbrella shape with ribs or pleats.  The design is placed over a white frit ground.  This paperweight has minor flaws including surface scratches and an abraded area on the side, but displays beautifully.  The design is well executed and displays many of the typical Millville umbrella characteristics.

The umbrella shaped weights were originally modeled to resemble the wild tiger lily of Southern New Jersey.  You can read about umbrella weights from Millville in the book Old Glass Paperweights of Southern New Jersey:  An American Folk Art by Clarence A. Newell .   It is not possible to identify the exact maker, but John Ruhlander, Emil Stanger, Marcus Kuntz, and Horace Rhubarth, and Ralph Barber are all known to have made weights of this style.  Sometimes the style is also used as part of an inkwell or other object. 

Large Size :  Just over 3" diameter by just under 2 3/4" high.  The base is ground flat.
Signature :  No signature, but I guarantee that this is an authentic Millville umbrella paperweight from the period 1860-1912. 
Condition :  Very good condition.  It has several scratches on the side, the longest of which is 1" long (see picture).  There is also one area that is abraded - maybe it was placed on its side when still hot.  Some wear on the base.  No chips or cracks.  It displays beautifully.

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$95 postage paid in the US.

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Large Antique Millville Umbrella Paperweight
3065 Antique Baccarat Dupont Period Miniature Concentric Millefiori Paperweight.  circa 1900-1932.  This is a very nice example of a Dupont period paperweight from Baccarat.  The middle (red) ring has great Baccarat star and arrow canes.  The inner ring has nice white stardust canes with blue whorls in the center.  There is a slight chance that this is from the classic period, but the outer ring is less distinct which is why I think it is Dupont.  The design is off center.  A very nice example.

Miniature Size:  Just under 2 1/16” diameter by 1 1/2” high.  Base is slightly concave.    
Condition:  Very good condition.  There is one tiny pinprick on top and some faint scratches.  Wear on the base. 
Signature:  Unsigned but I guarantee that this paperweight was made by Baccarat in France, most likely during the Dupont period 1900-1932.

Baccarat was founded in 1776 in Alsace-Lorraine with the name of Verrerie de Sainte Anne.  The original location was near the town of Baccarat.  Today the firm is known as Compagnie des Cristalleries de Baccarat.  Most collectors refer to three periods of Baccarat paperweight production.

  •     1845-1860 - Classic period
  •     1900-1934 - Dupont period
  •     1953 - on - Modern period
This classification is definitely an over simplification as it is likely that Baccarat made some paperweights on and off through most of 19th century.  The best millefiori and lampwork paperweights were made during the classic period (1845-1860).  Pansy weights and rock weights continued in production until much later.  Some paperweights are identified as Dupont period and were made at the end of the 19th Century or early in the 20th century.

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$295 postage paid in the US.  

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Antique Baccarat Dupont Period Miniature Concentric Millefiori Paperweight
1770 Antique German Paperweight with Picture of Student in Fraternity Uniform.  circa 1870-1915.  This is an antique paperweight with a photograph or painting of a young man in a military type uniform.  The image is on a white enamel plaque and is either a painting or a hand colored photograph.  The enamel plaque is placed in the center of a spatter or frit ground.  An interesting and rare type of paperweight. The paperweight was most likely made in Germany or Silesia.  A great addition to any collection of antique European paperweights. 

Note:  There is a fracture surrounding the image that is caused by incompatibilities between the plaque and the surrounding glass.  This type of fracture is, unfortunately, fairly common in plaque weights of that period.

After considerable research, I have concluded that the uniform is probably one used by a German or Austrian university student fraternity or student association.  Members of these student associations surrounded themselves with the symbols of their fraternities.  The uniforms are quite commonly depicted on German steins and other "studentica" of the period.   For more information, see http://stein-collectors.org/library/articles/Student/studentica.html

Size:  2 1/2” diameter by 1 3/4” high.  The bottom is fire finished with remnants of the pontil mark. 
Signature:  This paperweight is not signed, but I guarantee it to be an antique paperweight originating in Germany or one of the nearby countries. 
Condition:  Excellent condition.  I could not find any significant damage on this paperweight.  However, as noted above, there is a incompatibility fracture surrounding the center plaque.

