New Additions - Paperweights
for Sale
New Additions - Paperweights
for Sale
| 4939 |
Large Antique Footed Millville Umbrella
Paperweight. circa 1860-1912. This 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. While most examples have an unfaceted top or a single
large facet that is parallel to the base, this example has a slanted
top facet. I suspect this was done in a non-professional
attempt to remove damage. This paperweight has visible flaws
including surface scratches and nicks and is offered at a bargain
price. 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 : 3 5/16" diameter by 3 1/16" high.
The diameter of the foot is 3 1/8". The bottom is finished
although there is a remnant of the pontil mark. This
paperweight has a slanted top facet which I suspect this was done
in a non-professional attempt to remove damage. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$85 postage paid in the US. Added 7/20/2021 For more vintage American paperweights, see my Vintage American Paperweights Web Page. (dl-va-ant) Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 5475 | Perthshire Pin or Candy Dish Based on PP1
Paperweight. circa 1982-2002. This is a
colorful pin dish or candy dish with a PP1 millefiori paperweight
pattern in the base. The PP1 is a large patterned millefiori
paperweight with ten panels of floral millefiori canes each with a
1-1-2-3 pattern of canes over an almost opaque black ground.
The central design consists of two rings of millefiori canes around
a central "P" signature cane. The paneled sections are
surrounded by an outer ring of twists and then an outer ring of
canes. This dish has the PP1 design from 1982 and later.
It is signed in the center with Perthshire's "P' signature cane and
also has a worn paper label "PERTHSHIRE PAPERWEIGHTS CRIEFF
SCOTLAND". A fun addition to any collection of Perthshire
paperweights. Perthshire and other Scottish makers have a history of making candy dishes and other shapes out of paperweights when they realize that the product is flawed in some way. I suspect that they also make these dishes to order. Perthshire was a small company in Crieff, Scotland that was devoted to the creation of quality glass paperweights. They stopped production in January 2002 after more than 30 years of production. Their paperweights were consistently high in quality and yet remained reasonable in price. The birth of Scottish paperweight making is
credited to the glass making family of Salvador Ysart, who moved
to Crieff, Scotland in 1922. They worked first at John
Moncrieff Ltd and made the earliest Scottish paperweights during
that period. In 1946 Salvadore and his sons Augustine and
Vincent founded Ysart Brothers Glass and produced glass wares
under the Vasart label. Salvador Ysart died in 1955.
The company name was later changed to Vasart Glass. Stuart
Drysdale was hired manage the business side of the enterprise in
1960. The company evolved into a new company Strathearn
owned by Teachers Whiskey. In 1967 Drysdale was sent a
magazine article on antique paperweights (Woman's Day, July
1965). This inspired him to try to produce weights
comparable to the French antiques. With this goal in mind,
he and several of the glass workers left Strathearn to found Perthshire
in 1968. Large size: 4 11/16" diameter by just under 1 1/2"
high. The hollow in the dish is approximately 3/4"
deep. The base is ground concave. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large pictureSOLD. Added 7/17/2021 For more information about Perthshire Paperweights, see my Perthshire Web Page. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 4859 | Magnum Baccarat 1976 Gridel Series
Lovebirds Patterned Millefiori Limited Edition
Paperweight. dated 1976. This modern
patterned millefiori paperweight features a large center cane with a
pair of white lovebirds facing each other in the center of a white
garland of twenty chain links and two crests set on a black
background. The center cane is surrounded by a ring of
eighteen identical white canes. The center ring is then
surrounded by a ring of six blue and white squares. On the
outside is an arrangement of eighteen canes in six groups of three
consisting of the remaining seventeen small Gridel canes and a
Baccarat "B 1976" signature / date cane. Between each group of
three are two additional dark blue canes. The entire design is
set on a translucent green ground with a pearl white under
layer. In addition to the Baccarat signature / date cane, this
paperweight has an acid etched Baccarat mark on the base along with
the engraved year (1976) and engraved edition number (58).
This is an especially nice design. A beautiful addition to any
collection of Baccarat paperweights. This design was released in 1976 in a limited edition of 350 pieces. This is number 58 in that series. There is a signature / date cane "B 1976" shown in the pictures. The base an acid etched Baccarat logo plus it is engraved with the year (1976) and the edition number (58). Note: The Lovebird Gridel is believed to be the first of the antique Gridel canes to appear as it is the only one that appeared along with a date in some 1846 Baccarat closepack paperweights. In 1846 Baccarat introduced the popular Gridel figures in their closepack millefiori paperweights. It was named after Emil Gridel, the nephew of Jean-Baptiste Toussaint the general manager of Baccarat. Toussaint saw Gridel making paper cutouts of animals and saw an opportunity to incorporate these silhouettes in millefiori paperweights. From 1971 to 1979 Baccarat issued a modern Gridel series of millefiori paperweights based on eighteen Gridel figures. Each paperweight has a large Gridel figure in the center with smaller versions of the other figures included in the design. There are variations in orientation and color as well as the types of canes in each design and it is possible to amass a very large collection covering just this series. 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.
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 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. Very large size: 3 3/8" diameter by 2 1/4"
high. The base is ground flat. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large pictureSOLD. Added 7/16/2021 For more information about Baccarat paperweights, see my Baccarat Paperweights Web Page Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 5310 | Czech / Bohemian Red White and Blue
Morning Glories Trumpet Flowers Paperweight with
Faceting. circa 1880-1925. Red white and
blue trumpet flowers paperweight with five blossoms. There is
one large center flower and four smaller ones under it. There
is a planned bubble in the center of each flower. The flowers
are pushed down to a green frit flower pot shaped ground.
There are 21 finger facets around the edge of the base. The
glass is heavy and slightly yellow.
This style is also called an icepick flower because of the sharp tool used to push each flower down to the base. In this case the tool is pushed through a multi-colored glass slice. Some authors call these morning glory flowers. Von Brackel discusses this style in his book He lists many variations on pages 106 to 149 with a wide range of values up to $300 and more. On pages 278 & 279 he describes the process used to make a trumpet flower paperweight. Size: 2 15/16" diameter by 2 13/16" high. The
bottom is ground flat. There are 21 finger facets around the
edge of the base. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$85 postage paid in the US. Added 7/16/2021 For more information about Bohemian paperweights, see my Bohemian Paperweights Web Page . Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 4890 | Perthshire Annual Collection 2000E Limited
Edition Budgies (Parakeets) Faceted Paperweight.
circa 2000. This lampwork paperweight features a pair of wild
green, yellow, and blue budgies (parakeets) perched on eucalyptus
branches. The design is placed over a clear ground. It
has one large top facet and sixteen side facets in two rows.
It is signed with a Perthshire complex "P" signature cane at the end
of a branch. It comes with its original worn Perthshire
box. There is no paper label. This paperweight was made
in a limited edition of 175 paperweights in 2000. A brilliant
design with great color and a high profile. Perthshire made this paperweight as one of their Annual Collection designs for 2000. This means the design was made only that one year and never again. There were eight Annual Collection designs in 2000, designated A through G plus one called a 2000 Special Limited Edition with no letter designation. This design is designated 2000E. The annual collection paperweights are the most desirable of the Perthshire line, with the exception of one of one items. Note: An identical Perthshire 2000E Budgies paperweight recently sold in the Summer 2020 LH Selman Paperweight Auction for $960 including bidders premium (Lot 315, Auction 75). Perthshire was a small company in Crieff, Scotland that was devoted to the creation of quality glass paperweights. They stopped production in January 2002 after more than 30 years of production. Their paperweights were consistently high in quality and yet remained reasonable in price. The birth of Scottish paperweight making is credited to the glass making family of Salvador Ysart, who moved to Crieff, Scotland in 1922. They worked first at John Moncrieff Ltd and made the earliest Scottish paperweights during that period. In 1946 Salvadore and his sons Augustine and Vincent founded Ysart Brothers Glass and produced glass wares under the Vasart label. Salvador Ysart died in 1955 The company name was later changed to Vasart Glass. Stuart Drysdale was hired manage the business side of the enterprise in 1960. The company evolved into a new company Strathearn owned by Teachers Whiskey. In 1967 Drysdale was sent a magazine article on antique paperweights (Woman's Day, July 1965). The inspired him to try to produce weights comparable to the French antiques. With this goal in mind, he and several of the glass workers left Strathearn to found Perthshire in 1968. Large size: Just over 2 3/4" diameter by 2 3/16"
high. It has a high profile. The bottom is ground
concave. The paperweight is faceted with one large top facet
and sixteen side facets in two rows. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$795 postage paid in the US. Added 7/15/2021 For more information about Perthshire Paperweights, see my Perthshire Web Page. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 5183 | Josh Simpson Miniature Gravitron
Planet Marble with Stand. This a
miniature (just under 2" diameter) Gravitron planet marble made by
Josh Simpson. Gravitrons evoke deep
space phenomena such as black holes and the warping of
space-time.
They represent planets that wander too near a black hole, where
they are twisted and squashed by unfathomably intense
gravity. Josh captures the instant when these unfortunate
planets have been almost consumed and all that remains is a
memory and a puff of X-ray light. Although clear glass, the
controlled bubbles sometimes have an iridescent color. Some
of the bubbles have a speck of amber color, which is exaggerated
by my lights. An acrylic 2"
tall by 1 1/2" by 1 5/16" dimple stand is included. This
example is unsigned. Josh Simpson has been making magical glass objects including paperweights for over 40 years. He has long had a fascination with space exploration and is married to Astronaut Cady Coleman. He is a graduate of Hamilton College and has his own glass studio in Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts. He focuses on creating objects with a range of color, form, contrast, iridescence, tessellating patterns and complexity. There is a great book Josh Simpson: Glass Artist by Andrew Chaikin. I recommend it highly. Miniature Size: 1 15/16" diameter glass
sphere. The acrylic stand is 2" tall by 1 1/2" by 1 5/16". For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$85 postage paid in the US. Added 7/14/2021 For more paperweights by contemporary American paperweight makers, see my Contemporary American Paperweights Web Page. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 5017 | Late Ysart Brothers or Early Vasart
Paneled Millefiori Paperweight - Many Annealing Cracks.
circa 1952-1956. This colorful paperweight consists of a
paneled millefiori pattern with eight sections with 1 green +2 brown
millefiori canes each separated by a red and blue twist cane.
There is a central cluster of two rings of canes, 15 blue and 5
orange canes, around a central cross cane. The design is set
on a clear ground. The glass is slightly
gray. Unfortunately this paperweight is filled with many
internal annealing fractures / cracks. See the note below for
more information on the cause. An interesting historical
addition to any collection of Scottish paperweights. Note on annealing fractures / cracks: According to David Moir, who was an apprentice at the Ysart Brothers Shore Road works in 1954, the glass works had a lot of annealing problems at the Shore Road factory because it was fired with poor quality coke. It was difficult to maintain a level annealing temperature and sometimes would get too hot or too cold. Temperature was judged by putting your arm inside the oven to feel the heat. The problem was solved when George Dunlop (owner of Pirelli Glass in London) brought in fresh capital, equipment, and orders. This included an electrically controlled second-hand kiln from Rolls Royce which was a vast improvement on the old one and had electric temperature gauges. The birth of Scottish paperweight making is credited to the glass making family of Salvador Ysart, who moved to Crieff, Scotland in 1922. They worked first at John Moncrieff Ltd and made the earliest Scottish paperweights during that period. Paul Ysart (1904-1991), originally Pablo Moreno Isart, was apprenticed to his father as a glass worker at Moncrieff in 1922. In 1946 Salvadore and his sons Augustine and Vincent founded Ysart Brothers Glass and produced glass wares under the Vasart label. Salvador Ysart died in 1955. Shortly later, George Dunlop, the owner of Pirelli Glass in London, brought in fresh capital, equipment, and orders. Vincent Ysart and George Dunlop formed a new company in 1956, Vasart Glass Ltd. Strathearn Glass was formed in a reorganization of Vasart glass in 1963. The new company was owned by Teachers Whiskey. The factory was taken over by Stuart Glass in 1980, and renamed Stuart Strathearn Ltd. Production ceased in 1992. Size: Just under 3" diameter by 1 15/16"
high. The base is fire finished. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$95 postage paid in the US. Added 7/14/2021 For more information about paperweights made by Scottish makers, see my Scottish Paperweights Web Page Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 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. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$65 postage paid in the US. Added 7/10/2021 For more information about antique paperweights see my Antique Paperweights Web Page. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 4917 | Magnum John Deacons 2000 Two Flower Crown
Paperweight with Double Overlay and Fancy Cutting. dated
2000. This colorful teal blue overlay paperweight features two
five petal flowers, one red with white stripes and one light blue,
with white millefiori centers and green foliage. The design is
placed on top of a sphere of made from twenty white latticinio twist
canes, making the inner design a crown paperweight. The inner
sphere is encased further and a teal blue and white double overlay
is added on the outside, giving the impression of a paperweight
within a paperweight. There is a "JD2000" signature / date
cane on the base (with an upside down "2". This paperweight
has a complex cutting with a large top facet and sixteen side facets
in two rows plus additional cuts at the top and base. A
fantastic paperweight from this talented artist. The birth of Scottish paperweight making is credited to the glass making family of Salvador Ysart, who moved to Crieff, Scotland in 1922. They worked first at John Moncrieff Ltd and made the earliest Scottish paperweights during that period. In 1946 Salvadore and his sons Augustine and Vincent founded Ysart Brothers Glass and produced glass wares under the Vasart label. Salvador Ysart died in 1955 The company name was later changed to Vasart Glass. Strathearn Glass was formed in a reorganization of Vasart glass in 1963. John Deacons learned his craft at
Strathearn Glass in Crieff, Scotland in 1967. When Perthshire
was formed in 1968, he left Strathearn to move to Perthshire and
worked there for 10 years before leaving in 1978 to start his
own glass studio. He has produced paperweights and other glass
objects under a variety of labels, including J Glass, St. Kilda,
and now under his own name. Some of the lines were produced
simultaneously. J Glass was produced from 1978 to
1983. When John Deacons left Perthshire in 1978 to set up
J Glass, Allan Scott and Harry McKay followed John to J
Glass. They stayed at J Glass until it closed in March
1983. The St. Kilda line was
produced from 1978 or 1979 through 1987. He now
works with his son Craig Deacons in their studio in
Crieff. You can read about John Deacons in the book by
Hall - Scottish Paperweights.
Very large size: 3 3/16 diameter by 2 3/16"
high. The base is ground concave. The double overlay
exterior has a complex cutting with a large top facet and sixteen
side facets in two rows plus additional cuts at the top and
base. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture $495 postage paid in the US. Added 7/10/21 For more information about paperweights made by Scottish makers, see my Scottish Paperweights Web Page Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 5278 | Very Early Francis Whittemore Miniature
Paperweight with White and Blue Millefiori Flowers on a Pink
Ground. circa 1962 - 1969. This very early
paperweight by Francis Whittemore features five small white
millefiori flowers with blue star centers. There is also a
stem and two green leaves. The design is placed on a powdery
pink ground. This paperweight is signed in the design with an
early Whittemore signature cane, a black "W" on a yellow
background. This is an important early example of
Francis Whittemore's work and worthy of any collection of Whittemore
paperweights. Note: This paperweight is almost the same as the examples offered in Larry Selman's first two editions of "CATALOGUE OF COLLECTORS' PAPERWEIGHTS". See the 1970 Catalog (robins egg blue cover) or the 1971 Catalog (olive green cover). Francis Dyer Whittemore, Jr. is considered one of the pioneers of the modern paperweight renaissance. He started working in glass in 1938, but did not start making paperweights until 1962. His studio was in Lansdale, Pennsylvania. Like many other early glass artists, Francis started his career as a scientific glass blower and then later taught glass as an instructor. For five years, he spent one month a year consulting at Baccarat to help them refine their lampwork paperweight art. Some sources have this consulting work from 1971 to 1976. Other sources have it starting later. The signature cane used on this paperweight was one he developed prior to working at Baccarat. Most of his paperweights are miniature to medium in size. You can read about Francis Whittemore in the book American Glass Paperweights and Their Makers by Jean Melvin (1970). Size: 2 3/8" diameter by 1 1/8" high. This paperweight has a very low profile. The base is flat with a concave center.Signature: Signed in the design with an early Whittemore signature cane. The cane has a black "W" on a yellow background. Condition: Excellent condition. No chips, cracks, or scratches found on inspection. There are many bubbles in the ground and a few striations in the glass. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$165 postage paid in the US. Added 7/10/2021 For more paperweights by contemporary American paperweight
makers, see my Contemporary
American Paperweights Web Page. (dl-ca-va) |
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| 4877 | Perthshire Annual Collection 1983C Limited
Edition Posy Ring Paperweight. dated
1983. This paperweight features five small florets (flower
canes) and five pairs of green leaves all on a circular stem.
The posy ring is surrounded by a garland of alternating yellow and
blue millefiori canes on a white lace ground. The paperweight
is faceted with one large top facet and twenty eight side facets in
three rows of eight, ten, and ten facets. It is signed with a
"P1983" signature / date cane on the base. It also has a
slightly worn paper label "PERTHSHIRE PAPERWEIGHTS CRIEFF SCOTLAND"
on the base. This paperweight was made in a limited edition of
300 paperweights of which only 187 were made. A nice crisp
design with great color and a fancy cutting. Perthshire made this paperweight as one of their Annual Collection designs for 1983. This means the design was made only that one year and never again. There were seven Annual Collection designs in 1983, designated A through G. This design is designated 1981C. The annual collection paperweights are the most desirable of the Perthshire line, with the exception of one of one items. Perthshire was a small company in Crieff, Scotland that was devoted to the creation of quality glass paperweights. They stopped production in January 2002 after more than 30 years of production. Their paperweights were consistently high in quality and yet remained reasonable in price. The birth of Scottish paperweight making is credited to the glass making family of Salvador Ysart, who moved to Crieff, Scotland in 1922. They worked first at John Moncrieff Ltd and made the earliest Scottish paperweights during that period. In 1946 Salvadore and his sons Augustine and Vincent founded Ysart Brothers Glass and produced glass wares under the Vasart label. Salvador Ysart died in 1955 The company name was later changed to Vasart Glass. Stuart Drysdale was hired manage the business side of the enterprise in 1960. The company evolved into a new company Strathearn owned by Teachers Whiskey. In 1967 Drysdale was sent a magazine article on antique paperweights (Woman's Day, July 1965). The inspired him to try to produce weights comparable to the French antiques. With this goal in mind, he and several of the glass workers left Strathearn to found Perthshire in 1968. Large size: 3 1/8" diameter by 2 15/16" high.
The bottom is ground concave. The paperweight is faceted
with one large top facet and twenty eight side facets in three
rows of eight, ten, and ten facets. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$295 postage paid in the US. Added 7/6/2021 For more information about Perthshire Paperweights, see my Perthshire Web Page. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 5309 | Murano Close Concentric Millefiori
Paperweight with Scrambled Millefiori Ground. circa
1930-70. This is a medium sized close concentric Murano
millefiori paperweight. Although it could be called a
closepack, the canes are actually arranged in three concentric rings
around an unusual center cane. The pattern is placed over a
multi-colored scrambled millefiori ground. There is an
interesting variety of complex millefiori canes.
Possibly made by Fratelli Toso. A magnificent
paperweight.
This paperweight was made on the island of Murano in Venice, Italy. Venetian glass making dates back centuries and the Venetians are given credit for the earliest millefiori canes and paperweights in 1840s. More recently, paperweight making was revived in the 1930s and again in the 1960s. Size: 2 5/8" diameter by 1 13/16"
high. The base is polished flat. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large pictureSOLD. Added 7/5/2021 For more information about Murano paperweights, see my Murano Paperweights Web Page . Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 4587 | Perthshire Annual Collection 1981F Limited
Edition Magnum Crown and Basket Paperweight. dated
1981. This is an absolutely fantastic crown paperweight.
It features a six petal amber flower with a complex millefiori
center and six green leaves (sepals) on top. The flower
is set on a wonderful spiral latticinio cushion. The crown
staves are made of alternating blue-green and white twist canes,
thirty in all. There is a further encasement in glass that
gives this the impression of a paperweight within a
paperweight. It is signed on the base with a "P 1981"
Perthshire signature / date cane. It also has a slightly worn
paper label "PERTHSHIRE PAPERWEIGHTS CRIEFF SCOTLAND" on the
base. This paperweight is one of a limited edition of 200
weights, of which 193 were made. The paperweight has large
facet on top, which allows a full view of the inner sphere. A
beautiful paperweight with perfect execution.
Perthshire made this paperweight as one of their Annual Collection designs for 1981. This means the design was made only that one year and never again. There were eight Annual Collection designs in 1981, designated A through H. This design is designated 1981F. The annual collection paperweights are the most desirable of the Perthshire line, with the exception of one of one items. Perthshire was a small company in Crieff, Scotland that was devoted to the creation of quality glass paperweights. They stopped production in January 2002 after more than 30 years of production. Their paperweights were consistently high in quality and yet remained reasonable in price. The birth of Scottish paperweight making is credited to the glass making family of Salvador Ysart, who moved to Crieff, Scotland in 1922. They worked first at John Moncrieff Ltd and made the earliest Scottish paperweights during that period. In 1946 Salvadore and his sons Augustine and Vincent founded Ysart Brothers Glass and produced glass wares under the Vasart label. Salvador Ysart died in 1955. The company name was later changed to Vasart Glass. Stuart Drysdale was hired manage the business side of the enterprise in 1960. The company evolved into a new company Strathearn owned by Teachers Whiskey. In 1967 Drysdale was sent a magazine article on antique paperweights (Woman's Day, July 1965). This inspired him to try to produce weights comparable to the French antiques. With this goal in mind, he and several of the glass workers left Strathearn to found Perthshire in 1968. Very large size: Just under 3 1/4" diameter by 2
5/16" high. It has one large facet on the top. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$745 postage paid in the US. Added 7/4/2021 For more information about Perthshire Paperweights, see my Perthshire Web Page. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 1556 | Robert Grablow Pink Pedestal Crimp Rose
Paperweight. circa 1986. This is a signed
seven petaled pink crimp rose. The petals have white
tips. The rose is placed on a clear ground with no
leaves. It has a pedestal base. Signed "Robert Grablow"
in script on the base.
Crimp roses represent the ultimate challenge for paperweight makers. You can read about the crimps and their use in making crimp roses in the book American Glass Paperweights and Their Makers by Jean Melvin (1970). Robert Grablow was a Millville, New Jersey artist best known for full size crimp roses made from the furnace tank. He started making crimp roses in 1986 or so when he started as a volunteer at Wheaton Village and added a signature cane around 1991. Although best known for his full size crimp roses, he also made lampworked miniature roses starting about 1967 time frame. These early miniature roses were sold through the Arthur Gorham Paperweight Shoppe at Wheaton Village. Large size : 2 7/8" diameter by just under 4"
high. The base of the pedestal is fire finished. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$145 postage paid in the US. Added 7/2/2021 For more paperweights by contemporary American paperweight makers, see my Contemporary American Paperweights Web Page. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 5348 | Paul Ysart Signed Pink Double Layered
Flower Paperweight with Millefiori Center on Yellow Jasper
Ground. circa 1946-1972. Large pink double
layered flower with a millefiori center, four leaves and a stem
placed on a yellow jasper ground. The millefiori center of the
flower is superb. The flower is double layered with five
striped rounded petals in each layer. The leaves are also
striped to create the appearance of texture. This paperweight
is signed with Paul Ysart's "PY" signature cane near the stem.
This paperweight dates from Ysart's postwar Moncrieff period
(1946-1962) or his Caithness period (1962-1972). A magnificent
example of Paul Ysart's art. Note: There is a short line of small bubbles in the yellow ground (shown in the pictures). This is magnified in the pictures and is less noticeable in reality. The birth of Scottish paperweight making is credited to the glass making family of Salvador Ysart, who moved to Crieff, Scotland from Spain in 1922. They worked first at John Moncrieff Ltd and made the earliest Scottish paperweights during that period. Paul Ysart (1904-1991), originally Pablo Moreno Isart, was apprenticed to his father as a glass worker at Moncrieff in 1922. He worked on the production of Monart Art Glass. Paperweights were primarily an after hours activity. Paul made his first paperweight in the early 1930s. Production was interrupted by World War II and the Monart line was not restarted until 1946. In 1946 Salvadore and his sons Augustine and Vincent left Moncrieff and founded Ysart Brothers Glass. They produced glass wares under the Vasart label. Salvador Ysart died in 1955. Paul stayed at Moncrieff from until 1962, when he joined Caithness as a Training Officer. While at Caithness, he trained Peter Holmes, Colin Terris, and William Manson, among others. After he retired from Caithness in 1972, he continued to make paperweights initially under the Harland label and then the Highland Paperweights label until 1979. You can read more about Paul Ysart in the book by Colin Mahoney Masterpieces: The Paperweights of Paul Ysart. Large Size: 2 15/16" diameter by 1 15/16"
high. The base is ground flat. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large pictureSOLD. Added 6/28/2021 For more information about paperweights made by Scottish makers, see my Scottish Paperweights Web Page Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 1762 | Antique Faceted Devil's Fire Mantle
Ornament or Obelisk Paperweight. circa
1900. This is an antique devil's fire paperweight with a
faceted eight sided cone shape. Devil's fire paperweights have
a motif that looks like fingers of fire raising from the base.
In this instance the fire is red, white, and blue.
Paperweights of this style were found in most glass making countries
at one time or another and often the shape is a hint to the country
of origin. There are three rows of faceting, eight long facets
from the base to near the tip, then two additional rows of eight
facets each that make up the tip. An interesting paperweight
worthy of further study. In Peter von Brackel's book Paperweights - Historicism - Art Nouveau - Art Deco - 1842 to Present, there are some examples on pages 57 and 63, and a discussion of the faceting on pages 268-271. von Brackel calls them Stalagmite Paperweights, while other authors call them Devil's Fire Obelisks or Mantle Ornaments. I suspect that similar shapes were made across Europe and Bohemia. Devil's fire paperweights were also made in Scotland and in Southern New Jersey, but in a more traditional paperweight shape. Holmegaard in Denmark made devil's fire obelisks in a different shape and using colored glass around 1900. They called it a “sølvpyramide” (silver pyramid). Size: 2 5/8" diameter by 5 1/4" high. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$145 postage paid in the US. Added 6/28/2021 For more information about antique paperweights see my Antique Paperweights Web Page. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 5474 | Perthshire Pin or Candy Dish Based on 1999
PP199 Paperweight. This is a colorful pin dish
or candy dish with a PP199 millefiori paperweight pattern in the
base. It has a large complex millefiori cane in the center
surrounded by twenty twist canes. There are ten blue and white
twists alternating with ten white twists. The design is placed
on an opaque red ground. The red, white, and blue colors from
the paperweight base reflect on the walls and rim of the dish to
create a magical effect. This dish has a very worn paper label
"PERTHSHIRE PAPERWEIGHTS CRIEFF SCOTLAND". The PP199
paperweight was supposed to have a Perthshire "P" signature cane in
the base but this dish does not have one. The PP199 pattern
paperweight was made only in 1999. A wonderful addition to any
collection of Perthshire paperweights. Perthshire and other Scottish makers have a history of making candy dishes and other shapes out of paperweights when they realize that the product is flawed in some way. I suspect that they also make these dishes to order. Perthshire was a small company in Crieff, Scotland that was devoted to the creation of quality glass paperweights. They stopped production in January 2002 after more than 30 years of production. Their paperweights were consistently high in quality and yet remained reasonable in price. The birth of Scottish paperweight making is
credited to the glass making family of Salvador Ysart, who moved
to Crieff, Scotland in 1922. They worked first at John
Moncrieff Ltd and made the earliest Scottish paperweights during
that period. In 1946 Salvadore and his sons Augustine and
Vincent founded Ysart Brothers Glass and produced glass wares
under the Vasart label. Salvador Ysart died in 1955.
The company name was later changed to Vasart Glass. Stuart
Drysdale was hired manage the business side of the enterprise in
1960. The company evolved into a new company Strathearn
owned by Teachers Whiskey. In 1967 Drysdale was sent a
magazine article on antique paperweights (Woman's Day, July
1965). This inspired him to try to produce weights
comparable to the French antiques. With this goal in mind,
he and several of the glass workers left Strathearn to found Perthshire
in 1968. Size: 4 1/8" diameter by 1 3/4" high. The
hollow in the dish is approximately 1 1/16" deep. The base
is ground concave. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$125 postage paid in the US. Added 6/27/2021 For more information about Perthshire Paperweights, see my Perthshire Web Page. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 4571 | Magnum Murano Faceted Double Overlay Six
Row Concentric Millefiori Paperweight. circa
1960-1970. A wonderful Murano six row concentric millefiori
paperweight with a double overlay of red and white glass. The
concentric design is rounded so it is visible through the side
facets as well as the top. This paperweight is faceted with
one large top facet and five side facets. The bottom is ground
flat and finished with a grid cut. Probably made in the 1960s
by Fratelli Toso. A classic design. Note: There is a faint 3/16" circular impact mark on the red overlay near the base and also a few faint scratches in the overlay. One of the pictures points out the impact mark with an arrow. This paperweight was made on the island of Murano in Venice, Italy. Venetian glass making dates back centuries and the Venetians are given credit for the earliest millefiori canes and paperweights in 1840s. More recently, paperweight making was revived in the 1930s and again in the 1960s. Very Large Size: Just under 3 3/16" diameter
by 1 13/16" high. The base ground flat and finished with a
grid cut. This paperweight is faceted with one large top
facet and five smaller side facets. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$95 postage paid in the US. New Price 6/27/2021 For more information about Murano paperweights, see my Murano Paperweights Web Page . Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 5338 | Ken Rosenfeld 1985 Six Flower Bouquet
Paperweight. dated 1985. This paperweight
has a colorful bouquet of a three roses and three clematis style
flowers with leaves over a clear glass ground. Each flower has
amazing detail. It is signed on the side with Ken Rosenfeld's
"R" signature cane and engraved signature "Ken Rosenfeld
'85". This is a beautiful large paperweight with a great
composition.
Note on condition: This paperweight has one small
(1/8") chip on the edge of the base and a couple of faint
scratches on the dome. The price has been adjusted to
reflect this damage. The paperweight displays beautifully. Ken Rosenfeld works at his own
studio, Ken Rosenfeld Glass, in Milwaukie, Oregon. Ken's
paperweight expertise arose from a formal art education and a
technical background. He has a Bachelor's degree in art
from the University of California and a Master's of Fine Arts
degree from Southern Illinois University. His technical
experience in scientific glasswork and his studio glass
experience contributed to his superb ability as a glass
artist. Ken has been a paperweight artist since the mid
1980s. He started at Correia Glass, leaving after five
years to set up his own studio in 1983. Size: 2 7/8" diameter by 1 7/8" high.
It has a relatively flat top / profile. The base is ground
concave. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$295 postage paid in the US. Added 6/26/2020 For more paperweights by contemporary American paperweight makers, see my Contemporary American Paperweights Web Page. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 5381 | Charles Kaziun Jr. Miniature Tilted
Pedestal Spider Lily Paperweight with Opaque Blue and White Jasper
Ground. circa 1960-1980. This is a miniature
pedestal paperweight with a six petaled red spider lily and four
leaves on a brilliant blue and white jasper ground. Each petal
of the flower has a ruffled surface and the stamen at the center is
a complex millefiori cane made up of seven star shaped millefiori
canes (six yellow and one orange). Each leaf is a double leaf
- two leaves with a clear layer joining them so a bit of the blue
ground shows through. This makes it look like each leaf has a
stripe down the center. The paperweight is tilted at a 45
degree angle so it displays beautifully. Signed on the
underside of the ground with a gold K.
This design was Charles Kaziun's signature design and one of the most popular with collectors. This size and style was often referred to as a #1. Charles Kaziun Jr. was one of the most famous of the American paperweight artists. He is often credited with contributing to the rebirth of interest in paperweight making. He made paperweights from the 1940s until his death in 1992. His weights are usually signed with a gold K or a special millefiori cane containing a K. You can read about him in many books, including: Signature: Signed on the underside of the ground with Kaziun's gold K. Condition: Excellent condition with no chips or cracks. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$245 postage paid in the US. Added 6/25/2021 For more paperweights by Charles Kaziun, see my Kaziun Paperweights Web Page. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 4712 | Charles Kaziun Jr. Miniature Tilted
Pedestal Spider Lily Paperweight with Opaque Red Ground. circa
1960-1980. This is a miniature pedestal paperweight with a
turquoise and white spider lily and four leaves on a rich dark red
ground. The flower has a turquoise stripe on each petal and
the stamen is a yellow millefiori cane. Each leaf is a double
leaf - two leaves with a clear layer joining them so a bit of the
red ground shows through. This makes it look like each leaf
has a red stripe down the center. The paperweight is tilted at
a 45 degree angle so it displays beautifully. Signed on the
white underside of the red ground with a gold K.
This design was Charles Kaziun's signature design and one of the most popular with collectors. This size and style was often referred to as a #1. Charles Kaziun Jr. was one of the most famous of the American paperweight artists. He is often credited with contributing to the rebirth of interest in paperweight making. He made paperweights from the 1940s until his death in 1992. His weights are usually signed with a gold K or a special millefiori cane containing a K. You can read about him in many books, including: Signature: Signed on the white underside of the red ground with Kaziun's gold K. Condition: Excellent condition with no chips or cracks. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$245 postage paid in the US. New Price 6/25/2021 For more paperweights by Charles Kaziun, see my Kaziun Paperweights Web Page. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 4721 | Charles Kaziun Jr. Miniature Tilted
Pedestal Lilac Spider Lily Paperweight with Aventurine
Ground. circa 1960-1980. This is a miniature
pedestal paperweight with a lilac spider lily and four green leaves
on an opaque aventurine ground. The flower has a red stripe on
each petal and the center is a complex millefiori cane made up of
seven star shaped millefiori canes (three blue, three yellow, and a
slightly orange center). Each leaf is a double leaf - two
leaves with a clear layer joining them so a bit of the ground shows
through. This makes it look like each leaf has an aventurine
stripe down the center. The aventurine ground is set on a
brown base and a white under-layer. The paperweight is tilted
at a 45 degree angle so it displays beautifully. Signed on the
white underside of the ground with a gold K.
This design was Charles Kaziun's signature design and one of the most popular with collectors. This size and style was often referred to as a #1. Charles Kaziun Jr. was one of the most famous of the American paperweight artists. He is often credited with contributing to the rebirth of interest in paperweight making. He made paperweights from the 1940s until his death in 1992. His weights are usually signed with a gold K or a special millefiori cane containing a K. You can read about him in many books, including: Signature: Signed on the white underside of the aventurine ground with Kaziun's gold K. Condition: Excellent condition with no chips or cracks. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$245 postage paid in the US. New Price 6/25/2021 For more paperweights by Charles Kaziun, see my Kaziun Paperweights Web Page. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 2276 | Vintage American "FROM A FRIEND" Frit
Paperweight - Probably Made by Gentile Glass. circa
1900-1974. This frit paperweight features a "FROM A FRIEND"
message in white frit with an outer wreath garland. The design
is placed over a multi-colored ground of larger glass chips. A
great gift item to raise a friend's spirits. This example in
unsigned but I suspect it was made at Gentile Glass in Star City,
West Virginia based on the shape and bottom finish. An
identical example of the paperweight and the die used to produce the
design are shown in American Glass Paperweights and Their Makers
(1970) by Jean Melvin (see pages 69 - 71). This is a
great addition to any collection of American paperweights. The Melvin book mentions that the motto weights like the "FROM A FRIEND" paperweight were popular items sold to distributors and gift shops throughout the US and Canada. The dies were originally used by Peter Gentile when he worked at the Fry Factory in Rochester, NY and continued to be used by the Gentile factory once they started their own factory. This style of paperweight was made by many glass companies throughout the glass producing areas of the midwestern US (Ohio, Indiana, West Virginia, or even New Jersey) in the first half of the 20th century and later. Frit refers to the powdered glass used to make the design. The design is set up in a metal die and then picked up with a gather of a ground color. Sometimes the maker can be identified by researching the mold or die used to set up the design. 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 folk art. The original glass worker in the Gentile
family was Peter Gentile, born in Naples, Italy in
1884. He worked in Naples(Italy), Rochester
(Pennsylvania), and Morgantown (West Virginia) before building
his own factory in Star City (West Virginia) in 1947.
Originally the factory was a short-lived partnership (G. and F.
Glass Co.) with John Funfrock, a mold maker. His sons,
Frankie, John and Joe Gentile helped him make paperweights in
the off hours at the Guild Factory in Morgantown. However,
most paperweight production since WWII has been associated with
Peter, John, or John's wife Gertrude Gentile. Few weights
were signed prior to 1963. John Gentile passed away in
2006 and it is believed that Gentile Glass closed down after his
death. Most, if not all, paperweights produced from 1975
on were signed. For more information, you can read about
the Gentile Family in the book American Glass Paperweights
and Their Makers by Jean Melvin (1967 and 1970). Large Size: 3 5/16" diameter by 2 3/4" high.
The base is fire finished. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$79 postage paid in the US. Added 6/24/2021 For more information about Gentile paperweights, see my Gentile Paperweights Web Page. (dl-g-va) Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 4845 | Magnum Baccarat 1973 Gridel Series Horse
Patterned Millefiori Limited Edition Paperweight. dated
1973. This modern patterned millefiori paperweight features a
large black horse silhouette on a white background in the
center. This large center cane has a dark blue, almost black
surround. It is surrounded by a patterned arrangement of three
rings of seventeen small Gridel canes and a Baccarat "B 1973"
signature / date cane. There are six canes in each ring.
The horse Gridel appears only in the center, not in the rings.
The design is set on a lush lace or upset muslin ground. In
addition to the Baccarat signature / date cane, this paperweight has
two acid etched Baccarat marks on the base along with the engraved
year (1973) and engraved edition number (5). This is an
especially nice design. A beautiful addition to any collection
of Baccarat paperweights. This design was released in 1973 in a limited edition of 350 pieces. This is number 5 in that series. There is a signature / date cane "B 1973" shown in the pictures. The base has two acid etched Baccarat logos plus it is engraved with the year (1973) and the edition number (5). In 1846 Baccarat introduced the popular Gridel figures in their closepack millefiori paperweights. It was named after Emil Gridel, the nephew of Jean-Baptiste Toussaint the general manager of Baccarat. Toussaint saw Gridel making paper cutouts of animals and saw an opportunity to incorporate these silhouettes in millefiori paperweights. From 1971 to 1979 Baccarat issued a modern Gridel series of millefiori paperweights based on eighteen Gridel figures. Each paperweight has a large Gridel figure in the center with smaller versions of the other figures included in the design. There are variations in orientation and color as well as the types of canes in each design and it is possible to amass a very large collection covering just this series. 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.
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 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. Very large size: Just over 3 1/8" diameter by just
under 2 5/8" high. The base is ground flat. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$435 postage paid in the US. Added 6/23/2021 For more information about Baccarat paperweights, see my Baccarat Paperweights Web Page Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 5339 | Early Robert Banford Floral Paperweight -
With Defects - Possible second. circa
1975. This paperweight has a brightly colored red clematis
with yellow stamens and a bud plus green leaves and a stem.
The arrangement is placed over a translucent blue ground.
Bob's traditional "B" signature cane appears on the underside of one
of the leaves. This flower is very off center and there is are
scratches on the side and also one small scratch on the top. I
suspect that this was a second that found its way into a dealer
inventory. Or it may have been a prototype for Bob Banford's
Red White and Blue Bicentennial Clematis. Please review my
note below about the true colors. The flower itself is
exceptional and it would be a shame to throw it out. I am
offering it at a low price. Note on colors: The red color in some of these pictures are darker than in actuality. The lighter red in the profile (taken at an angle) and the side pictures is closer to the true color. Robert Banford worked in Hammonton, NJ. He started making paperweights in 1971 along with his father, Ray Banford. Bob continued to make paperweights until 2006. Bob and Ray did not date their paperweights, but it is sometimes possible to get an idea of when a paperweight was made by the progression of styles and the type of glass used. Bob Banford used a signature cane with a red "B" and a blue surround. Ray Banford used a different signature cane with a black B. Ray passed away in 2003.
Size: 2 1/2" diameter by 2 1/16"
high. The bottom is ground slightly concave. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$145 postage paid in the US. Added 6/20/2021 For more paperweights by contemporary American paperweight makers, see my Contemporary American Paperweights Web Page. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 1377 | Baccarat 1988 Four Row Open Concentric
Millefiori Paperweight. dated 1988. This
paperweight has an open concentric design with four rows of colorful
millefiori around a central millefiori cane. The design is
placed over a clear ground. It is signed with an etched
Baccarat logo on the base. It also has a Baccarat "B1988"
signature / date cane in the outermost row. A fantastic
example of a modern open concentric from Baccarat. 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.
Baccarat started making modern millefiori paperweights in 1957. According to Paul Dunlop ( Baccarat Paperweights: Two Centuries of Beauty ), Baccarat started making the modern spaced millefiori paperweights on muslin or lace in 1958 and continued making undated examples until the limited editions were started in 1970. The exception is 1964 when special versions were produced for Baccarat's 200th anniversary. Size: 2 11/16” diameter by 2 1/16” high. The
base is polished flat. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$285 postage paid in the US. Added 6/19/2021 For more information about Baccarat paperweights, see my Baccarat Paperweights Web Page. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 5355 | Large Antique New England Glass Company
Millefiori Nosegay or Posy Paperweight. circa
1860. This is an unusually large antique New England Glass
Company (NEGC) Millefiori Nosegay with three white millefiori
flowers and a double latticinio ground. The three flower
nosegay has four green leaves typical of NEGC. The design is
set on an exquisite swirling double latticinio ground. It is
unusual to find a NEGC nosegay with white flowers. The three
millefiori canes that make up the nosegay are slightly
smudged. There are some bubbles in the glass and in the
latticinio. This paperweight has scratches on the dome and
considerable wear on the base. There is plenty of glass and it
could be restored. An interesting paperweight that shows the
classic NEGC setup.
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. Large size: 2 15/16” diameter by 1 13/16 high.
The bottom is ground concave. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$275 postage paid in the US. Added 6/19/2021 For more information about Antique Paperweights, see my Antique Paperweights Web Page. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 5188 | Josh Simpson Miniature Planet
Marble with Blue and Black Spaceship and Stand. This a
1 1/2" miniature planet marble made by Josh Simpson. It has a
very dark blue and black twist that Josh uses to represent a
spaceship. The basic theme of the planet series is that a lush
new planet has been discovered with interesting features inviting
exploration. There are multi-colored
structures on the surface of the planet. Some structures,
possibly man made, invite further exploration. The blue and
black twisted ribbon shaped spaceship orbiting the planet is
deciding whether to investigate further. There is a tiny
trail of bubbles following the spaceship. An acrilyic 2"
tall by 1" by 1" dimple stand is included. This example is
unsigned. Josh Simpson has been making magical glass objects including paperweights for over 40 years. He has long had a fascination with space exploration and is married to Astronaut Cady Coleman. He is a graduate of Hamilton College and has his own glass studio in Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts. He focuses on creating objects with a range of color, form, contrast, iridescence, tessellating patterns and complexity. There is a great book Josh Simpson: Glass Artist by Andrew Chaikin. I recommend it highly. Miniature Size: 1 1/2" diameter glass sphere.
The acrylic stand is 2" tall by 1" by 1". For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$75 postage paid in the US. Added 6/19/2021 For more paperweights by contemporary American paperweight makers, see my Contemporary American Paperweights Web Page. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 4569 | Large St. Louis 1972 Limited Edition Pink
Carpet Ground Paperweight with Six Millefiori Cane Clusters.
dated 1972. This colorful St. Louis paperweight features a
carpet ground of pink complex millefiori canes. There are six
large green, yellow, and red complex cane clusters woven into the
ground along with a St. Louis "SL 1972" signature / date cane.
The paperweight also has its original "CRISTAL SAINT LOUIS FRANCE"
foil label. The outer ring of pink canes is pulled down to the
base to create a basket effect. This paperweight was made in a
limited edition of 400 paperweights, of which 250 were reserved for
American collectors. A must have addition to any collection of
modern millefiori paperweights. Note on condition: This paperweight is in excellent shape with the exception of two tiny circular impact marks high on the side. The larger is just under 1/16" across. There is one picture showing these marks. The paperweight displays beautifully. Offered at a reduced price because of the damage. Cristalleries de Saint Louis was
founded in 1767 in Lorraine, which became part of France in
1766. The region was already home to several
glassworks. Paperweight production started at St. Louis in
1845 and most likely continued until about 1860. Although
the modern production of paperweights started in 1952, the
output of millefiori and lampwork paperweights was small.