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New Price $185 (was $265)  postage paid in the US. 

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3112 Magnum Antique Union Glass (Somerville, Massachusetts) Paperweight "GEORGE M FLINT". Circa 1900-1929.  This is a great Union Glass Company Paperweight featuring a garland of eight lampwork flowers and the name "GEORGE M FLINT" in the center.  There are four red flowers and four blue flowers, each with four petals, four light blue sepals, and a white dot in the center.  The letter "G" at the beginning of "GEORGE" is reversed.  In perfect condition.

Union Glass Company of Somerville, Massachusetts is the third of three related factories in the Boston area.  The first two were the Boston & Sandwich (B&S) Glass Company and the New England Glass Company (NEGC).  Both B&S and NEGC produced paperweights at the same time, both were founded by Deming Jarvis, and both declared bankruptcy in 1888.  Union Glass came a little later.  It operated from 1851 to 1929.  These name/date paperweights are made with lampwork flowers and letters and are not frit weights.  There are some nice articles in the literature including a lengthy article in the Paperweight Collectors Association 2004 Annual Bulletin.  There is also a short chapter in George Kulles' third book - Identifying Antique Paperweights - The Less Familiar.  Nicholas Lutz worked at Union Glass from 1895 to 1904 and his influence can be seen on the Union Glass flowers although most of these weights were made after Lutz's death.  There is some current speculation that Lutz had an apprentice who continued to work at Union Glass and was responsible for not only some of the better Union Glass examples, but also some of the fine lampwork paperweights attributed to Mount Washington Glass.

Very Large Size:  Just under 3 11/16" diameter by 2 5/16" high.   It weighs 2 pounds 2 ounces.  The bottom is ground flat with a clear finish. 
Signature: Unsigned, but I guarantee this to be an authentic Union Glass paperweight. 
Condition:  Excellent condition with no cracks or chips.  This paperweight has been professionally restored.

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Magnum Antique Union Glass (Somerville, Massachusetts) Paperweight "GEORGE M FLINT"
2257 Large Antique Dorflinger Red over White Petaled Lily-Style Paperweight.  circa 1895-1920This lily paperweight has four large red petals or panels, each with a red color over a white base.  The petals form a deep well in the center.  They are pleated with a large bubble and second smaller bubble between each pleat.  There is also a larger center bubble.  The petals are formed by pushing the top of the design down with a crimp.  The paperweight is confirmed to have been made at Dorflinger Glass.  An amazing large paperweight with considerable depth.  

This style of paperweight is referred to as a lily paperweight.  It is similar to the pleated umbrella-style paperweights and paperweight inkwells made at Whitall Tatum in Millville, NJ (circa 1900-1912).  The Millville umbrella designs usually have more pleats, typically eight, but four paneled examples also exist.  The umbrella shaped weights were originally modeled to resemble the wild tiger lily of Southern New Jersey.

C. Dorflinger & Sons Glass Company was founded by Christian Dorflinger in White Mills, PA in 1865.  Paperweight stoppers for bottles were made by Nicholas and Francois Lutz at Dorflinger during the period 1866-1870.  Lily style paperweights and other large paperweights, some with foil lettering and dates, were made by other glass workers at Dorflinger from 1895 to 1920.  Recent research at the Dorflinger Glass Museum has located a catalog including references to paperweights.  Most of the credit for the later styles of paperweights has been given to Tobias N. Hagberg and Ernst Von Dohln, although other Dorflinger workers also tried their hand.  None of the paperweights is dated later than 1915.  Christian Dorflinger died in 1915 and the business closed in 1921.

Large Size :  3 5/`6” diameter by 3 3/4" high.  The base is ground flat.
Signature :  Unsigned, but I will guarantee that this was made at the Dorflinger Glass Company during the period 1895-1920. 
Condition :  Excellent condition with no cracks, chips, or scratches.  There are some bubbles in the glass that show in the pictures, but these are not damage.

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$395 postage paid in the US.  