Fewer than 400 lampwork and millefiori paperweights were made
between 1952 and 1955. They were not all signed or
dated. The most successful product of this early revival
period was the Queen Elizabeth sulphide which was made to
commemorate her coronation in 1953. After 1955, no
additional weights were made at St. Louis until 1965. In
1965 the factory resumed production of lampwork and millefiori
paperweights and then in 1967 they began a series of sulphide
weights. Finally, in 1970 they started producing annual
limited edition paperweights. Large Size: Just over 3" diameter by just over 2"
high. The base is ground concave. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$245 postage paid in the US. Added 6/18/2021 For more information about paperweights made by the St. Louis glass factory in France, see my St. Louis Web Page . Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 5215 | Baccarat 1976 Mount Rushmore Sulphide with
Red and White Double Overlay and Blue Ground with Box and
Certificate. dated 1976. This modern sulphide
paperweight features a very large three dimensional figure of the
Mount Rushmore National Memorial in the Black Hills of South Dakota
depicting the four presidents heads George Washington, Thomas
Jefferson, Teddy Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. It has a red
and white double overlay and a transparent blue ground. The
paperweight is faceted with a large oval top facet and eight oval
side facets. There is a footed base. The sulphide was
designed by Jean Goy, a noted French sculptor. It is signed on
the base with the Baccarat acid etch logo, the edition number number
"150/1000" (of which only 789 were made), and the date "1976".
This is the largest of the modern Baccarat sulphide
paperweights. It comes with its original tightly fitted box
and original unnumbered certificate. A magnificent
paperweight. Unlike most other Baccarat sulphide paperweights, this paperweight was made in only one format with a red and white overlay and blue ground. There were not supposed to be any variations, but some of the individual examples had additional facets at the bottom of the overlay. This low number example has a clear band at the bottom of the overlay. According to Dunlop, the edition was planned for 1,000 paperweights but only 789 were actually made. 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. Sometimes a sulphide will have a silvery appearance due to a thin layer of trapped bubbles between the glass and the sulphide itself. 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.
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 his 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. Very large size: It is oval shaped, 4 1/16" wide by
3 1/2" deep by 2 1/16" high. The blue transparent base is
ground flat. The paperweight is faceted with one large oval
top facet and eight oval side facets and is footed. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$195 postage paid in the US. Added 6/17/2021 For more information about sulphide paperweights, see my Sulphide
Paperweights
Web Page (dl-sul-bac) Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 5250 | Perthshire Annual Collection 1975E
Limited Edition Green Overlay Millefiori Paperweight Bottle with
Original Box. This is a tall bottle with a green flash
overlay and a three ring concentric millefiori pattern base.
The concentric millefiori pattern consists of all complex millefiori
canes. There is a center complex cane that matches the single
millefiori cane in the stopper. The bottle has 24 side facets
arranged in three rows. The stopper has a matching green flash
overlay with eight side facets arranged in two rows. The
stopper has a single complex millefiori cane which matches the
center cane in the base. This bottle is signed with a
Perthshire "P1975" signature / date cane in the base. It also
has a Perthshire paper label "PERTHSHIRE PAPERWEIGHTS CRIEFF
SCOTLAND" on the base and comes with its original fitted satin lined
box. This design was made with a green or blue overlay and
offered in a limited edition of 350 bottles of which 347 were
made. I do not have the original certificate. This is a
great addition to any collection of paperweight related items. Perthshire made this paperweight bottle as one of their Annual Collection designs for 1975. This means the design was made only that one year and never again. There were five Annual Collection designs in 1975, designated A through E. This design is designated 1975E. The annual collection paperweights are the most desirable of the Perthshire line, with the exception of one of one items. Perthshire was a small company in Crieff, Scotland that was devoted to the creation of quality glass paperweights. They stopped production in January 2002 after more than 30 years of production. Their paperweights were consistently high in quality and yet remained reasonable in price. There are three books on Perthshire Paperweights. If you collect Perthshire paperweights, you should have them in your library. The birth of Scottish paperweight making is credited to the glass making family of Salvador Ysart, who moved to Crieff, Scotland in 1922. They worked first at John Moncrieff Ltd and made the earliest Scottish paperweights during that period. In 1946 Salvadore and his sons Augustine and Vincent founded Ysart Brothers Glass and produced glass wares under the Vasart label. Salvador Ysart died in 1955 The company name was later changed to Vasart Glass. Stuart Drysdale was hired manage the business side of the enterprise in 1960. The company evolved into a new company Strathearn owned by Teachers Whiskey. In 1967 Drysdale was sent a magazine article on antique paperweights (Woman's Day, July 1965). The inspired him to try to produce weights comparable to the French antiques. With this goal in mind, he and several of the glass workers left Strathearn to found Perthshire in 1968. Large size: Just under 3 1/8" diameter by just under
7 1/2" high with the stopper. The bottle is 5 3/4" tall
without the stopper. The stopper is 1 9/16" diameter by 2
5/8" long. The base is ground concave in the center.
The bottle has 24 side facets and the stopper has eight side
facets. The box is 8" long by just under 5 1/2" wide by 3
7/8" tall. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$395 postage paid in the US. Added 6/15/2021 For more information about Perthshire Paperweights, see my Perthshire Web Page. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 4858 | Magnum Baccarat 1977 Gridel Series Red
Devil Patterned Millefiori Limited Edition
Paperweight. dated 1977. This modern
patterned millefiori paperweight features a large red devil
silhouette on a white background in the center. This large
center cane has a red surround. The red devil Gridel is also
called a clown or jester. It is surrounded by a ring of white
millefiori canes. The center design is further surrounded by
eight groups of six millefiori canes and then by an intricate
garland of 48 millefiori canes arranged in triangles. This
garland has 30 floret canes, 17 small Gridel canes, and a Baccarat
"B 1977" signature / date cane. The red devil Gridel does not
appear in the garland, only in the center of the design. The
design is set on a rich translucent blue ground with a translucent
white base layer. In addition to the Baccarat signature / date
cane, this paperweight has an acid etched Baccarat mark on the base
along with the engraved year (1977) and engraved edition number
(26). A beautiful addition to any collection of Baccarat
paperweights. This design was released in 1977 in a limited edition of 350 pieces. This is number 26 in that series. There is a signature cane "B 1977" shown in the pictures. The base has the acid etched Baccarat logo plus it is engraved with the year (1977) and the number (26). In 1846 Baccarat introduced the popular Gridel figures in their closepack millefiori paperweights. It was named after Emil Gridel, the nephew of Jean-Baptiste Toussaint the general manager of Baccarat. Toussaint saw Gridel making paper cutouts of animals and saw an opportunity to incorporate these silhouettes in millefiori paperweights. From 1971 to 1979 Baccarat issued a modern Gridel series of millefiori paperweights based on eighteen Gridel figures. Each paperweight has a large Gridel figure in the center with smaller versions of the other figures included in the design. There are variations in orientation and color as well as the types of canes in each design and it is possible to amass a very large collection covering just this series. 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.
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 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. Very large size: Just over 3 1/8" diameter by 2
1/8" high. The base is ground flat. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large pictureSOLD. Added 6/14/2021. For more information about Baccarat paperweights, see my Baccarat Paperweights Web Page Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 345 | Colorful Surface Decorated Hollow
Paperweight - Unknown Maker. This surface
decorated paperweight is hollow blown rather than solid. The
colorful decorations are tactile and can be felt on the
surface. There is a hole in the base left over from the
blowing process. Signed KO on the base but the maker is
unknown. A fun paperweight. The maker of this paperweight is unknown. Size: Just over 2 7/8" diameter by just over 2"
high. The base has been polished concave. The surface
is a little irregular There is a hole in the base left from the
blowing process. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$44 postage paid in the US. Added 6/13/2021 For more information about paperweights by unknown makers, see my Unknown Makers Paperweights Web Page . Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 778 | Miniature Art Glass Carpet Ground
Millefiori Paperweight - Unknown Maker. This art
glass miniature millefiori paperweight consists of identical red,
white, and pink cogged millefiori, although it looks like there may
be some filler pieces added to complete the carpet. The maker
is unknown. The maker of this paperweight is unknown. Very small size: 2" diameter by 1 1/4" high.
The base has been polished flat. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$59 postage paid in the US. Added 6/12/2021 For more information about paperweights by unknown makers, see my Unknown Makers Paperweights Web Page . Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 5212 | Large Baccarat 1974 Pansy Paperweight with
Star Cut Base. dated 1974. This wonderful
Baccarat paperweight has a Baccarat type III pansy with a bud, three
green leaves, and a stem. The pansy has a millefiori cane in
the center, two notched purple upper petals, and three yellow lower
petals. Each lower petal has a purple tip and three dark lines
(crows feet) radiating from the central cane. The design is
set on a clear ground with a star-cut base. It is signed next
to the stem with a Baccarat signature cane "B 1974". It is
also signed on the base with two acid etched Baccarat logos and is
engraved with the year (1974), the edition number (5). A
fantastic paperweight.
Although this paperweight is hard to find, it is not believed to be a limited edition paperweight. Paul Dunlop does not list it as limited edition and I have seen an almost identical example dated 1972. 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.
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. Large Size: Just over 3" diameter by 2 1/16"
high. The base is ground concave and finished with a star
cut. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture SOLD. Added 6/12/2021 For more information about Baccarat paperweights, see my Baccarat Paperweights Web Page. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 2262 | Large Murano Millville Style Pink Pedestal
Crimp Rose Paperweight. circa 1960s - 1970s.
This upright pedestal paperweight features a magnificent pink crimp
rose with twelve variegated pink petals, six transparent green
sepals, and a green stem. Although the pedestal is upright,
the composition is set at a tilt within the clear sphere. The
petals are arranged in a 5+5+2 crimp pattern. This pedestal
crimp rose paperweight is an unusual example of a Murano product
that was created to mimic a style that originated in the Millville
New Jersey area. This design was originally commissioned by
the Arthur Gorham Paperweight Shoppe Crimp at Wheaton Village in
Millville, NJ. The intent was not to deceive but rather to
provide affordable examples for the public to buy. It may have
originally had a label, but this example does not and the name of
the Murano artist is not known. A fantastic addition to any
collection of glass paperweights. This paperweight was made on the island of Murano in Venice, Italy. Venetian glass making dates back centuries and the Venetians are given credit for the earliest millefiori canes and paperweights in 1840s. More recently, paperweight making was revived in the 1930s and again in the 1960s. Very large size: 4 7/8" tall by 3 5/8"
diameter. The pedestal base is just under 3 3/4"
diameter. The base is polished flat. This paperweight
weighs just under three pounds (47 ounces). For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large pictureSOLD. Added 6/11/2021 For more information about Murano paperweights, see my Murano Paperweights Web Page . Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 1749 | Small Degenhart Name Paperweight Knob -
probably from a Gearshift. circa 1930-40. This is
a Degenhart paperweight personalized with the owner's name
"M.A.Archuleta"written on a white plaque. It has the typical
Degenhart construction with the plaque outlined in blue and with
four little colored icepick flowers placed at the edge of the
plaque. This one has two red flowers and two yellow
flowers. There is a colorful frit layer at the same level as
the plaque. This paperweight has a glass stub on the base and
was most likely broken off from the metal fitting of a Degenhart
gearshift. It has sufficient wear / scratches to indicate that
it was actually used as a gearshift knob. Charles and John Degenhart patented the design for a glass gearshift knob on August 20, 1929. The glass paperweight would be mounted on a threaded metal fitting. Some examples have the patent date on the fitting "PAT. 8-20-29" on the side of the metal fitting. Knobs with a location are rarer than those with just a name. Note: The glass in this paperweight is clear but it shows a pink tint in the pictures. Maybe the glass is sensitive to the type of lighting used, similar to the way Alexandrite or Neodymium Glass change color, but the behavior is different. Probably it is picking up the pink in the frit layer. Charles and John Degenhart started
their careers in glass working in glass at the Dalzell, Gilmore
& Leighton Company factory in Findlay, Ohio. Charles,
born in 1882, started first and then John, born in 1884, started
at the age of ten in 1894. In 1901, both joined Cambridge
Glass in Cambridge, Ohio. The original paperweight
production was an after hours activity at Cambridge Glass by
Charles and his two sons in the 1920s. John also produced
paperweights to help meet the demand. This was with the
approval of the company. Of the two, Charles Degenhart was the
more skilled artistically. Size: 2" diameter by 1 1/2" high. The base
has a glass stub. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the
following links: Large
picture $45 postage paid in the US. Added 6/11/2021 For more information about paperweights made by Degenhart Glass in Cambridge, Ohio, see my Degenhart Web Page
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| 3584 |
Early Chris Buzzini Bridgeton Studio
Angelfish and Millefiori Flowers Paperweight. dated
1978. Contemporary surface decorated paperweight created by
Chris Buzzini of Bridgeton Studio. The paperweight has three
red and white angelfish swimming among vines with four orange
millefiori flowers and green leaves. There is also a pulled
feather design resembling waves. Underneath there is a opaque
white ground. The entire design is encased in a clear glass
layer adding depth. Signed "BRIDGETON STUDIO '78 FS057
BUZZINI" on the base. An early paperweight by one of the
country's most talented glass artists. Chris Buzzini studied at Shasta Junior College in Redding, CA and California State University at Chico, CA. While at Shasta, Chris was exposed to glassblowing for the first time by Chris Sowder (1970). Buzzini pursued glassblowing, eventually setting up his own “backyard” studio. From 1972 to 1975, Chris worked at Orient & Flume Art Glass in Chico, CA. Later from 1976 to 1978, he operated a glass studio Bridgeton Studio in New Jersey with the backing of a collector and a partner. While at Bridgeton, Chris had two helpers (Allan Ziegler and Fritz Willie) who learned on the job. Chris did the designs. When Ziegler or Willie helped Chris make the paperweight, their name was often included in the signature. Eventually Chris moved back to California and worked at Lundberg Studios and Correia Art Glass. Since 1986 he has been an independent studio artist. His designs often sell for several thousand dollars. Large Size: 2 3/4" diameter by 2 9/16" high.
The base is ground flat. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$185 postage paid in the US. Added 6/8/2021 For more paperweights by contemporary American paperweight makers, see my Contemporary American Paperweights Web Page. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 4857 | Magnum Baccarat 1978 Gridel Series Dog
Patterned Millefiori Limited Edition Paperweight. dated
1978. This modern patterned millefiori paperweight features a
large black dog silhouette on a white background in the
center. It is surrounded by a rings of white millefiori
canes. The center design is further surrounded by four panels
of millefiori canes. There is an outer ring with 28 millefiori
including the remaining seventeen Gridel figures, Baccarat's "B
1978" signature / date cane, and eight canes that divide the
panels. The dog Gridel does not appear in the outer ring, only
in the center of the design. The design is set on an opaque
black (very dark purple) ground. In addition to the Baccarat
signature / date cane, this paperweight has an acid etched Baccarat
mark on the base along with the engraved year (1978) and engraved
edition number (48). There is a slight ripple or dimple in the
glass of the dome. A beautiful addition to any collection of
Baccarat paperweights. This design was released in 1978 in a limited edition of 350 pieces. This is number 48 in that series. There is a signature cane "B 1978" shown in the pictures. The base has the acid etched Baccarat logo plus it is engraved with the year (1978) and the number (48). Note on defect: This paperweight has a slight ripple or dimple in the glass of the dome which causes a small bit of distortion. I believe this to be a manufacturing defect. I have reduced the price rather than have it polished. In 1846 Baccarat introduced the popular Gridel figures in their closepack millefiori paperweights. It was named after Emil Gridel, the nephew of Jean-Baptiste Toussaint the general manager of Baccarat. Toussaint saw Gridel making paper cutouts of animals and saw an opportunity to incorporate these silhouettes in millefiori paperweights. From 1971 to 1979 Baccarat issued a modern Gridel series of millefiori paperweights based on eighteen Gridel figures. Each paperweight has a large Gridel figure in the center with smaller versions of the other figures included in the design. There are variations in orientation and color as well as the types of canes in each design and it is possible to amass a very large collection covering just this series. 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.
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 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. Very large size: 3 1/8" diameter by just under 2
1/4" high. The base is ground flat. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large pictureSOLD. Added 6/3/2021. For more information about Baccarat paperweights, see my Baccarat Paperweights Web Page Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 3041 | Early Paul Stankard Red Flower
Paperweight. circa 1969 - 1971. This paperweight
features a six petaled red flower with two sepals, two leaves,
and a stem. The upright light blue stamen in the center has
yellow filaments. Each petal is striped and the leaves are
also striped. The ground is a rich blue color. There are
imperfections in the ground and some small bubbles in the
design. This is one of Paul Standard's earliest designs and is
signed with a "PS" cane in the side of the blue ground.
This paperweight is similar to 7D (1971) on page 7 of the book PAUL JOSEPH STANKARD: THE FIRST DECADE published by Wheaton Museum of Glass. Similar paperweights are shown in the 1971 Selman Catalog of Collectors' Paperweights although the paperweight in this listing is slightly earlier than the PS weights shown in the 1971 catalog. The PS signature cane was used on his early work and was retired in 1975. Paul Joseph Stankard is considered to be the father of modern glass paperweights. He has a degree in Scientific Glassblowing from the Salem Vocational Technical Institute (now Salem Community College) in Salem, New Jersey and worked for ten years as a glassblower making scientific instruments for various chemical laboratories before turning his attention to creating glass art. He made his first paperweights in 1968 focusing on a realistic replication of nature. Today he is one of the premier lampwork artists and has shared his knowledge with many other fine glass artists. Paul's studio is in Mantua, NJ. His work is on display at over 60 museums worldwide and there are several excellent books on this artist. Small Size: 2 1/4" diameter by just under 1
3/8" tall. The paperweight has a flat profile. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large pictureSOLD. Added 6/3/2021 For more paperweights by contemporary American paperweight makers, see my Contemporary American Paperweights Web Page. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 5187 | Art Glass Ascending Staircase Sculpture
Paperweight - Signed. dated 2002. This art glass
sculpture is composed of glass rectangles with colored circles
between them. There are ten 1" x 2" rectangles that make up
the staircase or spiral, plus a 2 1/2" square first step, a 3"
square base and 3" square top, for thirteen glass pieces in
all. It is signed on the base "M+J G '02", but the
maker's name is unknown. A fun item. Note about condition: Several of the smaller rectangles that make up the steps have chips, all but one of which are minor. The worst chip is 1/4" long and is shown in the pictures. The maker of this paperweight is unknown. Size: 3" by 3" by just over 2 7/8" high. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$79 postage paid in the US. Added 6/1/2021 For more information about paperweights by unknown makers, see my Unknown Makers Paperweights Web Page . Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 3437 | Large Colorful Strathearn Paneled
Millefiori Paperweight. circa 1963-1968. This very
attractive paperweight consists of a paneled millefiori pattern with
nine panels of 1 (white) + 2 (yellow) + 2 (pink) millefiori patterns
each separated by a white latticinio twist cane. There is a
central ring of seven dark green millefiori canes and then a
center orange millefiori cane. The canes are early Scottish
millefiori canes on a translucent blue ground. This is a great
addition to any collection of Scottish paperweights. Great
color. The birth of Scottish paperweight making is credited to the glass making family of Salvador Ysart, who moved to Crieff, Scotland in 1922. They worked first at John Moncrieff Ltd and made the earliest Scottish paperweights during that period. In 1946 Salvadore and his sons Augustine and Vincent founded Ysart Brothers Glass and produced glass wares under the Vasart label. Salvador Ysart died in 1955 The company name was later changed to Vasart Glass. Strathearn Glass was formed in a reorganization of Vasart glass in 1963. The new company was owned by Teachers Whiskey. The company is no longer in existence. Size: 3 1/16” diameter by 2 5/16” high.
The base is fire polished. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$125 postage paid in the US. Added 5/29/2021 For more information about paperweights made by Scottish makers, see my Scottish Paperweights Web Page Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 4964 | Dramatic Daum Egg Shaped Floral
Paperweight from France. undated. This
egg shaped paperweight features a very dark brown (nearly black) and
white fan shaped stylized flower with large bubble in the
center. The stem is orange and dark brown and the design is
placed above a clear bubble ground. A very modern creation, it
is signed "Daum France" in script near the base. It also has
its original label "cristal DAUM". A dramatic paperweight in
near perfect condition. Daum Frères was founded in 1878 in Nancy, France by an attorney named Jean Daum, when he took over a glass factory in lieu of repayment on a debt. The company's product line has gone through many iterations since and this egg shaped paperweight is a modern product, produced sometime after 1970. It is not in the current catalog. The company still manufactures art glass in downtown of Nancy and a nearby village Vannes-le-Châtel. Everything is handmade. There are more than 600 Daum Art Glass items in the Daum Collection at the Museum of Fine Arts of Nancy (Nancy Musée des Beaux-Arts) that documents the history of glass manufacturing from the 1880s through the 1990s. Size : 2 5/16” diameter by 3 1/16" high.
The base is ground flat. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$49 postage paid in the US. Added 5/29/2021 For more paperweights from France and other countries, see my Other Countries Web Page. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 5259 | Set of St. Louis Paperweight Style Letter
Seals Limited Edition with Original Box and Certificates. dated
1974. This is pair of St. Louis paperweight style letter
seals, one red with a white stripe and one blue with a white
stripe. The bases are flat and blank, ready to be engraved to
create your own custom letter seals. Each handle is hollow
blown with white pinstripe twists. These letter seals were
issued in 1974 in limited editions of 500 of each color and were
sold individually and in boxed sets. This set comes with its
original (although distressed) St. Louis presentation box and
original certificates. Each seal is signed on the top of the
base with an etched signature "1974 S. LOUIS France". A great
addition to any collection of modern French paperweights.
Cristalleries de Saint Louis was
founded in 1767 in Lorraine, which became part of France in
1766. The region was already home to several
glassworks. Paperweight production started at St. Louis in
1845 and most likely continued until about 1860. Although
the modern production of paperweights started in 1952, the
output of millefiori and lampwork paperweights was small.