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Large Antique Dorflinger Red over White Petaled Lily-Style Paperweight 
2409

Antique Clichy Faceted Concentric Millefiori Paperweight with 11 roses.  circa 1845-1860.  This wonderful antique Clichy concentric millefiori paperweight has a classic arrangement of three concentric rings of complex millefiori around a blue pastry mold cane.  The inner ring has eleven green and white roses.  The second ring consists of fifteen pink pastry mold canes.   The outer ring has an alternating pattern of 24 canes with six purple pastry mold canes and 18 pink and green canes.  The 18 pink and green complex canes resemble the color of pink and green roses.  In all, there are 51 millefiori canes over a clear ground.  The canes are intricate and very colorful.  See the close-up picture for more detail.  There are six side facets and a top facet.  A fantastic paperweight.

Clichy paperweights are highly sought after by collectors for their complex canes and brilliant colors.  Clichy paperweights with rose canes are especially desirable.  The Clichy factory was founded at Billancourt near Paris in 1837.  Shortly after that it moved to Clichy-la-Garenne, which gave the factory its best known name.  They stayed in operation until about the 1870s.  

Size:  2 5/8" diameter by 1 3/4" high.  The base is ground concave.  There are six side facets and a top facet. 
Condition:  Very good condition.  There are scratches and small chips on the body and chips on some of the facets, but no cracks and no impact marks.  There is wear on the base.  There is plenty of glass and the paperweight could be restored, but I chose not to do so. 
Signature:   Unsigned but I guarantee this to be an authentic antique Clichy paperweight. 

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New Price $645   (was $1,295)  postage paid in the US.

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4245 Antique Baccarat Miniature Spaced Concentric Millefiori Paperweight with Four Gridel Canes on a Lace Ground.  circa 1847-1860.  Antique Baccarat spaced concentric millefiori paperweight with seven complex millefiori canes, including four Gridel figures, the butterfly, dog, goat, and deer.  There are also two arrowhead canes and a multicolored complex cane.  Six canes are arranged in a circle around a great center cane.  The design is placed on a white lace ground with bits of colored filigree.  This perfectly balanced miniature paperweight will be a wonderful to any collection antique paperweights. 

According to Paul Dunlop in the Dictionary of Glass Paperweights, the first Gridel cane to appear was the lovebirds cane, which appeared in some 1846 paperweights.  The others appeared in 1847 or later.

Baccarat was founded in 1776 in Alsace-Lorraine with the name of Verrerie de Sainte Anne.  The original location was near the town of Baccarat.  Today the firm is known as Compagnie des Cristalleries de Baccarat.  Most collectors refer to three periods of Baccarat paperweight production. 

  • 1845-1860 - Classic period 
  • 1900-1934 - Dupont period 
  • 1953 - on - Modern period
This classification is definitely an over simplification as it is likely that Baccarat made some paperweights on and off through most of 19th century.  The best millefiori and lampwork paperweights were made during the classic period (1845-1860).  Pansy weights and rock weights continued in production until much later.  Some paperweights are identified as Dupont period and were made at the end of the 19th Century or early in the 20th century. 

Baccarat continued to make paperweights after the classic period (1845-1860), but little is known about the extent of the product line or who made the paperweights.  It is known that by 1910, the offering in the catalog had dwindled to pansy paperweights, simple open concentric paperweights, and rock paperweights.  Popular lore attributes 1920-1934 Baccarat paperweights to a Mr. Dupont, who supposedly was the last worker at Baccarat to know the secrets of paperweight making.  These paperweights were sold at a Baccarat retail shop in Paris.  No collector or scholar ever met Mr. Dupont although at least one visited the Baccarat factory and asked to meet with him.  The weights stopped appearing in the shop in 1934. 

New research of the Baccarat archives has identified the actual maker as Joseph Boyé (1877-1948).  He is recorded as the maker of millefiori canes and millefiori paperweights during this period (1920-1934).  Very little is known about Mr. Boyé, but there is enough similarity in the millefiori canes to suggest that he had access to the original molds or some of the original millefiori canes from the classic period.  He later trained another glassworker, Georges Brocard, to make open concentric paperweights in 1946.  Armed with this knowledge, Brocard was influential in the revival of paperweight making at Baccarat in the 1950s.  Another glassworker, Louis Idoux (1882-1941), is recorded as making the Baccarat pansy paperweights during the 1920-1934 period. 

You can read more about the Baccarat paperweights in the book Baccarat Paperweights - two centuries of beauty by Paul Dunlop or one of the older books on paperweights in general, such as The Encyclopedia of Glass Paperweights by Paul Hollister or World Paperweights by Robert Hall.

Miniature Size:  Just under 2" diameter by 1 3/8" high.  The bottom is ground concave..
Condition:  Outstanding condition with no scratches, cracks, or chips.  There is minor wear on the base.  This paperweight has been professionally restored.    
Signature:  Unsigned, but I guarantee this to be a Baccarat antique paperweight from the period 1847-1860.

For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links:

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$1,250 postage paid in the US.                         US sales only for this paperweight.  Delivery will require a signature.

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Antique Baccarat Miniature Spaced Concentric Millefiori Paperweight with Four Gridel Canes on a Lace Ground
4199 Large Antique Baccarat Double Trefoil Millefiori Paperweight.  circa 1845-1860.  Colorful antique Baccarat double trefoil millefiori paperweight with a clear ground.  The trefoils are constructed with blue and white canes.  In the center is a circle of green and white canes with a orange cane in the very center.  I believe this is from the classic period of paperweight production (1845-1860), but it may date from a later period.  An interesting example.

Note on colors:  Please ignore the brown colors in some of the pictures.  They are reflections from something in my work area.  The glass is clear.

Baccarat was founded in 1776 in Alsace-Lorraine with the name of Verrerie de Sainte Anne.  The original location was near the town of Baccarat.  Today the firm is known as Compagnie des Cristalleries de Baccarat.  Most collectors refer to three periods of Baccarat paperweight production.
  •     1845-1860 - Classic period
  •     1900-1934 - Dupont period
  •     1953 - on - Modern period
This classification is definitely an over simplification as it is likely that Baccarat made some paperweights on and off through most of 19th century.  The best millefiori and lampwork paperweights were made during the classic period (1845-1860).  Pansy weights, rock weights, and some millefiori weights continued in production until much later.  Some paperweights are identified as Dupont period and were made at the end of the 19th Century or early in the 20th century.  Baccarat started making modern paperweights in 1957 and continued to make paperweights until 2002.  You can read more about the Baccarat paperweights and the Dupont connection in the book Baccarat Paperweights - two centuries of beauty by Paul Dunlop or one of the older books on paperweights in general, such as The Encyclopedia of Glass Paperweights by Paul Hollister or World Paperweights by Robert Hall.

Large size:  Just over 2 3/4" diameter by 1 7/8" high.   The bottom is polished concave.  Unusually high dome with the original Baccarat profile. 
Condition: Excellent condition.  This paperweight was professionally restored and has no chips, cracks, or scratches.  There is a bit of stray glass below the orange center cane.  Some bubbles in the glass.
Signature:  Unsigned but I guarantee that this was made by Baccarat in France.

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$365 postage paid in the US.

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Large Antique Baccarat Double Trefoil Millefiori Paperweight
2958 Antique Baccarat Roundels or Circlets Millefiori Paperweight.  circa 1845-1860.  Antique Baccarat millefiori paperweight with a red, white, and blue garland pattern consisting of seven circles of millefiori canes, each with a single complex cane in the center.  Six of the roundels are arranged in a a circle around the center roundel.  The design is placed over a clear ground.  The paperweight is unsigned but has several unique Baccarat canes and I guarantee that this is a genuine Baccarat millefiori paperweight from the classic period 1845-1860.  A desirable addition to any collection of antique paperweights.  Great color. 