Fewer than 400 lampwork and millefiori paperweights were made
between 1952 and 1955. They were not all signed or
dated. The most successful product of this early revival
period was the Queen Elizabeth sulphide which was made to
commemorate her coronation in 1953. After 1955, no
additional weights were made at St. Louis until 1965. In
1965 the factory resumed production of lampwork and millefiori
paperweights and then in 1967 they began a series of sulphide
weights. Finally, in 1970 they started producing annual
limited edition paperweights. Size: Each letter seal is 4 5/16" tall. The
blue seal has a base diameter of just under 1 1/2". The red
is slightly thinner with a base diameter of 1 7/16". The
base of each seal is flat. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$185 postage paid in the US. Added 5/28/2021 For more information about paperweights made by the St. Louis glass factory in France, see my St. Louis Web Page . Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 4843 | Magnum Baccarat 1971 Gridel Series
Squirrel Concentric Millefiori Limited Edition
Paperweight. dated 1971. This modern close
concentric millefiori paperweight features a large white squirrel
silhouette on a black background in the center surrounded by five
rings of mostly complex millefiori canes. One ring contains
all eighteen Gridel figures including a smaller version of the
squirrel at 1 o'clock. The fifth ring is visible only from the
side. The design is set on a wispy white ground made up of
white twist canes. The paperweight is signed with Baccarat's
complex signature cane "B 1971" in the fourth ring from the
center. It also has two acid etched Baccarat marks on the base
along with the engraved year (1971) and engraved edition number
(57). This paperweight displays beautifully in spite of the
condition flaws noted below. This design was released in 1971 and continued into 1972 in a limited edition of 1,200 pieces. This is number 57 in that series. There is a signature cane "B 1971" shown in the pictures. The bottom has the acid etched Baccarat logo twice plus it is engraved with the year (1971) and the number (57). Note on condition: This paperweight has damage in several areas in addition to scratches on the base. The worst of these is a 1/4" circular impact mark on the side next to the base. It also has some very faint scratches on the dome, the worst of which is 3/8" long. And an area of abrasions about 1/4" across on the side. None of these affects the display of the paperweight and you will have difficulty even finding any except for the impact mark. But bright lights and modern cameras show all defects and I have included a picture of each in this listing. I am offering this paperweight at a greatly reduced price. In 1846 Baccarat introduced the popular Gridel figures in their closepack millefiori paperweights. It was named after Emil Gridel, the nephew of Jean-Baptiste Toussaint the general manager of Baccarat. Toussaint saw Gridel making paper cutouts of animals and saw an opportunity to incorporate these silhouettes in millefiori paperweights. From 1971 to 1979 Baccarat issued a modern Gridel series of millefiori paperweights based on eighteen Gridel figures. Each paperweight has a large Gridel figure in the center with smaller versions of the other figures included in the design. There are variations in orientation and color as well as the types of canes in each design and it is possible to amass a very large collection covering just this series. 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.
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 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. Very large size: Just under 3 1/8" diameter by 1
15/16" high. The base is ground flat. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large pictureSOLD. Added 5/27/2021 For more information about Baccarat paperweights, see my Baccarat Paperweights Web Page Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 3093 | Rick Ayotte 1998 Miniature American Beauty
Red Rose Paperweight. dated 1998. This
paperweight presents a single many petaled American Beauty Red Rose
with four variegated green sepals. The design is paced on a
clear ground. The American Beauty was the third rose series
made by Rick. It is signed "Ayotte M-44 '98" on the side just
above the base. Although Rick has designated it a miniature it
is bigger than a true miniature at just over 2 1/4" diameter.
A precious paperweight. This paperweight appears in the book Songs without Words: The Art of the Paperweight - Rick Ayotte. This weight is designated a miniature and is shown on page 145. The full size paperweight is shown in the American Beauty Red Rose Bouquet on page 118 and is catalog number A242. A smaller miniature American Beauty Red Rose paperweight sold for $450 in the Winter 2021 LH Selman Auction 77.
Roland "Rick" Ayotte specializes in paperweights with themes from nature, including lampworked bird and other animals, flowers, fruits, and berries. His paperweights range in size from miniatures to super magnums. He also produces other wonderful glass art objects. He lives and works in New Boston, New Hampshire and has been making glass paperweights since 1978. Size: Just over 2 1/4" diameter by 1 13/16”
high. The base has been ground concave. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large pictureSOLD. Added 5/27/2021 For more paperweights by contemporary American paperweight makers, see my Contemporary American Paperweights Web Page. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 4891 | Perthshire Annual Collection 2000F
Limited Edition End of Day Faceted Mushroom Paperweight.
This paperweight features an end of day or tightly packed complex
millefiori design pulled down to form a mushroom. There are
five picture canes placed in the design with a Perthshire "P2000"
signature / date cane in the center. It is also signed with an
engraved "P" on the edge of the base. The five picture canes
are a crab, dog (scottie), deer (stag), dog (dalmatian), and a bird
(wren). The design is set over a clear ground. The
paperweight is finished with a large top facet and ten side facets
arranged in two rows. The base is cut with a fancy fan cut,
also called a 20 point star. This design was made in a limited
edition of 175 paperweights. It comes with its original
box. There is no paper label on this example and I do not have
the original certificate. A nice crisp design with great
execution. This is a very desirable paperweight made in last
few years of Perthshire's operation. Note: Although Perthshire called this an end of day paperweight, it is really a carefully close packed design of complex millefiori canes, not a scramble in the usual sense. Perthshire made this paperweight as one of their Annual Collection designs for 2000. This means the design was made only that one year and never again. There were eight Annual Collection designs in 2000, designated A through G plus one additional special design. This paperweight is designated 2000F. The annual collection paperweights are the most desirable of the Perthshire line, with the exception of one of one items. Perthshire was a small company in Crieff, Scotland that was devoted to the creation of quality glass paperweights. They stopped production in January 2002 after more than 30 years of production. Their paperweights were consistently high in quality and yet remained reasonable in price. There are three books on Perthshire Paperweights. If you collect Perthshire paperweights, you should have them in your library. The birth of Scottish paperweight making is credited to the glass making family of Salvador Ysart, who moved to Crieff, Scotland in 1922. They worked first at John Moncrieff Ltd and made the earliest Scottish paperweights during that period. In 1946 Salvadore and his sons Augustine and Vincent founded Ysart Brothers Glass and produced glass wares under the Vasart label. Salvador Ysart died in 1955 The company name was later changed to Vasart Glass. Stuart Drysdale was hired manage the business side of the enterprise in 1960. The company evolved into a new company Strathearn owned by Teachers Whiskey. In 1967 Drysdale was sent a magazine article on antique paperweights (Woman's Day, July 1965). The inspired him to try to produce weights comparable to the French antiques. With this goal in mind, he and several of the glass workers left Strathearn to found Perthshire in 1968. Large size: Just under 3" diameter by just under 2
7/8" high. The base is ground concave and finished with a 20
point fan cut. This paperweight has one large top facet and
ten side facets in two rows. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$785 postage paid in the US. Added 5/26/2021 For more information about Perthshire Paperweights, see my Perthshire Web Page. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 3413 | Brian Maytum Magnum Faceted Iridescent
Feather Pulled Tiffany Style Paperweight. circa
1980s. Shimmering iridescent tiffany style design by Brian
Maytum with an asymmetric faceting pattern. The feather pulled
floral design defies description. The colors are shades of
blue, gold, copper, and white over a very dark or black
ground. The facets vary in size and placement to complement
the design. It is signed on the base "Brian Maytum" with a
number "CSFPW-065" and a date that I believe is 1981. The
number and date are difficult to read. A magnificent
paperweight. Among the best of Brian Maytum's early
work. Brian Maytum had a studio in Boulder Colorado and made glass there since the early 1980s. As of 2021, he had retired a few years ago. Very large size: 3 3/4" diameter by 3 1/2"
high. The base is ground flat. This paperweight is
finished with an asymmetric faceting pattern where the facets vary
in size and placement to complement the design. It weighs 38
ounces and will be over three pounds when boxed. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$165 postage paid in the US. Added 5/26/2021 For more paperweights by contemporary American paperweight makers, see my Contemporary American Paperweights Web Page. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 463 | Large St. Louis Prototype Paperweight -
Hexagon Shape Carpet Millefiori Pattern of Cross of Lorraine Canes
with Pistachio Double Overlay. circa late 1960s.
This dramatic St. Louis paperweight features a hexagon shaped
millefiori pattern of blue and red Cross of Lorraine canes
surrounded by a border of white stardust canes. The design is
set on a translucent dark green button ground and is encased in a
pistachio and white double overlay. This paperweight has an
unusual faceting with a large top facet and five larger side
facets. The side facets overlap and each has four extra cuts
near the base forming smiling lips. These extra cuts create an
elaborate pattern when the paperweight is viewed from the top.
The paperweight is not a production item and was probably an
experimental piece intended to demonstrate a new design. The
faceting may have been an experiment or maybe it was added to remove
damage or execution flaws. The overlay has flaws where it
meets the base. The millefiori canes in this paperweight are
known St. Louis millefiori canes, but the paperweight is
unsigned. A brilliant design. It is a shame it was never
released to production. A great addition to any collection of
modern millefiori paperweights. Cristalleries de Saint Louis was
founded in 1767 in Lorraine, which became part of France in
1766. The region was already home to several
glassworks. Paperweight production started at St. Louis in
1845 and most likely continued until about 1860. Although
the modern production of paperweights started in 1952, the
output of millefiori and lampwork paperweights was small.
Fewer than 400 lampwork and millefiori paperweights were made
between 1952 and 1955. They were not all signed or
dated. The most successful product of this early revival
period was the Queen Elizabeth sulphide which was made to
commemorate her coronation in 1953. After 1955, no
additional weights were made at St. Louis until 1965. In
1965 the factory resumed production of lampwork and millefiori
paperweights and then in 1967 they began a series of sulphide
weights. Finally, in 1970 they started producing annual
limited edition paperweights. Large Size: 2 13/16" diameter by just under 2 1/4"
high. The base is ground concave. Faceted with a large
top facet and five larger side facets in an unusual complex
faceting pattern. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large pictureSOLD. Added 5/17/2021 For more information about paperweights made by the St. Louis glass factory in France, see my St. Louis Web Page . Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 2850 | Unsigned Miniature Lampwork Flower
Paperweight, possibly by Ronald Hansen.
undated. This miniature paperweight features a six petal
lampwork flower with leaves and stem. The petals are yellow
with orange stripes. There are five variegated sepals and plus
two leaves and a stem. It has a low profile. Nicely
executed, it has an unusual amber ground placed over a white button
base (see picture of the base). Definitely the work of a
talented artist. Possibly by Ronald Hansen. Note: The maker of paperweight is unknown, but it is possibly by Ronald Hansen who made paperweights from the late 1950s to 1971. Ronald E. Hansen was born in Virginia, Minnesota in 1910. He was first exposed to glass lampwork as a child when he was befriended by Bohemian glassworkers in a "hobo village" making glass ships. He later worked as the director of the Neon Tube School in Detroit, Michigan. With this exposure, he was aware of the artistic and technical aspects of glassworking. He established his own studio in Mackinaw City, Michigan, mixed his own colors and glass, and created a variety of small glass paperweights, most of which are 2 1/2" or less in diameter. He made paperweights from the late 1950s to 1971. He was one of a number of glass artists in this paperweight making family. His nephew, Eric Hansen, continues the art today. You can read more about Ronald E. Hansen in the book American Glass Paperweights and their makers by Jean Melvin (1970 Revised edition) or the article by Nancy Alfano in the 2004 PCA Bulletin. Very small size: Low profile, 1 15/16" diameter by just over 1" high. The base is ground flat with a frosted finish.Signature: Unsigned. I believe this paperweight was made by Ronald Hansen, but have been unable to confirm this ID. Condition: Very good condition with a few faint scratches or scuffed areas. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$85 postage paid in the US. Added 5/17/2021 For more vintage American paperweights, see my Vintage American Paperweights Web Page. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 4382 | Robert Banford Blue Double Clematis
with Buds Double Overlay Faceted Paperweight with Fancy Base
Cutting. circa 1987. This paperweight
features a wonderful dark blue double clematis with a yellow center
and two companion buds, one open and the other still closed.
It is has many green leaves and a stem. The design is set on a
clear ground and encased with a brilliant red and white double
overlay. It is faceted with a large top facet and six side
facets. In addition there is a fancy cutting on the lower
portion below the facets. The paperweight is signed with Bob
Banfords “B” signature cane at the tip of the stem. I believe
this is part of Bob Banford's 1987 Collection and the cutting is by
Ed Poore. A very desirable addition to any collection of
contemporary American paperweights.
Note on condition: There is a 1/8" nick or tool mark just above the fancy cutting. It is barely visible, but I mention this for completeness and provide a much magnified picture. No other flaws found on inspection. Robert Banford worked in Hammonton, NJ. He started making paperweights in 1971 along with his father, Ray Banford. Bob continued to make paperweights until 2006. Bob and Ray did not date their paperweights, but it is sometimes possible to get an idea of when a paperweight was made by the progression of styles and the type of glass used. Bob Banford used a signature cane with a red "B" and a blue surround. Ray Banford used a different signature cane with a black B. Ray passed away in 2003.
Size: 2 15/16" diameter by just over 2 1/8"
high. The bottom is ground slightly concave. It is
faceted with a large top facet and six side facets. In
addition there is a fancy cutting on the lower portion below the
facets. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$950 postage paid in the US. US Sales only, no international shipping. Added 5/13/2021 For more paperweights by contemporary American paperweight makers, see my Contemporary American Paperweights Web Page. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 4774 | Early 1975 David Salazar Lundberg Studios
Iridescent Surface Decorated Hearts and Vines Design
Paperweight. dated 1975. This is a brilliant
surface decorated hearts and vines design paperweight by David
Salazar at Lundberg Studios. It has nine outlined yellow
hearts and a dense thicket of dark brown vines. The design is
placed on a iridescent silvery blue background.
Underneath is a blue and white core. Signed and dated on the
base "Lundberg Studios 1975 DS". It is a very early
paperweight by David Salazar. A wonderful composition. Special Thanks: Special thanks to an expert on Lundberg who corrected my original attribution to Daniel Salazar. This paperweight was made by David Salazar. David P. Salazar was born in Del Rio, Texas. His fascination with glass started in college, when he began making scientific glassware. In 1972, he started working as an apprentice at Lundberg Studios, and quickly moved into the more creative aspects of designing and torchwork. After 10 years in the studio environment, he decided to strike out on his own in order to develop new designs and techniques. Initially he rented space from Zephyr Studios in Santa Cruz, California, staying there from 1982 to 1985. When Zephyr went out of business, Salazar took over the building and started his own studio. In 1970 James Lundberg founded a small "backyard" studio Nouveau Glass in San Jose, California. He was joined by his brother Steven Lundberg, Daniel Salazar, David Salazar, and several other glass artists. The first paperweights were made in 1972. They were known for their surface decorated designs and torchwork and later for their lampwork. In 1973 the firm was renamed Lundberg Studios and moved to Davenport, California. James died in an accident in 1991. Although in later years, each paperweight produced at Lundberg Studios was signed and dated by the studio and signed by the artist, the earliest paperweights did not have the artists signature. Large size: 3 1/8" diameter by 2 5/16"
high. The base is ground flat. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$165 postage paid in the US. Added 4/24/2021 For more paperweights by contemporary American paperweight makers, see my Contemporary American Paperweights Web Page. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 4033 | Huge Faceted Antique Monogram VH or HV
Paperweight with Red and White Interior Ripple Pattern by Unknown
Maker. circa 1900. This very large faceted
paperweight has a top facet and 32 side facets arranged in four
rows. The top facet has a fancy monogram VH or HV. The
interior has a red and white ripple pattern wrapped around a center
bubble. There are at least twenty turns of the pattern.
The glass shows up gold colored in the pictures but it is actually
clear or slightly tinted. There is a large teardrop bubble in
the center of the design. The maker of this paperweight has
not been identified. Most likely it was made in Northern
Europe or possibly Alsace Lorraine or Bohemia. Some of the
facets are damaged but only one has a bad chip (3/8" across).
A mystery for future study. The maker of this paperweight is unknown. Most likely it was made in Northern Europe or possibly Alsace Lorraine or Bohemia. Very large size: 4 1/4" diameter by 2 15/16".
It weighs just over 41 ounces. The base is ground
flat. This paperweight is faceted with a top facet and
32 side facets in four rows. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large pictureSOLD. Added 4/24/2021 For more information about paperweights by unknown makers, see my Unknown Makers Paperweights Web Page . Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 2861 | William Manson Caithness Heron 1997
Limited Edition Paperweight. circa 1997.
This upright paperweight features an elegant tall white and black
heron wading in shallow water near white flowers and green
vegetation. The ground is a translucent amber. The
paperweight is faceted with a large front facet and a star cut back
facet. The amber ground and the star pattern create the effect
of the sun rising (or setting) in the background. There is a
William Manson, Sr. "WM" signature cane at the base of the
flowers. In addition, this paperweight is signed on the base /
bottom "Heron Caithness Scotland 8-150", indicating it is number 8
in a limited edition of 150 paperweights. A brilliant design. This design is listed and designated CT-1426 on page 205 of the Charlton Standard Catalog of Caithness Paperweights. It is part of the Traditional Collection Series. Heron was designed in 1997 by William Manson, Snr. and issued in a limited edition of 150 paperweights. Of these, only 112 were made. This example is marked 8-150. The original issue price in the US was $265. Caithness Glass was founded by Robin Sinclair in Wick in north eastern Scotland in 1961. The factory did not start making paperweights until 1962 when Paul Ysart joined Caithness. Colin Terris joined Caithness in 1968 and started the modern line of paperweights in 1969. A second factory was opened in Oban in 1969 and the Perth factory opened in 1979. In 1980, Caithness purchased the Whitefriars name and designs. More recently Caithness recently went through a number of changes of ownership. After going into receivership in 2004, it was purchased by Edinburgh Crystal, but went into receivership again in 2006. Finally, it was bought out of receivership by Dartington Crystal. The factories in Wick, Oban and Perth all closed and were replaced by a smaller operation and visitors' center in Crieff. William Manson, Snr. started his glass working career at Caithness Glass at the age of 15 in the 1960s. He apprenticed with Paul Ysart. Manson left Caithness in 1971 to work at Ysart's Harland Glass and rejoined Caithness several years later in 1974. He was at Caithness on and off between 1974 and 1997. During this period he also had a small studio at home. In 1997 he left for good to form his own studio William Manson Paperweights. After Perthshire closed in January 2002, William Manson Sr. started Phoenix Paperweights to engage three workers from Perthshire. They only lasted a year and issued paperweights in 2002 and 2003 before closing in August 2003. Phoenix operated in the Manson works in Perth, Scotland. For a brief period (2004-2006), William Manson, Sr. made collaborative paperweights with John Deacons. Size: 2 1/2" diameter by 2 3/8" high. This
upright paperweight has a large front facet and a star cut back
facet. The base / bottom is ground flat. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large pictureSOLD. Added 4/24/2021 For more information about paperweights made by Scottish makers, see my Scottish Paperweights Web Page Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 3564 | Baccarat 1974 Gridel Series Millefiori
Pelican Limited Edition Paperweight. dated
1974. This modern millefiori paperweight features a large
central black Gridel pelican silhouette on a white background with a
dark blue surround. The pelican cane is set in the center of a
concentric design with five rings of millefiori canes. The
rings are light blue, yellow, a ring of all 18 Gridel canes, a
red ring, and another yellow ring on the outside. There is a
lace ground underneath the design. Baccarat's complex
signature / date cane "B 1974" is in the red ring. The pelican
appears twice, once in the center and a smaller one at 5
o'clock. This design was released in 1974 in a limited edition
of 350 pieces. This is number 286 in that edition. This
paperweight is also signed on the base with two acid etched Baccarat
marks along with the year (1974) and edition number (286). A
fantastic paperweight. According to the literature, this design was released in 1974 in a limited edition of 240 pieces. However, this example is numbered 286, which needs some explanation. I believe that Baccarat decided to increase the edition size after the 1974 production started. They probably increased it to 350 which matches the size of the 1973 designs and also all later years (1975 and later). The only other explanation is that they mixed several designs when numbering the paperweights. This seems unlikely since early copies of the pelican in that year had the engraved edition size (e.g., 189/240) on the base and only the higher numbers had a single number. Or they just messed up. Take your choice. The same numbering discrepancy occurred with the swan issued in 1974. As far as I know, no other Gridel weights have this discrepancy. 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.
Baccarat started making modern millefiori paperweights in 1957. According to Paul Dunlop ( Baccarat Paperweights: Two Centuries of Beauty ), Baccarat started making the modern spaced millefiori paperweights on muslin or lace in 1958 and continued making undated examples until the limited editions were started in 1970. The exception is 1964 when special versions were produced for Baccarat's 200th anniversary. In 1846 Baccarat introduced the popular Gridel figures in their closepack millefiori paperweights. It was named after Emil Gridel, the nephew of Jean-Baptiste Toussaint the general manager of Baccarat. Toussaint saw Gridel making paper cutouts of animals and saw an opportunity to incorporate these silhouettes in millefiori paperweights. From 1971 to 1979 Baccarat issued a modern Gridel series of millefiori paperweights based on eighteen Gridel figures. Each paperweight has a large Gridel figure in the center with smaller versions of the other figures included in the design. There are variations in orientation and color as well as the types of canes in each design and it is possible to amass a very large collection covering just this series.Large size: Just over 3 1/16" diameter by just over
2 1/8" high. The base is ground flat. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large pictureSOLD. Added 4/22/2021 For more information about Baccarat paperweights, see my Baccarat Paperweights Web Page Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 2862 | Peter Holmes Selkirk 1997 Blue Clematis
and Vine with Buds and Millefiori Garland Paperweight. dated
1997. This magnum paperweight has a wonderful double tiered
blue clematis with a vine wrapping around the flower. The vine
has four blue buds and eight leaves. In turn, the floral
composition is surrounded by a millefiori garland of alternating
pink and green canes with an extra green Peter Holmes "PH" signature
cane. The design is placed over a clear ground and faceted
with one large top facet and seven side facets. In addition to
the PH signature cane, it is signed in script next to the base
"SELKIRK GLASS SCOTLAND DOUBLE CLEMATIS 24 1997" and there is also a
"SELKIRK GLASS Hand made in Scotland" foil label. A wonderful
paperweight in perfect condition. Note: The script signature contains the number "24". I assume this an edition number within a limited edition, but have not been able find any information on the edition size. Selkirk Glass founded in 1977 by Peter Holmes and Ron Hutchinson. Peter apprenticed under Paul Ysart at Caithness from 1963 and continued at Caithness until 1977. Ron Hutchinson was also at Caithness. Selkirk produced a wide range of paperweight styles including abstract, lampwork and millefiori paperweights. The company was located in Selkirk, Scotland in the Borders Region. At some point they were purchased by Edinburgh Crystal and remained in operation until 2006. . Peter Holmes started his glass working career at Caithness Glass (Scotland) in 1963 as an apprentice to Paul Ysart. He continued at Caithness until 1977, when he and Ron Hutchinson left Caithness to start Selkirk Glass. Peter left Selkirk in 2002 to start Scottish Borders Art Glass with his son, Andrew, at Galalaw, Hawick. Very large size: 3 1/4" diameter by 2" high. The
bottom is ground concave. It is faceted with one large top
facet and seven side facets. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large pictureSOLD. Added 4/21/2021 For more information about paperweights made by Scottish makers, see my Scottish Paperweights Web Page Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 3794 | Colorful Magnum Rollin Karg Three Sided
Paperweight. circa 1983 to 2000. This is an
interesting three sided sculptural paperweight with inner
folds. Primarily blue, most of the surface has colored spots
of pinks, reds, and browns. One side has an area that is
dichroic. It is signed "KARG" on the side near the base. Extra
large. A fun paperweight.
Rollin Karg spent the first part of his career as an industrial engineer, photographer, potter and woodworker before becoming a full time glass artist in 1983. He studied hot glass at Emporia State University (Kansas) and built his first glassblowing furnace there. Today he owns a studio and gallery in Kechi, Kansas. Very large size: Three sided shape. 3 1/2" at
the widest by 2 13/16" tall. The base is ground flat.
For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$79 postage paid in the US. Added 4/21/2021 For more paperweights by contemporary American paperweight makers, see my Contemporary American Paperweights Web Page. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 4583 | Large St. Louis 1976 Bicentennial George
Washington on Horseback Gold Inclusion Paperweight.
dated 1976. This paperweight features a gold foil inclusion of
General George Washington on his horse surrounded by thirteen
millefiori stars, one of which is a complex St. Louis signature /
date cane "SL 1976". The design is placed on an opaque blue
ground and is faceted with one large top facet and five side
facets. Sculpted into the ground below the horse's feet are
the dates "1776 - 1976". In addition to the signature cane,
the paperweight has its original "CRISTAL SAINT LOUIS FRANCE" foil
label and comes with its original certificate of authenticity.
This paperweight is number 133 out of a limited edition of 650
paperweights. A wonderful paperweight in perfect
condition.
According to the two books on St. Louis paperweights, this is the first modern St. Louis paperweight to have gold inclusions. It was created for the US Bicentennial in 1976 and considered a special accomplishment. The inclusion / medal was created from a drawing by Remy Hetreau of Arthus Bertrand Co., Paris. One of the paperweights was given to President and Mrs. Ford as a symbol of Franco-American friendship. Two versions of this design were created, 250 regular and 400 with a double overlay, for a total of 650 copies. All copies were limited to US distribution. Cristalleries de Saint Louis was founded in 1767 in Lorraine, which became part of France in 1766. The region was already home to several glassworks. Paperweight production started at St. Louis in 1845 and most likely continued until about 1860. Although the modern production of paperweights started in 1952, the output of millefiori and lampwork paperweights was small. Fewer than 400 lampwork and millefiori paperweights were made between 1952 and 1955. They were not all signed or dated. The most successful product of this early revival period was the Queen Elizabeth sulphide which was made to commemorate her coronation in 1953. After 1955, no additional weights were made at St. Louis until 1965. In 1965 the factory resumed production of lampwork and millefiori paperweights and then in 1967 they began a series of sulphide weights. Finally, in 1970 they started producing annual limited edition paperweights. In addition to the three types already mentioned, millefiori, lampwork, and sulphide paperweights, St. Louis also made a small number of designs with gold inclusions. Large Size : Just under 3 1/8" diameter by 2 1/16"
high. The bottom is ground concave. It is faceted with
one large top facet and five side facets. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$295 postage paid in the US. Added 4/21/2021 For more information about paperweights made by the St. Louis factory, see my St. Louis Web Page . Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 4040 | Large Strathearn Eight Pointed Star
Paneled Millefiori Paperweight with Opaque Orange Ground.
circa 1963-1968. This paperweight is finished as a eight
pointed star. The star points give the glass a glittery
appearance. It features a paneled millefiori design with seven
panels of 1+1+2 millefiori patterns each separated by a white
latticinio twist cane. There is a central ring of six
millefiori canes and then a center millefiori cane. The canes
are early Scottish millefiori canes on an opaque orange
ground. A great addition to any collection of Scottish
glass. This is called a pressed weight because a mold is used to form the shape. The top is flattened. The star points give the glass a real glittery appearance as you can see in the pictures. The birth of Scottish paperweight making is credited to the glass making family of Salvador Ysart, who moved to Crieff, Scotland in 1922. They worked first at John Moncrieff Ltd and made the earliest Scottish paperweights during that period. In 1946 Salvadore and his sons Augustine and Vincent founded Ysart Brothers Glass and produced glass wares under the Vasart label. Salvador Ysart died in 1955 The company name was later changed to Vasart Glass. Strathearn Glass was formed in a reorganization of Vasart glass in 1963. The new company was owned by Teachers Whiskey. Size: 2 3/4” diameter by 1 3/16” high.
The base is fire polished. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$85 postage paid in the US. Added 4/19/2021 For more information about paperweights made by Scottish makers, see my Scottish Paperweights Web Page Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 4039 | Joe Rice Magnum Multicolored Ribbon Crimp
Paperweight. circa 1987-2010. Multi-colored
stylized crimp flower in the unique St. Clair style. I refer
to this style as a rainbow ribbon crimp weight. It has has
eight pleats or crimps with a carefully placed bubble between
each. The design is off center in the paperweight. A
showy paperweight with great color. Very collectible. Similar examples are shown American Glass Paperweights and Their Makers by Jean Melvin (1967 and 1970) and the St. Clair Collectors Guide by Bonnie Pruitt. They were made by members of the St. Clair family and also by Joe Rice. The St. Clair line (as far as paperweights are concerned) started with John "Pop" St. Clair, Sr. who worked at the George MacBeth Glass Works in Elwood from around 1903 to 1938. Local natural gas production faltered in 1938 and the St. Clairs began to develop their ideas for a new business of their own. Joe St. Clair (1909 - 1987) did the original experimentation and the business was formally started in 1941 in Elwood, Indiana. John, Sr. and the brothers John, Jr., Joe, Ed and Bob all participated, while another brother, Paul, did not at first. By 1944 St. Clair paperweights were being sold through Georg Jensen on Fifth Avenue in New York. Joe retired (the first time) in 1971 and sold the factory to new owners in Elwood, Indiana. Sometime later, the new owners of the original factory sold the factory back to Joe. For a while, there were two St. Clair factories, one owned by Joe and the other owned by Bob St. Clair. Joe Rice,a third generation
glassblower in the St. Clair family, is the grandson of John "Pop"
St. Clair, Sr. and nephew of a nephew of Joe St.
Clair and the other brothers mentioned above. His mother
Jane Rice was Joe St. Clair's sister. Joe Rice began
working at the family glass factory in 1962 at the age of
twelve. He worked with his uncles Joe, Ed, Bob, and Paul
after school hours and during the summer months. When the
estate of Bob St. Clair was ready for public auction in October
1987, Joe Rice was able to purchase the property along with
needed supplies and equipment. He reopened the factory as
the The House of Glass. His uncles Ed and Paul were there
to help guide him along his path to success. The House of
Glass continues to operate in Elwood, Indiana. Very large size: Just under 3 7/8" diameter by 2
3/8" high. The bottom is fire finished and hot stamped with
the signature. The paperweight weighs 29 ounces. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$59 postage paid in the US. Added 4/18/2021 For more information about paperweights made by the St. Clair family, see my St. Clair Paperweights Web Page . Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 3083 | Selkirk 2002 Shamrock Paperweight. dated
2002. This paperweight has a bold green lampwork shamrock
surrounded by a stylized green torsade or garland. In the
center under the shamrock is a transparent white ground suggesting
snow or dew. This paperweight is signed in script on the base
"SELKIRK GLASS SCOTLAND SHAMROCK 2002". It also has a gold
foil label "SELKIRK GLASS HANDMADE IN SCOTLAND". A
colorful example from Selkirk Glass. The shamrock is an iconic symbol of Irish heritage and culture. It was used by St. Patrick as a symbol of Irish identity. The three leaves of a shamrock are also said to stand for faith, hope and love. Selkirk Glass founded in 1977 by Peter Holmes and Ron Hutchinson. Peter apprenticed under Paul Ysart at Caithness from 1963 and continued at Caithness until 1977. Ron Hutchinson was also at Caithness. Selkirk produced a wide range of paperweight styles including abstract, lampwork and millefiori paperweights. The company was located in Selkirk, Scotland in the Borders Region. At some point they were purchased by Edinburgh Crystal and remained in operation until 2006. . Size: Just over 2 9/16" diameter by 2" high. The
bottom is ground concave. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$65 postage paid in the US. Added 4/18/2021 For more information about paperweights made by Scottish makers, see my Scottish Paperweights Web Page Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 4038 | Colorful Murano Figural Bird Paperweight -
Made From Twist Canes. circa 1960s - 1970s.
This paperweight is a good example of a Murano figural
paperweight. The bird is formed from seven colored twist canes
and seven alternating white latticinio twist canes with eyes and
beak added. The pink, green, blue, and yellow colored twist
canes have aventurine edges. Bright and colorful. A fun
paperweight. Note: Although this paperweight is beautifully made, there is some debris in the glass and there is some roughness at the end of the tail feathers - left by the tools used to snip the glass. This paperweight was made on the island of Murano in Venice, Italy. Venetian glass making dates back centuries and the Venetians are given credit for the earliest millefiori canes and paperweights in 1840s. More recently, paperweight making was revived in the 1930s and again in the 1960s. Size: Just under 3" long (beak to tail) by
diameter by 1 3/4" wide. The small base is polished
flat. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$85 postage paid in the US. Added 4/17/2021 For more information about Murano paperweights, see my Murano Paperweights Web Page . Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 2968 | Richard Satava 1996 Flat Design Moon
Jellyfish Paperweight. dated 1996. This
moon jellyfish has an unusual flat shape with a veiled dome of amber
and and blue colors. Inside the dome are many colorful
delicate long tentacles or tendrils reaching down to the base.
The colors react to the viewing angle. Signed on the base
"Satava 3748-96". The artwork is truly amazing.
Richard Satava was introduced to glassblowing in 1969 while at Oceana High School in Pacifica, California. He subsequently studied art and glassblowing at the College of San Mateo and California State University, Chico. He also worked as a technician in the glass shop at CSU, Chico. In 1977 he founded Satava Art Glass in Chico, CA. His glass art has several themes, mostly focusing on inspiration from nature. During the 1990s he started to focus more attention on ocean life and nautical themes based on the jellyfish in the Monterey Bay Aquarium. He has several different series of jellyfish, depicting them in upright and side swimming positions and also as an unusual flat depiction. Large size: 6 1/4" high by 4 1/16" wide by
approximately 1 15/16" deep. The back and base are polished
flat. This paperweight weighs two pounds eleven ounces (43
ounces). For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$495 postage paid in the US. Added 4/17/2021 For more paperweights by contemporary American paperweight makers, see my Contemporary American Paperweights Web Page. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 3740 | Rare 1970 Baccarat Yellow Flower
Paperweight. dated 1970. This yellow flower
paperweight is an early example of Baccarat's modern lampwork
paperweight production. The flower has six cupped and
variegated yellow petals with fine lampwork leaves and stem.
There is a complex millefiori cane in the center of the
flower. The design is placed over a transparent blue
ground. It is signed with a Baccarat signature cane "B 1970"
near the stem of the flower and also signed again on the base with
two etched Baccarat logos, the number "245" and the year
"1970". In spite of the number 245, I believe this is a
prototype to show how a limited edition paperweight of this design
might look and not an actual production item. An exciting find
for any collector of Baccarat paperweights. According to Paul Dunlop, Baccarat made their first modern lampwork paperweights in 1969 and 1970. The first lampwork paperweights were not limited editions and there were a number of experimental designs. This design is not shown in Dunlop's book on Baccarat. Frank Daniels has an almost identical paperweight on his website "Rare Baccarat 1971 Six-Petal Yellow Flower, one-of-a-kind or small number made." His example has a signature cane “B1972” and is numbered "244" and dated "1971" on the base. So clearly Baccarat was experimenting with the design and probably never made more than a few. However, in 1972 Baccarat did make a more refined production design with two yellow flowers on a transparent blue ground. Note on condition: This paperweight has faint scratches and scuffs on the body and the base. Most are minor and the paperweight displays well. No chips or cracks. Large Size: 3 1/8" diameter by 2 1/16" high.
The bottom is ground flat.
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 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. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large pictureSOLD. Added 4/16/2021 For more information about Baccarat paperweights, see my Baccarat Paperweights Web Page. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 2692 | Perthshire Annual Collection 1977B Limited
Edition Damson Plums Paperweight. circa
1977. This paperweight features three rich purple colored
plums with green stems and leaves on a clear ground. It is
faceted with a complex faceting of one large top facet and 16 side
facets (eight large and eight smaller facets). The base is
ground concave and finished with a grid cut pattern that Perthshire
calls a strawberry cut. It is signed with a small engraved "P"
on a tiny extra facet near the base. The "P" is engraved in
reverse so it displays correctly when viewed from the top. It
also has a Perthshire paper label "PERTHSHIRE PAPERWEIGHTS CRIEFF
SCOTLAND" on the base. It comes with its original box and
original certificate identifying this as #108 out of a limited
edition of 500 weights.
Perthshire made this paperweight as one of their Annual Collection for 1977. This means the design was made only that one year and never again. The edition size for this paperweight was 500 weights, but only 315 were made, thus making this one of the rarer Perthshire paperweights. Each year's Annual Collection designs were lettered to indicated this special status. In 1977, there were six Annual Collection designs, designated 1977A through 1977F. Perthshire was a small company in Crieff, Scotland that was devoted to the creation of quality glass paperweights. They stopped production in January 2002 after more than 30 years of production. Their paperweights were consistently high in quality and yet remained reasonable in price. There are three books on Perthshire Paperweights. If you collect Perthshire paperweights, you should have them in your library. The birth of Scottish paperweight making is credited to the glass making family of Salvador Ysart, who moved to Crieff, Scotland in 1922. They worked first at John Moncrieff Ltd and made the earliest Scottish paperweights during that period. In 1946 Salvadore and his sons Augustine and Vincent founded Ysart Brothers Glass and produced glass wares under the Vasart label. Salvador Ysart died in 1955 The company name was later changed to Vasart Glass. Stuart Drysdale was hired manage the business side of the enterprise in 1960. The company evolved into a new company Strathearn owned by Teachers Whiskey. In 1967 Drysdale was sent a magazine article on antique paperweights (Woman's Day, July 1965). The inspired him to try to produce weights comparable to the French antiques. With this goal in mind, he and several of the glass workers left Strathearn to found Perthshire in 1968. Small Size : Just under 2 1/8" diameter by 1 7/16"
high. Perthshire calls it a miniature but it is slightly
larger than a true miniature. It is faceted with one large
top facet and 16 side facets (eight large and eight smaller
facets). There is an extra tiny facet near the base where
the "P" signature is engraved in reverse. The base is ground
concave and finished with a strawberry (grid) cut. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$125 postage paid in the US. Price reduced (was $245) Revised 4/16/2021 For more information about Perthshire Paperweights, see my Perthshire Web Page. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 4623 | Perthshire Annual Collection 1979C
Limited Edition Miniature Overlay Paperweight. This
paperweight features an upright six petaled red flower and leaves
within a double overlay of blue over white. It has one top
facet and eight side facets. The flower is very three
dimensional and should be viewed from the side. The base is
finished with a grid cut. It is signed with a complex "P"
signature cane in the center of the flower. This design is a
limited edition of 400 paperweights, of which only 351 were
made. Although Perthshire called this a miniature, it is
actually larger with a diameter of just under 2 5/16". There
is no paper label on this example. A nice crisp design with
great color. Note on condition: This paperweight has a 1/4" scratch on the overlay between two side facets below the widest point. I am offering it at a greatly reduced price. Perthshire made this paperweight as one of their Annual Collection designs for 1979. This means the design was made only that one year and never again. There were seven Annual Collection designs in 1979, designated A through G. The annual collection paperweights are the most desirable of the Perthshire line, with the exception of one of one items. Perthshire was a small company in Crieff, Scotland that was devoted to the creation of quality glass paperweights. They stopped production in January 2002 after more than 30 years of production. Their paperweights were consistently high in quality and yet remained reasonable in price. There are three books on Perthshire Paperweights. If you collect Perthshire paperweights, you should have them in your library. The birth of Scottish paperweight making is credited to the glass making family of Salvador Ysart, who moved to Crieff, Scotland in 1922. They worked first at John Moncrieff Ltd and made the earliest Scottish paperweights during that period. In 1946 Salvadore and his sons Augustine and Vincent founded Ysart Brothers Glass and produced glass wares under the Vasart label. Salvador Ysart died in 1955 The company name was later changed to Vasart Glass. Stuart Drysdale was hired manage the business side of the enterprise in 1960. The company evolved into a new company Strathearn owned by Teachers Whiskey. In 1967 Drysdale was sent a magazine article on antique paperweights (Woman's Day, July 1965). The inspired him to try to produce weights comparable to the French antiques. With this goal in mind, he and several of the glass workers left Strathearn to found Perthshire in 1968. Size: Just under 2 5/16" diameter by just over 1
9/16" high. The base is ground concave and finished with a
grid cut. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$195 postage paid in the US. Added 4/16/2021 For more information about Perthshire Paperweights, see my Perthshire Web Page. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 4836 | Whitefriars Magnum 1977 Elizabeth II
Silver Jubilee Millefiori Limited Edition Paperweight. dated
1977. This paperweight has a large crown millefiori design
commemorating the twenty-fifth anniversary of the accession of Queen
Elizabeth II on February 6, 1952. It has separate 1952 and
1977 complex date canes and also a special EiiR cypher cane (for
Elizabeth II Regina). It is one of a series of paperweights
produced by Whitefriars to celebrate the Silver Jubilee. This
paperweight is faceted with six side facets and one top facet.
It is signed with an oversized Whitefriars signature cane (white
monk) in the crown and is marked on the base "No. 21" designating
its edition number in a limited edition of 1,500 paperweights made
in this design. Typical heavy Whitefriars lead crystal. Modern Whitefriars paperweights are prized by collectors for their high quality glass and millefiori designs. The limited edition paperweights with mosaic canes are especially sought after. The name Whitefriars Glass dates from sometime in the 1600s. The original site had been occupied by a community of Carmelite monks known as White Friars, hence the name taken by the glass company. Some sources state that at least a portion of the company operated under the name of James Powell and Sons from 1834 to 1962. Other sources state that the Whitefriars name was used from 1680 to 1980. Limited production of millefiori paperweights and other millefiori items started some time in the 1930s and first appeared in the 1938 catalog. Millefiori items were made using English full lead crystal (33% lead oxide). It is difficult to associate specific paperweights with this production. After 1945, they made colored glass and bubble design paperweights until the modern millefiori production started about 1951. Even then relatively few designs were produced until the 1970s. In 1980, Whitefriars glass went out of business. After Whitefriars Glass was liquidated, Caithness Glass purchased the rights to the name and produced paperweights under the Whitefriars name for awhile. For a long time, collectors believed that English paperweights and inkwells dated 1848 and similar undated items were made by Whitefriars. The dates, however, are false dates and have been traced to production at Arculus and Walsh-Walsh in the 1920s and 1930s. Most paperweights referred to as old Whitefriars or antique Whitefriars were, in fact, made by other factories such as Richardson, Arculus, Walsh-Walsh,or one of the unidentified Old English factories. When the maker can not be identified, it is best to call them Old English paperweights and not associate them with Whitefriars. Very large size: 3 7/16" diameter by 2" tall.
It is faceted with one top facet and six side facets. The
bottom is ground concave with the millefiori set close to the base
(typical of Whitefriars weights). For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large pictureSOLD. Added 4/15/2021 For more information about Whitefriars and other paperweights from England,see my English Paperweights Web Page. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 4041 | Orrefors Jan Johansson Crystal Egg
Paperweight. circa 1969 - 1989. This is dramatic
Swedish art glass egg paperweight designed by the famous Swedish
designer Jan Johansson for Orrefors. The egg shaped crystal
paperweight has twelve subtle ribbed arches rising to a point on
top. It is formed from brilliant clear crystal. The egg
is signed on the base "Orrefors 9000576 Jan Johansson 54/99" and
also has an "Orrefors Sweden" foil label on the side. It is a
very striking and bold paperweight. Note: The 54/99 in the signature would lead me to believe that this might be a limited edition design. However the edition size of 99 would seem small so I cannot guarantee this is a limited edition item.
Orrefors Glassworks was founded in 1898 in Swedish village Orrefors in Småland on the same site where iron works operations had been run since 1726. In the same year that the glassworks was founded, a hot shop was built for making technical, medical and household glass and stemware. Glass now replaced the less profitable iron works operations. In 1913, Consul Johan Ekman from Gothenburg became the new owner of Orrefors Glassworks. He appointed Albert Ahlin as manager of the glassworks and this marked the start of a new era. In 1914, Orrefors started manufacturing crystal products, and as well as cut crystal. They also made art glass using the overlay technique with etched decoration. The new management quickly saw that artists were needed in the business, so Simon Gate was employed in 1916 and was joined by Edward Hald in 1917. Gate and Hald experimented with with figure engraving and with the new innovative graal glass technique that was developed at Orrefors by the master glassblower Knut Bergqvist, resulting in major recognition at the Gothenburg Exhibition in 1923 and the Paris Exhibition in 1925. In 1989, Orrefors and Kosta Boda merged to form Orrefors Kosta Boda AB. Ownership changed again in 2005 with the purchase of the glassworks by the New Wave Group which decided to close the Orrefors glassworks in December 2012. After that, all glass production was done under the KostaBoda brand label. Jan Johansson came to Orrefors in
1969 after training as a silversmith in Stockholm at the College
of Arts, Craft and Design. As an artist, he is interested in
refining the optical effects of pure, sculptural crystal, as in
his cut-glass Horizon Arizona and his barware series
Street. Cut crystal sculptures set on a solid marble stand
are an important component of his art glass production. Size: 2 3/16" diameter by 3 1/4"high. The
base is polished flat. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large pictureSOLD. Added 4/15/2021 For more information about paperweights from other countries, see my Paperweights from Other Countries Web Page . Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 4777 | Medium Colorful Strathearn Paneled
Millefiori Paperweight. circa 1963-1968. This very
attractive paperweight consists of a paneled millefiori pattern with
nine panels of 1+1+2 millefiori patterns each separated by a white
latticinio twist cane. There is a central ring of seven
millefiori canes and then a center millefiori cane. The canes
are early Scottish millefiori canes on an opaque green
ground. This is a great addition to any collection of
Scottish paperweights.