Baccarat was founded in 1776 in Alsace-Lorraine with the name of Verrerie de Sainte Anne.  The original location was near the town of Baccarat.  Today the firm is known as Compagnie des Cristalleries de Baccarat.  Most collectors refer to three periods of Baccarat paperweight production.
  • 1845-1860 - Classic period
  • 1920-1934 - Dupont period
  • 1953-2002 - Modern period
This classification is definitely an over simplification.  The best millefiori and lampwork paperweights were made during the classic period (1845-1860).   Baccarat continued to make paperweights after the classic period, but little is known about the extent of the product line or who made the paperweights.  What is known is that by 1910, the offering in the catalog had dwindled to pansy paperweights, simple open concentric paperweights, and rock paperweights.  Popular lore attributes 1920-1934 Baccarat paperweights to a Mr. Dupont, who supposedly was the last worker at Baccarat to know the secrets of paperweight making.  These paperweights were sold at a Baccarat retail shop in Paris. No collector or scholar ever met Mr. Dupont although at least one visited the Baccarat factory and asked to meet with him.  The weights stopped appearing in the shop in 1934.

In 1952, Paul Jokelson approached Baccarat with the idea of making sulphide paperweights again.  In 1953 Baccarat resumed paperweight production with a series of sulphide paperweights the first of which were the unsuccessful Eisenhower sulphide followed by the Queen Elizabeth coronation sulphide.  Millefiori paperweight production was resumed in 1957 and lampwork paperweights were re-introduced in the early 1970s.  Baccarat stopped making this type of fine glass paperweights in 2002.  You can read more about the Baccarat paperweights in the book Baccarat Paperweights - two centuries of beauty by Paul Dunlop or one of the older books on paperweights in general, such as The Encyclopedia of Glass Paperweights by Paul Hollister or World Paperweights by Robert Hall.

Size:  2 5/8" diameter by 1 3/4" high.  The bottom is ground concave. 
Condition:  Excellent condition with no chips, cracks, or scratches.  This paperweight has been professionally restored. 
Signature:  Unsigned but I guarantee that this is a genuine Baccarat millefiori paperweight from the classic period 1845-1860.

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$895 postage paid in the US.

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Antique Baccarat Roundels or Circlets Millefiori Paperweight
2398 Antique Magnum Millville Masonic Frit Paperweight.  circa 1880-1920.  This antique frit paperweight features a Mason's square and compass symbol with a "G" in the center.  It was made in Millville, New Jersey around the end of the 19th century.  Blue and red ground glass (frit) was used to make the design on a white ground.  The glass has a slightly green tint that is exaggerated in the pictures.  The profile is relatively flat.  The paperweight was made for the Masons, a fraternal organization, probably at the Whitall Tatum factory in Millville, New Jersey.

Frit refers to the powdered glass used to make the design.  The design is set up in frit in a metal die and then picked up with a gather of the ground color.  When encased, there is sometimes a ridge or crease line between the solid (in this case white) base area and the clear encasement.  Collectors refer to this as two piece construction.  This type of construction has been associated with Whitall Tatum and other factories in the Millville area.  There is no crease on this paperweight, but the encasement stops where the white ground color starts.  

Note:  Sometimes this style of paperweight will have an clear circle in the center of the base where the pontil would have been attached.  Because a number of weights of this type (with the clear circle on the base) have been found in the Corning area, some collectors conjectured that the paperweights with a clear circle on the base were made in the Corning, NY area rather than Millville, NJ.  I reject that conjecture as I have had this exact design with and without the clear circle.  I believe both types were made in Millville and the difference is how much glass is removed when grinding the base to remove the pontil scar.

Whitall Tatum was one of the first glass factories in America.  Located in Millville, New Jersey, it was in operation from 1806 through 1938.  The factory in Millville was purchased by a series of companies and eventually shut down in 1999.  It is believed that Whitall Tatum workers were allowed to make paperweights from as early as 1860 until the practice was discouraged sometime after 1912.  According to Newell's Old Glass Paperweights of Southern New Jersey , frit weights were made as early as 1863.  Newell identifies this style as a true American folk art and gives a history of paperweight making at Whitall Tatum and other South Jersey factories. 

Very large size:  Just over 3 1/4" diameter by 1 7/8" high.  The profile is relatively flat.  The base is ground flat.
Condition:  Excellent condition with no noticeable scratches.  No significant damage found.  There is appropriate wear on the base.  The glass has a slightly green tint that is exaggerated in the pictures. 
Signature:  Unsigned but I believe this paperweight was made at Whitall Tatum in the Millville area of Southern New Jersey. 