The birth of Scottish paperweight making is credited to the glass making family of Salvador Ysart, who moved to Crieff, Scotland in 1922. They worked first at John Moncrieff Ltd and made the earliest Scottish paperweights during that period. In 1946 Salvadore and his sons Augustine and Vincent founded Ysart Brothers Glass and produced glass wares under the Vasart label. Salvador Ysart died in 1955 The company name was later changed to Vasart Glass. Strathearn Glass was formed in a reorganization of Vasart glass in 1963. The new company was owned by Teachers Whiskey. The company is no longer in existence. Medium Size: 2 9/16” diameter by 1 15/16”
high. Bottom is fire polished. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large pictureSOLD. Added 4/14/2021 For more information about paperweights made by Scottish makers, see my Scottish Paperweights Web Page Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 4022 | Large Blue Iridescent Abstract Paperweight
with Gecko Pontil Stamp by Unknown Maker. dated
1999. This is a large mystery abstract iridescent blue
paperweight made by an unknown maker. The signature is legible
with the date 99 but I have not been able to identify the
maker. The pontil stamp is a long tailed lizard or gecko or
something similar. Not much I can say about the design - it is
a blue abstract blob. A mystery for future study. The maker of this paperweight is unknown. Large Size: 2 7/8" diameter by 2 13/16" high.
The base is fire finished with a pontil stamp. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$49 postage paid in the US. Added 4/14/2021 For more information about paperweights by unknown makers, see my Unknown Makers Paperweights Web Page . Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 3906 | Early Steven Correia Mirror
Surface Psychedelic Waves Paperweight.
dated 1975. This highly reflective paperweight has a
surface decorated psychedelic design resembling stylized
waves. The surface is like a mirror and it has a small circle
on top that will reflect your own image back to you. I call
the design psychedelic because it reminds me of the posters of the
1960s and 1970s. The design with shades of blue and gold is
set on an off-white ground. There is an interesting ladder
like pattern that alternates between shades of blue and a
contrasting color. It is signed on the base "Roland R.
Correia 9716.12.75" and there is also a worn Correia paper
label. An amazing paperweight. Note: This was another challenging paperweight to photograph. The mirror-like surfaces showed every speck of dust and every fingerprint. It was hard to get the lighting to work with it. Steven Valentine Correia received
his bachelor of arts degree from the University of Hawaii in
1972. He earned a masters in art degree from UCLA and then
a second masters degree in fine art from the University of
Hawaii. He was drawn to sculpture and design. Steven
founded Correia Art Glass in 1973,
along with a business partner Roger Roland. It was one of
the first privately owned art glass studios to spearhead the Art
Glass Movement in the early 1970’s, creating a new American
market for contemporary decorative arts. The company
continued to operate under the artistic guidance of Steven
Correia until 1987. The studio is located in Santa Monica,
California and is currently operated by Steven Correia's sister
and brother Algerine Correia and Jeffrey Correia. In 1987 Steven Correia left Correia
Art Glass and founded Correia Crystal in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
where he focuses his attention on creating sculptural
objects. He also has an interest in large-scale
environmental kinetic light sculpture as well as his audio and
visual performance art. Roger Roland withdrew from the
partnership in 1975 and established his own independent Roland
Art Glass studio in Ketchum, Idaho. Additional note on signatures:
The history of Correia is confusing
because this and other early paperweights and other art glass
were signed "Roland R. Correia". There
are some sites on the internet that incorrectly give Roger
Roland credit for the early paperweights. There is a
paperweight in the MMA collection incorrectly identified as
being by Roger Roland Correia. There was no such
person. It was a signature used by the partnership.
It is also possible to find paperweights signed "Roland"
probably made later by Roger Roland. These are distinctly
different from the style of Correia Art Glass paperweights. Large size: 3 1/16" diameter by 2 7/8" high.
The base is ground flat. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$145 postage paid in the US. Added on 4/9/2021 For more paperweights by contemporary American paperweight makers, see my Contemporary American Paperweights Web Page. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 4036 | Rare Early David Lindsay Nourot Art Glass
Beehive Faceted Paperweight. dated 1988. This is
an amazing beehive shaped paperweight made by David Lindsay.
It has a single large window opening to reveal an inner gold foil
covered center. It is as if we are looking inside a hive with
flying insects and combs dripping in honey. The exterior is a
precision shaped swirl of black or very dark red "tubes" with blue
insides. Aside from the black / blue tubes on the exterior and
the black and gold inner core, the glass is clear. It is
signed on the base "Nourot PB9-88-DLL". An amazing paperweight
with mirror like black surfaces. Note: This was a challenging paperweight to photograph. The dark mirror-like surfaces showed every speck of dust. Micheal Nourot's first glass studio Light Opera Glass was founded in 1972 in San Francisco's Ghirardelli Square. Ann Corcoran Nourot, originally from New Jersey and a textile student at Rochester Institute of Technology's School for American Craftsman, relocated to California and changed majors from textiles to glass. They met at the California College of Arts and Crafts (CCAC) and were married in 1974. The same year, they moved the glass studio to an abandoned warehouse on East "H" Street in Benicia, California. The studio was renamed Nourot Art Glass. During his time at CCAC, Micheal was part of a scholarship program in which he helped build the famed glass school at Pilchuk in Washington, working with Dale Chihuly and others. After graduation Micheal traveled to Murano where he spent a year studying glassmaking from Italian masters at the Venini factory. He also assisted in a glassblowing workshop taught by Marvin Lipofsky. Micheal Nourot (born Riverside, CA 1949) passed away in 2015. The glass studio remains in operation today under the leadership of their son Nicholas. David L. Lindsay is a self-taught glass artist. He became an apprentice at Nourot Glass Studio in 1976 and advanced from apprentice to assistant glass blower to gaffer. David became proficient in all aspects of the glass production process and was made a partner in the studio in 1982, where he stayed until 1998. In 1998, David and his wife, Ann, started Lindsay Art Glass nearby on East "F" in Benicia. They retired in 2020. Large size: 2 15/16" diameter by 3 3/16" high.
The base is ground flat. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$165 postage paid in the US. Added 4/6/2021 For more paperweights by contemporary American paperweight makers, see my Contemporary American Paperweights Web Page. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 4328 | Rare Early Lundberg Studios Starry Night
with Bat or Dragonfly Paperweight. dated 1979.
Wonderful dark night theme with stars, waves and a bright colored
bat or possibly a dragonfly with a red body and tail and orange eyes
and wings flying over a body of swirling water. The ground is
an opalescent white. It is signed on the base "Lundberg
Studios 1979 LS92120". An amazing paperweight. Note: Special thanks to another collector who pointed out that this doesn't look like a bat and is probably a dragonfly. I agree that other Lundberg designs more closely resemble a bat. With the long coiled tail it doesn't look like a dragonfly either, so I don't know what it is supposed to be. Note2: Intentional or not, you can see the outlines of some of the millefiori canes used to make the stars. The surface is not completely smooth and shows traces of the surface work done to create the design. In 1970 James Lundberg founded a small "backyard" studio Nouveau Glass in San Jose, California. He was joined by his brother Steven Lundberg, Daniel Salazar, David Salazar, and several other glass artists. The first paperweights were made in 1972. They were known for their surface decorated designs and torchwork and later for their lampwork. In 1973 the firm was renamed Lundberg Studios and moved to Davenport, California. James died in an accident in 1991. Steven left Lundberg Studios in 1997 and set up his own studio. He died from ALS in 2008. Although in later years, each paperweight produced at Lundberg Studios was signed and dated by the studio and signed by the artist, the earliest paperweights did not have the artists signature. Large Size: Just under 2 3/4" diameter by just under
2 1/2" high. The base is ground flat. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$195 postage paid in the US. Added 4/5/2021 For more paperweights by contemporary American paperweight makers, see my Contemporary American Paperweights Web Page. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 4829 | Rare Magnum Justin Lundberg 2002 One of
One Compound Lavender Scalloped Irises Paperweight.
dated 2002. This paperweight by Justin Lundberg features two
large three dimensional lavender and blue irises and a buds
surrounded by green leaves.and stalks. The petals of the
irises are scalloped and have yellow and blue streaks and
transparent blue sepals fused in. The paperweight is a
compound composition and is very three dimensional with four layers
of lampwork over a colorful iridescent fused glass ground.
Underneath the fused iridescent ground there is a second translucent
blue ground. The novel use of a mix of fused and lampwork
items is the creative touch that make's Justin's work unique.
It is signed and dated on the edge just above the base "Jberg 9/02
1/1 "Sketch". This is edition #1 of 1. A wonderful
paperweight. Note: A very similar Justin Lundberg one of one "Sketch" paperweight from 2001, recently sold in an LH Selman auction for $2,700 including bidders premium (Lot 254, Auction 77). My price is much lower. Note2: Please forgive my lack of knowledge about flower names and parts. These hallucinogenic creations defy my vocabulary and my knowledge. In 1970 James Lundberg founded a small "backyard" studio Nouveau Glass in San Jose, California. He was joined by his brother Steven Lundberg, Daniel Salazar, David Salazar, and several other glass artists. The first paperweights were made in 1972. They were known for their surface decorated designs and torchwork and later for their lampwork. In 1973 the firm was renamed Lundberg Studios and moved to Davenport, California. James died in an accident in 1991. Although in later years, each paperweight produced at Lundberg Studios was signed and dated by the studio and signed by the artist, the earliest paperweights did not have the artists signature. Steven Lundberg left Lundberg Studios in 1997 and set up his own studio in Santa Cruz, CA under the name of “Contemporary Art Glass”. Legal entanglements caused the company name to be changed to “Steven Lundberg Glass Art”. His son, Justin Scott Lundberg (born 1978), joined him in the business. Justin Lundberg paperweights often have a unique look and incorporate a new experimental technique to incorporate pieces of fused glass cut with a water jet. The studio was moved from California to Oregon in 2001. Steven Lundberg died from ALS in 2008. Justin Lundberg passed away in 2019. Very Large Size: 4 1/4" diameter by 2 7/8"
high. The base is ground concave. Very heavy, it
weighs 44 ounces (2 pounds 12 ounces). For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$950 postage paid in the US. US Sales only, no international shipping. Added 4/5/2021 For more paperweights by contemporary American paperweight makers, see my Contemporary American Paperweights Web Page. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 3172 | Perthshire PP136 1991 Limited Edition
Patterned Millefiori Paperweight. This medium to
large sized paperweight has a complex design with brilliant
colors. There is a large complex millefiori center surrounded
by two rings of complex canes. This cluster forms the center
of a seven-pointed star that is formed using fourteen short twist
segments. Each point of the star is filled with a 1-1 pattern
of canes. The space between the points is filled with cane
groups having a 1-2-3 pattern. There is also an outer ring of
canes. The design is placed on a translucent red ground.
This example is unsigned (see comment below). A wonderful
addition to any collection of Perthshire paperweights. Perthshire made the limited edition PP136 only in 1991. According to the Perthshire book, this design is supposed to be signed with a "P1991" signature cane, but this example does not have a signature cane. The edition size is not known. Note: This example has a small 1/8" scratch on the side. It displays beautifully. There is also a tiny bubble near the surface visible in the side view, which is from the making (not damage). Perthshire was a small company in Crieff, Scotland that was devoted to the creation of quality glass paperweights. They stopped production in January 2002 after more than 30 years of production. Their paperweights were consistently high in quality and yet remained reasonable in price. The birth of Scottish paperweight making is
credited to the glass making family of Salvador Ysart, who moved
to Crieff, Scotland in 1922. They worked first at John
Moncrieff Ltd and made the earliest Scottish paperweights during
that period. In 1946 Salvadore and his sons Augustine and
Vincent founded Ysart Brothers Glass and produced glass wares
under the Vasart label. Salvador Ysart died in 1955.
The company name was later changed to Vasart Glass. Stuart
Drysdale was hired manage the business side of the enterprise in
1960. The company evolved into a new company Strathearn
owned by Teachers Whiskey. In 1967 Drysdale was sent a
magazine article on antique paperweights (Woman's Day, July
1965). This inspired him to try to produce weights
comparable to the French antiques. With this goal in mind,
he and several of the glass workers left Strathearn to found Perthshire
in 1968. Medium to large size: Just under 2 3/4" diameter by
2 1/16" high. The bottom is ground concave.
For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large pictureSOLD. Added 4/4/2021 For more information about Perthshire Paperweights, see my Perthshire Web Page. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 4032 | Colorful Guernsey Island Studio
Paperweight with Silverplate Base by Sileda Ltd. dated
1986. This colorful glass paperweight was most likely
made by the Guernsey Island Studio (also known as Guernsey
Glass). The Sheffield silverplate base was added by Sileda
Ltd. (Wales) and has the silver marks indicating Sileda was the
maker of the base and it was made in 1986. There are several
discussions on the Internet about this type of paperweight and I was
able garner the basic facts about the makers and the date (see
below). The silver plate has been lost some of its silver
layer and the underlying copper is visible. There is a felt
cover in the center base. I did not remove the felt to see if
there was a Guernsey mark on the glass. This is an odd item,
but it will make a good conversation piece. Guernsey Island Studio (also known as Guernsey Glass) was located at the Oatlands Craft Centre, St Sampson, Guernsey, Channel Islands. It was founded about 1980 with advice and assistance from Michael Harris of the Isle of Wight Studio Glass. They made small souvenir pieces, such as vases, animal figures, and paperweights and often marked them on the base with the trademark Guernsey mark, which was three lions passant on a shield. They closed sometime in the 1990s. Sileda Ltd was founded in Cefn-y-bedd Wales UK about 1980. They were a small silver company that registered their punches at the Sheffield Assay Office from 1980 to 2000. The makers mark is "SL" with a small indent between the two letters. In addition to any other silver work they may have done, they were known for sourcing (purchasing) glass objects such as paperweights and vases from UK glass studios and adding silver enhancements or decorations to the glass objects. For paperweights, the enhancement was a silverplate base, for vases it was often a silver collar. In many cases, collectors could identify the original source of the glass object. Size: 2 3/4" diameter by 1 15/16" high. The
base is covered with a silverplate covering and a felt cover in
the center. I did not remove the felt to see if the Guernsey
mark is under the felt. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$65 postage paid in the US. Added 4/3/2021 For more information about paperweights by English makers, see my English Paperweights Web Page . Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 4406 | Francis Whittemore Blue Crimp Rose Upright
Pedestal Paperweight. circa 1970. This upright
pedestal paperweight features a magnificent blue crimp rose with
fifteen variegated blue petals and four upturned green sepals.
The petals are arranged in Whittemore's 4+4+4+3 crimp pattern.
It is signed on the underside of the rose with an early Whittemore
signature cane. The cane has a black "W" on a yellow
background. The design is set on a clear ground and supported
by a pedestal base. A fantastic addition to any collection of
glass paperweights. Francis Dyer Whittemore, Jr. is considered one of the pioneers of the modern paperweight renaissance. He started working in glass in 1938, originally as a scientific glass maker and instructor in South Jersey. He did not start making paperweights until 1962 when he set up a studio in Lansdale, Pennsylvania. For five years, he spent one month a year consulting at Baccarat to help them refine their lampwork paperweight art. Some sources have this consulting work from 1971 to 1976. Other sources have it starting later. The signature cane used on this paperweight was one he developed prior to working at Baccarat. Most of his paperweights are miniature to medium in size. You can read about Francis Whittemore in the book American Glass Paperweights and Their Makers by Jean Melvin (1970). Size: 1 15/16" diameter by 2 7/16" high. The base of the pedestal has a 1 3/4" diameter. The bottom is ground concave.Signature: Signed on the underside of the rose with an early Whittemore signature cane. The cane has a black "W" on a yellow background. Condition: Excellent condition. No chips, cracks, or scratches found on inspection. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$545 postage paid in the US. Added 3/30/2021 For more paperweights by contemporary American paperweight
makers, see my Contemporary
American Paperweights Web Page. (dl-ca-va) |
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| 3959 | Peter Holmes Selkirk 1993 Floral Bouquet
Paperweight. dated 1993. This Peter Holmes
Selkirk paperweight has a colorful lampwork floral bouquet of three
flowers plus buds, leaves, and stems. The design is set on an
opaque magenta ground. The underside of the ground is a
magenta and white jasper that flares out to create a magical effect
around the bouquet. The paperweight is faceted with one large
top facet and five side facets. It is signed in script on the
base "SELKIRK GLASS SCOTLAND 1993" and there is also a distorted
Peter Holmes "PH" signature cane next to the stem in the
design. A colorful example from Selkirk Glass / Peter Holmes. Note: This paperweight is marked 1/1 and may or may not actually be a one of one limited edition. The script is in a different hand from the other lettering on the base. Use your own judgment Selkirk Glass founded in 1977 by
Peter Holmes and Ron Hutchinson. Peter apprenticed under
Paul Ysart at Caithness from 1963 and continued at Caithness
until 1977. Ron Hutchinson was also at Caithness.
Selkirk produced a wide range of paperweight styles including
abstract, lampwork and millefiori paperweights. The
company was located in Selkirk, Scotland in the Borders
Region. At some point they were purchased by Edinburgh
Crystal and remained in operation until 2006. Peter Holmes started his glass working career at Caithness Glass (Scotland) in 1963 as an apprentice to Paul Ysart. He continued at Caithness until 1977, when he and Ron Hutchinson left Caithness to start Selkirk Glass. Peter left Selkirk in 2002 to start Scottish Borders Art Glass with his son, Andrew, at Galalaw, Hawick. Large size: 3 1/8" diameter by 1 7/8" high. The
base is ground concave. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large pictureSOLD. Added 3/29/2021 For more information about paperweights made by Scottish makers, see my Scottish Paperweights Web Page Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 2714 | Peter McDougall (PMcD) Special 2009
Midyear Collection Double Overlay Closepack Millefiori Paperweight
with Complex Canes. dated 2009. This rare
red and white double overlay paperweight features a closepack
millefiori design placed on an opaque red ground. The
millefiori canes are a mix of complex and simple canes. There
are some wonderful complex canes in the pattern. It is signed
in the design with Peter's complex signature and date cane "PMcD 09"
and also has a paper label "PMcD Glass Studio LTD, Handmade in
Crieff Scotland." This was a special midyear offering from
Peter McDougall in 2009. This paperweight is faceted with one
large top facet and twelve side facets (six large and six
smaller). A special paperweight for the collector seeking
unique paperweights. This paperweight was one of the special annual editions made in only in 2009. It was designated Collection 2009 Midyear #2. Note: The red overlay is a deep red that my camera failed to capture. The pictures show it as a slightly less intense red. Peter McDougall started his glassmaking career as an apprentice at Strathearn Glass in Crieff, Scotland back in the 1960s. When Perthshire was formed in 1968, he left Strathearn to move to Perthshire and worked there in many positions, eventually becoming Manager and Chief Glassmaker. Perthshire Paperweights closed early in 2002 after the death of the owner Neil Drysdale. Peter McDougall then made high quality glass paperweights at his own glass studio, PMcD Glass Studio Ltd. in Crieff, Scotland from 2002 until early 2012. The studio is now closed but Peter plans to continue to make a limited number of paperweights in the future. Large Size: 2 13/16" diameter by 2 1/8" high.
The base is ground concave. This paperweight is faceted with
one large top facet and twelve side facets (six large and six
smaller). For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large pictureSOLD. Added 3/29/2021 For more information about paperweights made by Peter McDougall, see my Peter McDougall Web Page Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 4815 | Magnum 1989 Orient & Flume Limited
Edition Scott Beyers Angelfish Paperweight.
dated 1989. This wonderful paperweight features a beautifully
detailed lampwork angelfish swimming over a sandy undersea bottom
while navigating between green foliage. It is signed on the
base "Orient & Flume O601V5SFN0121 5/250 S. Beyers". The
code indicates the paperweight is number 5 out of a limited edition
of 250 paperweights and was the first paperweight made in June
1989. A wonderful paperweight. Orient & Flume was started in
1972 in Chico, California by Douglas Boyd and David
Hopper. It studio took its name from its initial location
which was at the corner of Orient & Flume. Their early
weights adopted a style that has become known as the California
style of iridescent paperweights with surface torchworked
art nouveau motifs on the outside surface of the weight.
Later work involved interior lampworked designs such as the
floral design found encased here. Every Orient & Flume
piece has a registration number which usually includes a date
code. Douglas Boyd passed away in 2018. David Hopper
and his wife Shari retired to nearby Paradise California.
They survived the wildfire that destroyed most of Paradise in
2018. Orient & Flume continues in Chico with new
owners Bruce Sillars and Ronda
Davis. Bruce was one of the original Orient and Flume
artists and Ronda has spent the last 30 years at the studio
handling sales and other responsibilities. They are joined
by another early O&F artist Scott Beyers. Scott Beyers is an early Orient & Flume artist who has worked at Orient & Flume almost since the beginning. For a short while starting in 1980, Scott partnered with Lee Hudin in their own studio Ophir Studios in Oroville, CA. The studio was short-lived and both Hudin and Beyers went back to O&F by the mid-1980s. The exact history is elusive, but Scott is now at Orient & Flume under the new owners. Very Large Size: 3 3/16" diameter by just under 2
13/16" high. The bottom has been ground flat. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large pictureSOLD. Added 3/27/2021 For more paperweights by contemporary American paperweight makers, see my Contemporary American Paperweights Web Page. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 4035 | Large Murano Spaced Millefiori on Lace
Paperweight - Probably by Fratelli Toso. circa
1960s - 1970s. This paperweight is a good example of a Murano
spaced millefiori paperweight with a lace ground. There are
eleven bright colored millefiori canes near the surface of the
paperweight. Bright and colorful. A fun paperweight. Note: This is sometimes called a scrambled millefiori paperweight, but that would be technically incorrect because the millefiori slices are all placed on top of the lace ground rather than mixed throughout. This paperweight was made on the island of Murano in Venice, Italy. Venetian glass making dates back centuries and the Venetians are given credit for the earliest millefiori canes and paperweights in 1840s. More recently, paperweight making was revived in the 1930s and again in the 1960s. Large Size: Just over 3" diameter by 2 3/4"
high. The base is ground flat. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large pictureSOLD. Added 3/27/2021 For more information about Murano paperweights, see my Murano Paperweights Web Page . Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 4034 | Medium Colorful Strathearn Close Packed
Millefiori Paperweight. circa 1963-1968. This is a
very attractive and colorful Strathearn close packed millefiori
paperweight. The design is placed over an opaque pink- beige
ground. A nice addition to any collection of Scottish
paperweights. The birth of Scottish paperweight making is credited to the glass making family of Salvador Ysart, who moved to Crieff, Scotland in 1922. They worked first at John Moncrieff Ltd and made the earliest Scottish paperweights during that period. In 1946 Salvadore and his sons Augustine and Vincent founded Ysart Brothers Glass and produced glass wares under the Vasart label. Salvador Ysart died in 1955 The company name was later changed to Vasart Glass. Strathearn Glass was formed in a reorganization of Vasart glass in 1963. The new company was owned by Teachers Whiskey. The company is no longer in existence. Medium size: Just over 2 3/8” diameter by 2
1/16” high. The base is fire polished and ground concave in
the center. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$89 postage paid in the US. Added 3/27/2021 For more information about paperweights made by Scottish makers, see my Scottish Paperweights Web Page Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 3573 | Early 1975 David Salazar Lundberg Studios
Surface Decorated Floral Design Paperweight. dated
1975. This brilliant surface decorated paperweight by David
Salazar at Lundberg Studios features a large eight petal yellow
flower on top of a shiny foil background. The sides are
decorated with a wave design made up a dazzling arrangement of blue,
green, gold, and silver layers over an opaque white ground.
Signed and dated on the base "LUNDBERG STUDIOS DS 310 1975".
It is a very early paperweight by David Salazar. A wonderful
composition. Special Thanks: Special thanks to an expert on Lundberg who corrected my original attribution to Daniel Salazar. This paperweight was made by David Salazar. Note: The signature on the white base is hard to read, so I colored it with a green washable marker to enhance the writing. The green marker ink has since been removed. Note: Please ignore the white areas in the picture caused by the light. David P. Salazar was born in Del
Rio, Texas. His fascination with glass started in college,
when he began making scientific glassware. In 1972, he
started working as an apprentice at Lundberg Studios, and
quickly moved into the more creative aspects of designing and
torchwork. After 10 years in the studio environment, he
decided to strike out on his own in order to develop new designs
and techniques. Initially he rented space from Zephyr
Studios in Santa Cruz, California, staying there from 1982 to
1985. When Zephyr went out of business, Salazar took over
the building and started his own studio. Large size: 2 13/16" diameter by just over 2"
high. The base is ground flat. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$165 postage paid in the US. Added 3/27/2021 For more paperweights by contemporary American paperweight makers, see my Contemporary American Paperweights Web Page. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 3130 | David Salazar Heart Shaped Iridescent
Hearts and Vines Paperweight. dated 2004. This is
a fun paperweight with a surface decorated hearts and vines design
on the top of an iridescent pink heart shaped paperweight. The
surface is pink iridescent glass and the underlying glass is
clear. It is signed on the base "D P Salazar 1/04". It
is a fun paperweight. David P. Salazar was born in Del
Rio, Texas. His fascination with glass started in college,
when he began making scientific glassware. In 1972, he
started working as an apprentice at Lundberg Studios, and
quickly moved into the more creative aspects of designing and
torchwork. After 10 years in the studio environment, he
decided to strike out on his own in order to develop new designs
and techniques. Initially he rented space from Zephyr
Studios in
Santa Cruz, California, staying there from 1982 to
1985. When Zephyr went out of business, Salazar took over
the building and started his own studio. Size: Just under 2 5/8" high by just under 2 1/2"
wide by 1 1/4" thick. The base is fire finished. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$79 postage paid in the US. Added 3/27/2021 For more paperweights by contemporary American paperweight makers, see my Contemporary American Paperweights Web Page. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 4031 | Large Maude and Bob 1976 Blue Icepick
Flower Candle Holder Paperweight. dated
1976. This large candle holder paperweight features five light
blue icepick flowers over an dark blue ground. As is typical
of the St. Clair style, there is a carefully placed bubble in the
center of each flower and also a carefully placed bubble in the
ground in between each flower. There is a ribbed handle on one
side. It is hot stamped on the base "MAUDE AND BOB ST CLAIR
1976". Maude and Bob St. Clair produced paperweights under
their own label for less than fifteen years. A great addition
to any collection of St. Clair items. This style of flower is called an ice-pick flower because of the icepick like tool used to push each flower down to the ground to form a stem. Note: In the pictures, the handle shows a yellow color. This is a reflection from something in my work area. The handle of the candle holder is clear colorless glass. The St. Clair line (as far as paperweights are concerned) started with John "Pop" St. Clair, Sr. who worked at the George MacBeth Glass Works in Elwood from around 1903 to 1938. Local natural gas production faltered in 1938 and the St. Clairs began to develop their ideas for a new business of their own. Joe St. Clair (1909 - 1987) did the original experimentation and the business was formally started in 1941 in Elwood, Indiana. John, Sr. and the brothers John, Jr., Joe, Ed and Bob all participated, while another brother, Paul, did not at first. By 1944 St. Clair paperweights were being sold through Georg Jensen on Fifth Avenue in New York. Joe retired (the first time) in 1971 and sold the factory to new owners in Elwood, Indiana. About the same time, Bob St. Clair and his wife Maude opened a new factory in Elwood. Paul St. Clair retired from General Motors and joined Bob, along with Ed St. Clair and a nephew, Joe Rice. Sometime later after Bob opened his factory, the new owners of the original factory sold the factory back to Joe. So, for a while, there were two St. Clair Glass factories. Bob St. Clair died in 1986. Joe St. Clair died in 1987. Ed St. Clair died in 1989 and the last brother, Paul St. Clair died in 2000. Robert (Bob) St. Clair was born May 18, 1919 and passed away in 1986. He is known to have used two signatures from 1971 to 1986. Most of the time he included his wife and used the stamp "MAUDE AND BOB ST. CLAIR", often with a date with raised lettering. Less frequently, he used the stamp "BOB ST. CLAIR" with no date. This stamp, with only BOB, can be found with either raised or indented lettering.
Size: The center paperweight portion is just under
3" diameter. With the handle and the cup for the candle it
is 4 1/16" wide by just under 3" deep by 3 1/16" high. The
base is finished flat and hot stamped in the center with the
signature. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$85 postage paid in the US. Added 3/26/2021 For more information about paperweights made by the St. Clair factory, see my St. Clair Paperweights Web Page Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 3896 | John Deacons 2007 Pansy in a Torsade
Paperweight. dated 2007. This
paperweight features a wonderful blue and yellow pansy with five
leaves and stem placed inside a multi-color torsade. The pansy
has two rich blue upper petals and three striped yellow lower
petals. Each of the lower petals has a blue tip. There
is a complex millefiori cane in the center of the pansy. The
design is placed over black (or very dark purple) opaque
ground. The paperweight is signed on the base with a John
Deacons complex JD 2007 signature cane with the letters "JD", then a
pansy cane between two cog canes, and the numbers "2007". The
paperweight also has a "MADE IN SCOTLAND by John Deacons" paper
label with a thistle logo. A great design from this talented
artist. Please see my note below that I consider this to be a
second because of production issues. Note: There are some tiny pieces of white debris in the glass. This sometimes happens when a new pot is used to melt the glass and it throws off small bits of ceramic as it is being broken in. See pictures. There are also some tiny bubbles in the glass. I consider this paperweight a second and have reduced the price accordingly. The birth of Scottish paperweight making is credited to the glass making family of Salvador Ysart, who moved to Crieff, Scotland in 1922. They worked first at John Moncrieff Ltd and made the earliest Scottish paperweights during that period. In 1946 Salvadore and his sons Augustine and Vincent founded Ysart Brothers Glass and produced glass wares under the Vasart label. Salvador Ysart died in 1955 The company name was later changed to Vasart Glass. Strathearn Glass was formed in a reorganization of Vasart glass in 1963. John Deacons learned his craft at Strathearn Glass in Crieff, Scotland in 1967. When Perthshire was formed in 1968, he left Strathearn to move to Perthshire and worked there for 10 years before leaving in 1978 to start his own glass studio. He has produced paperweights and other glass objects under a variety of labels, including J Glass, St. Kilda, and now under his own name. Some of the lines were produced simultaneously. J Glass was produced from 1978 to 1983. When John Deacons left Perthshire in 1978 to set up J Glass, Allan Scott and Harry McKay followed John to J Glass. They stayed at J Glass until it closed in March 1983. The St. Kilda line was produced from 1978 or 1979 through 1987. He now works with his son Craig Deacons in their studio in Crieff. You can read about John Deacons in the book by Hall - Scottish Paperweights. Size: Just over 2 3/8" diameter by 1 11/16"
high. The bottom is ground concave. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large pictureSOLD. Added 3/25/2021 For more information about paperweights made by Scottish makers, see my Scottish Paperweights Web Page Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 4746 | Chris Sherwin Art Glass Black-Capped
Chickadee Paperweight. dated 2017. This
black-capped chickadee paperweight is a wonderful example of Chris
Sherwin's recent work. The figural paperweight was created for
a meeting of the Founders Chapter of the National American Glass
Club. It is signed on the base "Sherwin Art Glass 2017". The black-capped chickadee is the state bird of Massachusetts and of Maine in the United States, and the provincial bird of New Brunswick in Canada. Chris Sherwin has worked in glass for 25 years, specializing in designs inspired by nature. Almost all of his work involves some aspect of torchwork decoration applied to the surface or encased torchwork creations. He makes his own glass and canes in his environmentally conscious hydro-powered studio. Chris studied glassblowing at Southern Connecticut State University and apprenticed at Simon Pearce. He also spent seven years at Orient & Flume Art Glass, an internationally renowned glass studio in Chico, CA known for their iridescent vases, intricate paperweights, and torchwork designs. At O&F he was able to create designs of his own and collaborative pieces that earned him a separate section in the O&F retail showroom. He opened his own studio in Bellows Falls, VT in 2005 and makes a variety of paperweights, vessels, animal sculptures, seasonal themed and other objects. Size: 3 7/8" long by 1 7/8" wide by just under 3
1/16" high. The base is ground flat. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$85 postage paid in the US. Added 3/24/2021 For more paperweights by contemporary American paperweight makers, see my Contemporary American Paperweights Web Page. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 5375 | Early Debbie Tarsitano Faceted Pansy with
Buds Paperweight. undated circa 1978 -
1980. This paperweight features an unusual blue and red pansy
with two buds, stems, seven striped green leaves, and five smaller
striped sepals around the flower. The pansy flower has two
blue and white upper petals and three variegated red lower petals
with a yellow tuft center. The ground is clear glass.
The paperweight is signed at the base of the stem with the conjoined
"DT" Tarsitano signature cane used by both Delmo and Debbie
Tarsitano from about 1978 to 1980. It is faceted with a large
top facet and five side facets. A fantastic paperweight. Debbie Tarsitano has been making wonderful paperweights since 1972, when she and her father Delmo Tarsitano set up a glass studio to explore a shared obsession with glass. While developing her glass artwork, Debbie earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts and an Associate Degree in Journalism from Hofstra University, Long Island, NY. Her work has evolved from simple floral paperweights in the 1970s to contemporary sculptural expressions. The results are powerful, fresh images encased in glass. Her florals are outstanding. A formally trained painter, her passions lie in creating work that goes beyond traditional glass, building a bridge to the greater world of art. She has collaborated with many internationally known glass artists, including Roland (Max) Erlacher, Ed Poore, Dino Rosin, Jiri Harcuba, and others. Debbie and Delmo Tarsitano shared the same signature cane, feeling that their work was individual and distinctive and collectors would have no difficulty distinguishing between their art. Although they did not date their work, the signature cane changed over time and provided approximate dates for the works. The cane in this paperweight was used from about 1978 until 1980. See Andrew Dohan's Dictionary of Paperweight Signature Canes for more information on the Tarsitano signature canes. Size: 2 5/8" diameter by just under 1 3/4"
high. The base is ground concave. It is faceted with
one larger top facet and five side facets. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large pictureSOLD. Added 3/20/2021 For more paperweights by contemporary American paperweight makers, see my Contemporary American Paperweights Web Page. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 1851 | Rare Large Vasart or Strathearn Paneled
Millefiori Paperweight Pin Dish. circa 1946-1969.
This pin dish features a paneled millefiori design with seven panels
with a 1-2 cane pattern separated by colored twists over an orange
ground. There is a ring of pink canes with blue centers in the
center of the design. The dish is heavy with thick walls and a
depressed center. An interesting historical addition to any
collection of Scottish paperweights, Ysart glass or millefiori
collectibles.
Items like this were made by the many of the Scottish paperweight companies (Ysart Brothers, Vasart Glass, Strathearn Glass, or even Perthshire Paperweights). Some of the products made by Vasart were also sold with a Pirelli label. It is important to note that most pin dishes started off as a paperweight. The maker found a defect or problem and rather than stop, turned it into a pin dish. The birth of Scottish paperweight making is credited to the glass making family of Salvador Ysart, who moved to Crieff, Scotland in 1922. They worked first at John Moncrieff Ltd and made the earliest Scottish paperweights during that period. In 1946 Salvadore and his sons Augustine and Vincent founded Ysart Brothers Glass and produced glass wares under the Vasart label. Salvador Ysart died in 1955 The company name was later changed to Vasart Glass. Strathearn Glass was formed in a reorganization of Vasart glass in 1963. The new company was owned by Teachers Whiskey. Large Size: 3 7/8” diameter by 1 5/8” high.
The center well is 2 13/16" diameter. The base is fire
polished and the pontil mark is ground down. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$125 postage paid in the US. Added 3/20/2021 For more information about paperweights made by Scottish makers, see my Scottish Paperweights Web Page Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 4027 | Magnum Joe St. Clair Greentown Colors
Icepick Flower Paperweight. circa 1960-1970. This
very large paperweight features five beige and white ice-pick
flowers over an amber ground. As is typical of this style,
there is a carefully placed bubble in the center of each flower and
also a carefully placed bubble in the ground in between each
flower. There is a layer of controlled bubbles surrounding the
design. This paperweight comes with the original two by four
inch Joe St. Clair information insert. It is hot stamped "JOE
ST CLAIR" on the bottom. A very flashy paperweight. This style of flower is called an ice-pick flower because of the ice-pick like tool used to push each flower down to the ground to form a stem. Note: In the 1960s the St. Clairs started making replicas of pressed items previously associated with the Indiana Tumbler and Goblet Company in Greentown, Indiana. These items were made in the Greentown colors of brown, amber, and caramel and often included fragments of glass dug up at the Greentown site. The colors came to be known as Greentown colors. The St. Clair line (as far as paperweights are concerned) started with John "Pop" St. Clair, Sr. who worked at the George MacBeth Glass Works in Elwood from around 1903 to 1938. Local natural gas production faltered in 1938 and the St. Clairs began to develop their ideas for a new business of their own. Joe St. Clair (1909 - 1987) did the original experimentation and the business was formally started in 1941 in Elwood, Indiana. John, Sr. and the brothers John, Jr., Joe, Ed and Bob all participated, while another brother, Paul, did not at first. By 1944 St. Clair paperweights were being sold through Georg Jensen on Fifth Avenue in New York. Joe retired (the first time) in 1971 and sold the factory to new owners in Elwood, Indiana. About the same time, Bob St. Clair and his wife Maude opened a new factory in Elwood. Paul St. Clair retired from General Motors and joined Bob, along with Ed St. Clair and a nephew, Joe Rice. Sometime later after Bob opened his factory, the new owners of the original factory sold the factory back to Joe. So, for a while, there were two St. Clair Glass factories. Bob St. Clair died in 1986. Joe St. Clair died in 1987. Ed St. Clair died in 1989 and the last brother, Paul St. Clair died in 2000. Very Large Size: Just under 3 1/4" diameter by just
under 3 1/2" high. It weighs just under two pounds.
The base is finished flat and hot stamped in the center with the
signature. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$125 postage paid in the US. Added 3/20/2021 For more information about paperweights made by the St. Clair factory, see my St. Clair Paperweights Web Page Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 4024 | Small Colorful Murano Hand Cooler or Egg
Shaped Millefiori Paperweight. circa 1960-1980.
Colorful Murano hand cooler or egg shaped paperweight with a surface
covered with multi-colored millefiori canes. The surface is
textured rather than smooth. It has a shiny finish. The
underlying ground is looks dark, but is actually clear glass.
The canes were pulled together at the top. A fun
paperweight.
The technique used to produce this surface is sometimes called a cane roll-up. The Murano firms of Fratelli Toso and Barovier & Toso produced objects with this technique, but the paperweight is unsigned and can only be said to be in the style of Fratelli Toso. This paperweight was made on the island of Murano in Venice, Italy. Venetian glass making dates back centuries and the Venetians are given credit for the earliest millefiori canes and paperweights in 1840s. More recently, paperweight making was revived in the 1930s and again in the 1960s. Size: 2" diameter by 2 15/16" high. The bottom is
ground flat. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$69 postage paid in the US. Added 3/18/2021 For more information about Murano paperweights, see my Murano Paperweights Web Page . Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 5219 | Early Ray Banford Fancy Faceted Red Rose
Paperweight. circa 1975 - 1977. This small
paperweight has a wonderful many petaled variegated red rose with
seven green leaves and a stem. It is signed near the stem with
an early Ray Banford signature cane having a blue "B" on a white
background. The design is set over an opaque white
ground. This paperweight has a fancy cut with a large top
facet and seven deep long oval facets similar to that found on
Gillinder antique paperweights. A wonderful three dimensional
design from this skilled artist. Note: The glass contains many tiny bubbles, a characteristic of the Conlan crystal used by Ray and Bob Banford from 1973-1977. The paperweight displays beautifully, but the magnification of today's digital cameras show even the smallest defect. Ray Banford worked in Southampton,
NJ. He started making paperweights in 1971 along with his
son, Bob Banford. He continued to make paperweights until
his death in 2003. Bob and Ray did not date their
paperweights. Both father and son started using signature
canes in 1975. According to Andrew Dohan's Dictionary
of Paperweight Signature Canes, "In the early years, Ray
Banford used many different color combinations of a “B”
signature cane." The signature cane used here, a
blue “B” in a white background is referenced as Ray
Banford-3 and was used during the period 1975-1979.
Starting in 1980, Ray started a signature cane with a black B
and continued to use that cane until he died in 2003. Small size: 2 1/4" diameter by 1 13/16" high.
The base is ground flat. This paperweight has a fancy cut
with a large top facet and seven deep long oval facets similar to
that found on Gillinder antique paperweights. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$345 postage paid in the US. Added 3/17/2021 For more paperweights by contemporary American paperweight makers, see my Contemporary American Paperweights Web Page. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 2159 | Peter McDougall Millefiori Pin or Candy
Dish with Complex Canes on White Lace. circa 2004.
Colorful pin dish or candy dish with a two ring concentric
design with complex millefiori canes on a white lace or upset muslin
ground. There are seventeen complex canes, all of which appear
to be different. It is signed with a paper label "PMcD Glass
Studio LTD, Handmade in Crieff Scotland" on the base. This is
especially nice. Scottish makers have a history of making candy dishes and other shapes out of paperweights when they realize that the product is flawed in some way. I suspect that some are also made to order. Peter McDougall started his glassmaking career as an apprentice at Strathearn Glass in Crieff, Scotland back in the 1960s. When Perthshire was formed in 1968, he left Strathearn to move to Perthshire and worked there in many positions, eventually becoming Manager and Chief Glassmaker. Perthshire Paperweights closed early in 2002 after the death of the owner Neil Drysdale. Peter McDougall then made high quality glass paperweights at his own glass studio, PMcD Glass Studio Ltd. in Crieff, Scotland from 2002 until early 2012. The studio is now closed but Peter plans to continue to make a limited number of paperweights in the future. Large Size: Just under 3 7/8" diameter by just over
1 3/4" high. The base is ground concave. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large pictureSOLD. Added 3/16/2021 For more information about paperweights made by Peter McDougall, see my Peter McDougall Web Page . Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 4356 | William Manson Phoenix Paperweights
Limited Edition FP14 Paneled Millefiori Paperweight. Dated
2003. This paperweight has a paneled millefiori design
with twelve panels of 1 - 2 millefiori in each panel. The
panels are separated by black and white twist canes. In the
center is a large closepack design of millefiori canes. The
entire design is set on glittery translucent green ground. The
paperweight was issued in a limited edition of 75 paperweights of
which this is number 51. It is signed and numbered "PHOENIX
2003 51/75" on the base (although a mistake was made and corrected
in engraving the 75). It also has a Phoenix
Paperweights "PP" signature cane set in the center of the
base. Perfect condition with certificate
(#51/75).
Phoenix Paperweights was a small company started by William Manson Sr. to engage three workers from Perthshire after Perthshire closed in January 2002. They only lasted a year and issued paperweights in 2002 and 2003 before closing in August 2003. Phoenix operated in the Manson works in Perth, Scotland. The glass workers were William Manson Sr., David McNichol (paperweight maker), Duncan Smith (lampworking), and Gordon Taylor (glass cutter). Some of the lampwork was also done by Rosette Fleming. The 2003 Phoenix catalog lists William Manson Paperweights as the distributor. Size: Just over 2 9/16" diameter by just
under 1 3/4" high. The base is ground flat with a concave center. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$195 postage paid in the US. Added 3/16/2021 For more information about paperweights made by Scottish makers, see my Scottish Paperweights Web Page Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 4650 | Early Debbie Tarsitano Three Tier Red
Flower with Buds Paperweight. undated circa 1978
- 1980. This paperweight features a three layer red flower
with upright yellow stamens. The flower with two buds and
striped green leaves are placed on a curved stem that follows the
curvature of the paperweight. The ground is clear glass.
The petals sparkle with gold aventurine - although it was hard to
capture this in the pictures. Signed at the base of the stem
with the conjoined "DT" Tarsitano signature cane used by both Delmo
and Debbie Tarsitano from about 1978 to 1980. A fantastic
paperweight.