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$145 postage paid in the US.

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Antique Magnum Millville Masonic Frit Paperweight
5283 Antique Clichy Spaced Concentric Millefiori on Lace Paperweight with Rose.  circa 1845-1860.  This antique Clichy spaced concentric millefiori paperweight has a two concentric rings of complex millefiori around a central red pastry mold cane.  There is a wonderful large green and pink Clichy rose in the inner ring.  There are 19 canes in all, all placed on an upset muslin or lace ground.  The canes are intricate and very colorful.  See the close-up picture for more detail.  A especially nice antique Clichy paperweight. 

Clichy paperweights are highly sought after by collectors for their complex canes and brilliant colors.  Clichy paperweights with rose canes are especially desirable.  The Clichy factory was founded at Billancourt near Paris in 1837.  Shortly after that it moved to Clichy-la-Garenne, which gave the factory its best known name.  They stayed in operation until about the 1870s.  

Small Size:  2 1/4" diameter by just over 1 5/8" high.  The base is ground slightly concave. 
Condition:  Excellent condition.  There is wear on the base but no other chips, cracks, or scratches were found on inspection.  This paperweight has probably been restored in the past.
Signature:  Unsigned but I guarantee this to be an authentic antique Clichy paperweight. 

For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: 

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$995 postage paid in the US.                   US Sales only, no international shipping.  Delivery will require a signature.

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Antique Clichy Spaced Concentric Millefiori on Lace Paperweight with Rose
2528 Antique Belgian or Bohemian Doorknob with Miniature Concentric Millefiori Paperweight Handle.   circa 1880-1910.  This is a wonderful antique doorknob with a concentric millefiori paperweight handle.  The handle has bright colors on a clear ground.  It has two concentric circles of canes around a complex center cane.  The outer ring alternates between larger complex blue and white canes and simpler red and white canes.  One red cane is missing.  The inner ring consists of six large identical white, pink, and yellow complex canes.  There is a complex green, pink, and yellow center cane.  The maker of this paperweight is unknown.  It has similarities to a group of paperweights believed to have originated at an unidentified glass factory in Belgium, Northern Europe, or even Bohemia.  The hardware portion is in good condition with a fixed spindle.  The design is well centered and a wonder to study. 

This paperweight has a strong similarity to a group of paperweights and doorknobs that are believed to have originated at an unidentified glass factory in Belgium or Northern EuropeBohemian Glass generally refers to the glass made in the regions that form the border area between the Czech Republic, Poland, and Germany.  Most of these areas are now parts of the western Czech Republic.   

Size:  The knob is 1 13/16" diameter by 2 3/16" long including the brass hardware, but not the spindle.  With the spindle, it is 4 13/16" long.   
Condition: Very good condition for its age.  The paperweight knob has a few scratches, but no cracks or chips.
Signature:  Unsigned, but I guarantee this is an antique paperweight doorknob from Bohemia or Belgium or Northern Europe.  

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Antique Belgian or Bohemian Doorknob with Miniature Concentric Millefiori Paperweight Handle
1297 Antique Green and White Jasper Ground Paperweight.   circa 1845-1890.  This is an unusual antique jasper ground paperweight - unusual in that there is no other motif present.  Normally we find a jasper ground paperweight with a flower or a millefiori pattern.  It could be a practice piece made by a glass worker learning how to create a jasper ground, or it could be that the flower or design wasn't ready when it needed to be picked up.  I don't know which factory made it.  Among antique American paperweight makers, both the New England Glass Company and the Boston and Sandwich Glass Company made floral paperweights with jasper grounds.  In France, St. Louis made jasper ground paperweights during the classic period (1845 - 1860).  Other factories probably did as well.  So the origin remains a mystery, but I think it is likely to have been made at the New England Glass Company (NEGC).  A colorful example that you will keep on your desk and use as - a paperweight.

Large Size:  2 3/4" diameter by 1 3/4" high. The base is ground concave with a pontil scar remaining.
Signature: Unsigned, but I guarantee this is an antique paperweight from an unidentified factory.  Most likely it originated at the New England Glass Company.
Condition:  Good to very good condition.  It has a 3/16" circular impact mark on the side (see picture).  There are also some minor scratches on the surface and wear on the edge of the base.

For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links:

Large picture
Side view
Closeup
Profile
Circular impact mark (3/16")
Base
Another view of base - note pontil scar in center
$85 postage paid in the US.

Click on the picture to see a larger image.

Click on the picture to see a larger image
Antique Green and White Jasper Ground Paperweight
5341 Antique Sulphide of Young Napoléon Bonaparte - Probably Clichy.   circa 1848-1852.  Napoleon III (Charles-Louis Napoléon Bonaparte; April 20, 1808 to January 9, 1873) was the first president of France from 1848 to 1852, and the last monarch of France as Emperor of the French from 1852 until he was deposed in absentia on September 4, 1870.  This paperweight features an image of a younger Napoléon Bonaparte as he wore his facial hair around the time he was elected President of France at the age of 40.  Unfortunately the appearance of the paperweight is marred by a bubble in front of the tip of his nose.  This would be a good addition to a collection of sulphide paperweights or a collection of French historical objects.

Sulphides are cast objects (animals, flowers, people) made of a ceramic material that has properties similar to the surrounding glass.  They are normally white, but are also sometimes colored or even painted.  The objects are cast in a mold that copied or made directly from a medallion, coin or sculpture.  The finest French sulphides are cast in a mold made by a skilled artist.  Often a sulphide will have a silvery appearance due to a thin layer of trapped bubbles between the glass and the sulphide itself.  Antique sulphide paperweights are fairly rare and many are believed to have been made by Clichy.

Clichy paperweights are highly sought after by collectors for their complex canes and brilliant colors.  Clichy paperweights with rose canes are especially desirable.  The Clichy factory was founded at Billancourt near Paris in 1837.  Shortly after that it moved to Clichy-la-Garenne, which gave the factory its best known name.  They stayed in operation until about the 1870s. 

Size:  Just under 2 5/8” diameter by 1 13/16” high.  The base is ground concave.     
Condition:  Good condition.  Unfortunately the appearance is marred by a bubble in front of the tip of the nose.  There there is considerable wear on the base and a very faint impact mark to the right of the sulphide.  Also a piece of black debris (in the glass) on the left side.  See pictures.   
Signature:  Unsigned, but the experts say this sulphide was probably made by Clichy in France. 

For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: 

Large picture
Profile
Closeup
Side view
Base
Another picture of the base
SOLD.

Click on the picture to see a larger image.

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Antique Sulphide of Young Napoléon Bonaparte - Probably Clichy
885 Antique Abraham Lincoln Pressed Glass Intaglio Paperweight.  circa 1883 and later.  This pressed glass paperweight features a frosted profile of Lincoln with very good detail.  It has a curved top and flat base.  The image is intaglio or incised from the base and is finished with an acid etching (frosted finish).  There is a slight red tint to the glass.  The maker has been identified by various sources as Libbey or Gillinder.  It is possible first introduced as a souvenir paperweight offered at the 1893 Columbian Exposition in Chicago.  Please see the note below about a chip on the base and review the pictures.

Note on condition:  This paperweight has a 3/8" shallow chip on a corner of the back side as shown in the pictures.  It displays well in spite of the damage and could be restored if desired.

Note on maker:  The maker of this paperweight has not been firmly established.  Some sources says it was made by Libbey for the 1893 Columbian Exposition in Chicago.  Others say it was made by Gillinder in 1913.  There may be two different versions as some copies of the Gillinder version has embossed text.  This copy has no writing.  

Size:  Just under 4 1/2" tall by just under 3" wide by 7/8" thick.   
Condition:  Good condition with a 3/8" shallow chip in a corner of the base (see pictures).  Otherwise wear on the base and some minor scratches.  Bubbles in the glass. 
Signature:  Unsigned, but I guarantee this is an antique American pressed glass paperweight.

For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: 

Large picture
Side view
Another view
Back side (base)
Shallow chip (3/8") in corner of base
$39 postage paid in the US.

Click on the picture to see a larger image.

Click on the picture to see a larger image
Antique Abraham Lincoln Pressed Glass Intaglio Paperweight






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