Please ignore the glare from the lights. I had difficulty photographing this paperweight because of the high dome. Debbie Tarsitano has been making wonderful paperweights since 1972, when she and her father Delmo Tarsitano set up a glass studio to explore a shared obsession with glass. While developing her glass artwork, Debbie earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts and an Associate Degree in Journalism from Hofstra University, Long Island, NY. Her work has evolved from simple floral paperweights in the 1970s to contemporary sculptural expressions. The results are powerful, fresh images encased in glass. Her florals are outstanding. A formally trained painter, her passions lie in creating work that goes beyond traditional glass, building a bridge to the greater world of art. She has collaborated with many internationally known glass artists, including Roland (Max) Erlacher, Ed Poore, Dino Rosin, Jiri Harcuba, and others. Debbie and Delmo Tarsitano shared the same signature cane, feeling that their work was individual and distinctive and collectors would have no difficulty distinguishing between their art. Although they did not date their work, the signature cane changed over time and provided approximate dates for the works. The cane in this paperweight was used from about 1978 until 1980. See Andrew Dohan's Dictionary of Paperweight Signature Canes for more information on the Tarsitano signature canes. Size: 2 9/16" diameter by 2 3/16""
high. The base is ground concave. Very high
dome. I had difficulty photographing this paperweight
because of the high dome. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large pictureSOLD. Updated 3/16/2021 For more paperweights by contemporary American paperweight makers, see my Contemporary American Paperweights Web Page. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 4794 | Antique Bohemian Doorknob with Concentric
Millefiori Handle on clear ground. circa
1850-1900. This is an antique Bohemian doorknob with a
millefiori paperweight handle. The handle has two concentric
circles of complex canes around a complex two ring center star
cane. The entire design consists of complex canes, sometimes
complex canes inside complex canes. There is a large amber
cane that occurs in the very center and also five times in the inner
circle. Each cane has two rings of canes around a complex
cane. There is an outer ring of amber floret canes with white
centers. Inside is a ring of all white five pointed star canes
with outer rings of white. The center cane in this amber cane
is a complex cane made up of green and white star canes with a red
outer layer. Also in the inner circle are five large red and
white complex canes with star canes in the center and a red outer
layer. This same cane also occurs nine times in the outer row,
alternating with similar blue and white and green and white complex
canes. In all a complex design built from a variety of canes
with many star canes. The design is well centered, although
not perfectly and some canes are tipped or out of place. The
hardware portion is in good shape. There is no spindle.
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: The knob is 1 13/16" diameter by 2 1/8"
high. No spindle. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$175 postage paid in the US. Price reduced (was $275) Revised 3/11/2021 For more information about Bohemian paperweights, see my Bohemian Paperweights Web Page . Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 5280 | Chinese Concentric Millefiori
Paperweight with 1856 Date Cane. circa 1960 -
1990. This paperweight is a large two ring concentric
millefiori paperweight with an unusual large "1856" date cane.
The ground is clear glass. It is intended to replicate antique
American and French millefiori paperweights with date canes,
although none of the real antiques used the date 1856. Earlier
1930s Chinese paperweights sometimes had dates but they were painted
in black on white plaques, not canes. In this case, the 1856
date is a real cane - the number goes all the way through the glass
and can be see in reverse from the base. A fun collectible. Note: The condition is rated fair because of many light scratches, pinpricks, and abrasions on the surface. In spite of this, it displays well. Please review the pictures. Chinese Paperweights were made in the late 1920s and throughout the 1930s as an attempt to duplicate 19th Century antique weights made in the United States and France. In general, Chinese paperweights from the 1930s have a light weight glass mixture that is high in soda and has a greenish tinge. The glass also has a soft almost oily feel. Frequently they have bubbles or debris in the glass. And because of their age, many of these have minor scratches or other surface defects. Chinese paperweights made later usually have better quality glass and are free of debris. This paperweight probably dates from the 1960s or later. Size: Just under 2 5/8” diameter by 2 1/4"
high. The base is ground flat with a matte finish. As
is typical of modern Chinese paperweights, the base is not a
perfect circle. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$69 postage paid in the US. Added 3/10/2021 For more paperweights from China, see my Chinese Paperweights Web Page. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 4023 | Small Colorful Strathearn Paneled
Millefiori Paperweight. circa 1963-1968. This
attractive blue themed paperweight consists of a paneled millefiori
pattern with nine sections of 1 + 1 + 2 millefiori patterns each
separated by a white latticinio twist cane. The smallest canes
are visible only from the side. There is a central ring of six
yellow millefiori canes and then a center pink millefiori
cane. The canes are early Scottish millefiori canes on a
transparent blue ground. There is a tiny dimple on the top of
the dome (from the making). This is a great
example. A nice addition to any collection of Scottish
paperweights.
The birth of Scottish paperweight making is credited to the glass making family of Salvador Ysart, who moved to Crieff, Scotland in 1922. They worked first at John Moncrieff Ltd and made the earliest Scottish paperweights during that period. In 1946 Salvadore and his sons Augustine and Vincent founded Ysart Brothers Glass and produced glass wares under the Vasart label. Salvador Ysart died in 1955 The company name was later changed to Vasart Glass. Strathearn Glass was formed in a reorganization of Vasart glass in 1963. The new company was owned by Teachers Whiskey. The company is no longer in existence. Small to medium size: 2 5/16” diameter by
just over 1 13/16” high. The base is fire polished and
ground concave in the center. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$59 postage paid in the US. Added 3/9/2021 For more information about paperweights made by Scottish makers, see my Scottish Paperweights Web Page Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 5276 | Very Early Francis Whittemore Miniature
White Millefiori Flower with Leaf and Blue Bud on a Pink Ground
Paperweight. circa 1962 - 1969. This very early
paperweight by Francis Whittemore features a five petal white flower
constructed from millefiori canes, a blue twist bud, and one green
leaf and stem. It is signed in the design with an early
Whittemore signature cane. The cane has a black "W" on a
yellow background. The design is placed on a powdery pink
ground which penetrates the clear encasement at the edges.
This is an important early example of Francis Whittemore's
work and worthy of any collection of Whittemore paperweights. Note: This paperweight is almost the same as the examples offered in Larry Selman's first two editions of "CATALOGUE OF COLLECTORS' PAPERWEIGHTS". See the 1970 Catalog (robins egg blue cover) or the 1971 Catalog (olive green cover). Note on execution: The pictures of the edge of the base show that Whittemore had not yet mastered the encasement of the pink ground. He must have used a frit powder for the pink ground and you can see a splatter of the powder into the clear encasement. Francis Dyer Whittemore, Jr. is considered one of the pioneers of the modern paperweight renaissance. He started working in glass in 1938, but did not start making paperweights until 1962. His studio was in Lansdale, Pennsylvania. Like many other early glass artists, Francis started his career as a scientific glass blower and then later taught glass as an instructor. For five years, he spent one month a year consulting at Baccarat to help them refine their lampwork paperweight art. Some sources have this consulting work from 1971 to 1976. Other sources have it starting later. The signature cane used on this paperweight was one he developed prior to working at Baccarat. Most of his paperweights are miniature to medium in size. You can read about Francis Whittemore in the book American Glass Paperweights and Their Makers by Jean Melvin (1970). Size: 2 3/8" diameter by 1 1/16" high. This paperweight has a very low profile. The bottom is ground concave.Signature: Signed in the design with an early Whittemore signature cane. The cane has a black "W" on a yellow background. Condition: Excellent condition. No chips, cracks, or scratches found on inspection. There is a flaw in the encasement process where the pink powder lifted into the clear encasement (see pictures). This is not damage - rather it shows how every artist encounters challenges when learning a new medium. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$165 postage paid in the US. Added 3/6/2021 For more paperweights by contemporary American paperweight
makers, see my Contemporary
American Paperweights Web Page. (dl-ca-va) |
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| 4319 | Caithness Kingfisher 1984 Limited Edition
Paperweight - Alexandrite or Neodymium Glass. circa
1984. This paperweight features a stately looking Kingfisher
resting on a branch with blue water below. The design is three
dimensional with a lampwork bird and green foliage on two
levels. The paperweight was designed by William Manson and
issued in a limited edition of 250 paperweights, of which this
example is number 192. It is signed with an engraved script
signature on the base "Kingfisher Caithness Scotland 192/250".
The ground changes color depending on the kind of light you are
using. It is a light lavender or reddish purple in sunlight or
with newer LED lighting, but turns blue under incandescent
light. This type of glass is called Alexandrite or Neodymium
Glass. It is caused by the addition of neodymium oxide to the
glass melt. A large paperweight with great color and
depth. This design is listed and designated CT-383 on page 63 of the Charlton Standard Catalog of Caithness Paperweights. It was designed in 1984 by William Manson and issued in a limited edition of 250 paperweights. Of these, all were made. The original issue price in the US was $265. Caithness Glass was founded by Robin Sinclair in Wick in north eastern Scotland in 1961. The factory did not start making paperweights until 1962 when Paul Ysart joined Caithness. Colin Terris joined Caithness in 1968 and started the modern line of paperweights in 1969. A second factory was opened in Oban in 1969 and the Perth factory opened in 1979. In 1980, Caithness purchased the Whitefriars name and designs. More recently Caithness recently went through a number of changes of ownership. After going into receivership in 2004, it was purchased by Edinburgh Crystal, but went into receivership again in 2006. Finally, it was bought out of receivership by Dartington Crystal. The factories in Wick, Oban and Perth all closed and were replaced by a smaller operation and visitors' center in Crieff. William Manson, Snr. started his glass working career at Caithness Glass at the age of 15 in the 1960s. He apprenticed with Paul Ysart. Manson left Caithness in 1971 to work at Ysart's Harland Glass and rejoined Caithness several years later in 1974. He was at Caithness on and off between 1974 and 1997. During this period he also had a small studio at home. In 1997 he left for good to form his own studio William Manson Paperweights. After Perthshire closed in January 2002, William Manson Sr. started Phoenix Paperweights to engage three workers from Perthshire. They only lasted a year and issued paperweights in 2002 and 2003 before closing in August 2003. Phoenix operated in the Manson works in Perth, Scotland. For a brief period (2004-2006), William Manson, Sr. made collaborative paperweights with John Deacons. Very Large Size: 3 1/8" diameter by 2 1/2"
high. The base is ground flat. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large pictureSOLD. Added 3/5/2021 For more information about paperweights made by Scottish makers, see my Scottish Paperweights Web Page Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 4257 | John Deacons Large Concentric Millefiori
Paperweight with Thistle Cane. circa 2000-2010.
This paperweight consists six concentric circles of millefiori
around John Deacon's complex thistle signature cane in the center
over an almost opaque lime green ground. It also has a
slightly worn "HANDMADE IN SCOTLAND by John Deacons" label on the
base. A great example of John Deacons precision work. John Deacons learned his craft at Strathearn Glass in Crieff, Scotland in 1967. When Perthshire was formed in 1968, he left Strathearn to move to Perthshire and worked there for 10 years before leaving in 1978 to start his own glass studio. He has produced paperweights and other glass objects under a variety of labels, including J Glass (or sometimes Jay Glass), St. Kilda, and now under his own name. Some of the lines were produced simultaneously. J Glass was produced from 1978 to 1983. The St. Kilda line was produced from 1978 or 1979 through 1987. You can read about John Deacons in the book by Hall - Scottish Paperweights. Large size: Just under 2 7/8" diameter by 2 1/4"
high. The base is ground concave. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$135 postage paid in the US. Added 3/4/2021 For more information about paperweights made by Scottish makers, see my Scottish Paperweights Web Page Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 5223 | D'Albret 1975 Double Overlay
Sulphide Paperweight of Charles Lindbergh. dated
1975. This modern sulphide paperweight features a large three
dimensional figure of the Charles Augustus Lindbergh. The
sulphide figure was designed by Gilbert Poillerat. It has a
light blue and white overlay with a clear glass ground and a fancy
cut cog edged footed base. This paperweight is faceted with
one large top facet and six side facets. Only 170 copies were
made with an overlay. It is signed on the front edge of the
sulphide "C A LINDBERGH GP 75". It is also etch signed in the
center of the base "CR. D'ALBRET - FRANCE". The paperweight
comes with its original Paul Jokelson blue box marked "CHARLES A.
LINDBERGH by G. POILLERAT CRISTAL D'ALBRET FRANCE P.J." A
great addition to any collection of historical sulphides. This paperweight was made in two formats for a total of 570 paperweights, including 170 blue and white overlays and 400 non-overlays. All of the non-overlay paperweights had a cobalt blue ground. Charles Augustus Lindbergh was an
American aviator, military officer, author, inventor, and
activist. At the age of 25 in 1927, he went from obscurity as a
U.S. Air Mail pilot to instantaneous world fame by making a
nonstop flight from New York City to Paris. (from Wikipedia) 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. Sometimes a sulphide will have a silvery appearance due to a thin layer of trapped bubbles between the glass and the sulphide itself. Cristalleries et Verreries de Vianne was
founded in 1918 with the reorganization and reestablishment of a
glassworks in the town of Vianne, France following World War
I. The company specialized in making lighting fixtures
when they were approached in 1967 by Paul Jokelson with a
proposal to make sulphide paperweights. They accepted
Jokelson's proposal and successfully made a variety of sulphide
paperweights under the label Cristal d'Albret.
Jokelson was the US distributor for most, if not all, of these
products. Large Size: 3 1/8" diameter by just under 1 15/16"
high. The clear base has a fancy cut with a concavity in the
center. The paperweight is faceted with one large top facet
and six side facets and is footed. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$145 postage paid in the US. Added 3/4/2021 For more information about sulphide paperweights, see my Sulphide Paperweights Web Page Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 5186 | Large Murano Closepacked Millefiori
Paperweight with Frit Ground. circa 1965 -
1975. Colorful Murano paperweight with a great assortment of
colorful cogged and complex millefiori canes set over a multicolored
frit ground. The glass is slightly yellow - this is
exaggerated in the pictures. There are a few faint scratches,
but the paperweight displays beautifully. A colorful addition
to any collection of millefiori paperweights.
This paperweight was made on the island of Murano in Venice, Italy. Venetian glass making dates back centuries and the Venetians are given credit for the earliest millefiori canes and paperweights in 1840s. More recently, paperweight making was revived in the 1930s and again in the 1960s. Large Size: 2 15/16" diameter by 2 7/16" high.
The base is ground flat. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$65 postage paid in the US. Added 3/1/2021 For more information about Murano paperweights, see my Murano Paperweights Web Page . Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 4312 | Early Large Caithness Peter Holmes Cascade
- Rainbow Two Layer Fountain Paperweight. circa
1975. This large egg shaped Caithness paperweight features a
wonderful two layer fountain design with a rainbow of colors.
The fountains "cascade" down to a black ground dusted with grey
frit. It is etched on the base "Caithness CASCADE
Scotland". There is also a two color "CG" signature cane
on the base. The glass has a grayish tinge. A beautiful
paperweight with great color. Note on condition: There is extensive scratching on the base including some rough areas on the edge of the base. I have rated the condition Good rather than Very Good because this is an abnormal amount of wear for a contemporary paperweight. The body of the paperweight is great and I found no chips, cracks or scratches on the body. The CASCADE - RAINBOW design is listed and designated CT-32 on page 11 of the Charlton Standard Catalog of Caithness Paperweights. It was designed in 1974 by Peter Holmes. The Charlton Standard Catalog lists two versions of CASCADE, CT-31 on page 10 with silver fountains and CASCADE - RAINBOW, CT-32 on page 11 with the rainbow of colors. Both started production in 1974, originally with a Peter Holmes "PH" signature cane and finished production with a Caithness Glass "CG" signature cane. It is possible the switch to "CG" was the result of Holmes planning to depart Caithness which happened in 1977. The paperweight offered here is clearly the Rainbow version. Caithness Glass was founded by Robin Sinclair in Wick in north eastern Scotland in 1961. The factory did not start making paperweights until 1962 when Paul Ysart joined Caithness. Colin Terris joined Caithness in 1968 and started the modern line of paperweights in 1969. A second factory was opened in Oban in 1969 and the Perth factory opened in 1979. In 1980, Caithness purchased the Whitefriars name and designs. More recently Caithness recently went through a number of changes of ownership. After going into receivership in 2004, it was purchased by Edinburgh Crystal, but went into receivership again in 2006. Finally, it was bought out of receivership by Dartington Crystal. The factories in Wick, Oban and Perth all closed and were replaced by a smaller operation and visitors' center in Crieff. Peter Holmes started his glass working career at Caithness Glass (Scotland) in 1963 as an apprentice to Paul Ysart. He continued at Caithness until 1977, when he and Ron Hutchinson left Caithness to start Selkirk Glass. Peter left Selkirk in 2002 to start Scottish Borders Art Glass with his son, Andrew, at Galalaw, Hawick. Very large size: 2 13/16" diameter by 4" high.
The base is ground flat. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$85 postage paid in the US. Added 2/28/2021 For more information about paperweights made by Scottish makers, see my Scottish Paperweights Web Page Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 4894 | Perthshire 1998 PP192A Faceted Butterfly
Limited Edition Paperweight. dated
1998. This faceted paperweight features a lampwork butterfly
with millefiori wings. The body of the butterfly is green with
a yellow head and black antennae. The design is set on an
opaque bright red ground. This paperweight is faceted with a
large top facet and six side facets. It is signed with
Perthshire's complex "P1998" signature cane on the base and also has
a very worn Perthshire paper label. The edition number "162"
is engraved on the base next to the signature cane. This
design was a limited edition made only in 1998. A nice crisp
design.
Perthshire was a small company in Crieff, Scotland that was devoted to the creation of quality glass paperweights. They stopped production in January 2002 after more than 30 years of production. Their paperweights were consistently high in quality and yet remained reasonable in price. The birth of Scottish paperweight making is
credited to the glass making family of Salvador Ysart, who moved
to Crieff, Scotland in 1922. They worked first at John
Moncrieff Ltd and made the earliest Scottish paperweights during
that period. In 1946 Salvadore and his sons Augustine and
Vincent founded Ysart Brothers Glass and produced glass wares
under the Vasart label. Salvador Ysart died in 1955.
The company name was later changed to Vasart Glass. Stuart
Drysdale was hired manage the business side of the enterprise in
1960. The company evolved into a new company Strathearn
owned by Teachers Whiskey. In 1967 Drysdale was sent a
magazine article on antique paperweights (Woman's Day, July
1965). This inspired him to try to produce weights
comparable to the French antiques. With this goal in mind,
he and several of the glass workers left Strathearn to found Perthshire
in 1968. Medium Size: 2 3/8" diameter by 1 9/16" high.
The base is ground concave. It is faceted with a large top
facet and six side facets. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large pictureSOLD. Added 2/27/2021 For more information about Perthshire Paperweights, see my Perthshire Web Page. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 5185 |
Large Joe St. Clair Icepick Flower Teapot Ring Holder Paperweight. circa 1960 - 1980. This teapot shaped figural paperweight is intended for use as a ring holder and is a very popular design. It has five light blue icepick flowers over a white chipped glass ground. As is typical of this style, there is a carefully placed bubble in the center of each flower and also a carefully placed bubble in the ground in between each pair of flowers. It is hot stamped "JOE ST CLAIR" on the bottom. A very flashy figural paperweight. This style of flower is called an icepick flower because of the ice-pick like tool used to push each flower down to the ground to form a stem.
The St. Clair line (as far as paperweights are concerned) started with John "Pop" St. Clair, Sr. who worked at the George MacBeth Glass Works in Elwood from around 1903 to 1938. Local natural gas production faltered in 1938 and the St. Clairs began to develop their ideas for a new business of their own. Joe St. Clair (1909 - 1987) did the original experimentation and the business was formally started in 1941 in Elwood, Indiana. John, Sr. and the brothers John, Jr., Joe, Ed and Bob all participated, while another brother, Paul, did not at first. By 1944 St. Clair paperweights were being sold through the Georg Jensen Shop on Fifth Avenue in New York. Joe retired (the first time) in 1971 and sold the factory to new owners in Elwood, Indiana. Sometime later, the new owners of the original factory sold the factory back to Joe. For a while, there were two St. Clair factories, one owned by Joe and the other owned by Bob St. Clair. Size: 4 7/8" wide by 4" high. The center
paperweight portion is 2 1/2" in diameter. The bottom is finished
flat and hot stamped in the center with the signature. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$59 postage paid in the US. Added 2/24/2021 For more information about paperweights made by the St. Clair factory, see my St. Clair Paperweights Web Page Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 2805 | Peter Holmes Selkirk 1985 Limited Edition
Floral Bouquet with Millefiori Garland Paperweight. dated
1985. This paperweight has a wonderful lampwork floral bouquet
surrounded by a millefiori garland. The bouquet consists of
six multicolored flowers each with its own leaves set on a bed of
larger leaves. It is number 147 out of a limited edition of
250 paperweights. The design is placed over a clear ground and
faceted with one large top facet and five side facets. It is
signed in script on the base "SELKIRK GLASS SCOTLAND 147/250 1985"
and there is also a Peter Holmes "PH" signature cane. A
colorful example from Selkirk Glass. Selkirk Glass founded in 1977 by Peter Holmes and Ron Hutchinson. Peter apprenticed under Paul Ysart at Caithness from 1963 and continued at Caithness until 1977. Ron Hutchinson was also at Caithness. Selkirk produced a wide range of paperweight styles including abstract, lampwork and millefiori paperweights. The company was located in Selkirk, Scotland in the Borders Region. At some point they were purchased by Edinburgh Crystal and remained in operation until 2006. . Peter Holmes started his glass working career at Caithness Glass (Scotland) in 1963 as an apprentice to Paul Ysart. He continued at Caithness until 1977, when he and Ron Hutchinson left Caithness to start Selkirk Glass. Peter left Selkirk in 2002 to start Scottish Borders Art Glass with his son, Andrew, at Galalaw, Hawick. Large size: 3" diameter by 2" high. The bottom is
ground concave. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$195 postage paid in the US. Added 2/23/2021 For more information about paperweights made by Scottish makers, see my Scottish Paperweights Web Page Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 842 | Magnum 1930s Chinese Scrambled Millefiori
Paperweight. circa 1930. This is an extra large
example of a 1930s scrambled millefiori paperweight from China
filled with a nice assortment of millefiori canes and twist
canes. This style was intended to be a copy of a French
scramble or end of day weight from 1845-1860 (probably St. Louis or
Clichy), but it will not fool today's collectors. This example
is scratch signed "CHINA" on the base. As
with most Chinese paperweights of this period, this paperweight
has a light weight glass mixture that is high in soda and has a
greenish tinge. The glass has a soft oily feel and there are many light scratches and scuff
marks. There are also striations (sugaring) in the
glass. An unusually large example worthy of any collection
of Chinese paperweights. Chinese Paperweights were made in the late 1920s and throughout the 1930s as an attempt to duplicate 19th Century antique weights made in the United States and France. Because they are almost 100 years old, they are very collectible and every collector should own a few of these as study pieces. The history of the early Chinese paperweights is mostly anecdotal as no written records have been discovered. The story is that an American dealer sent examples of paperweights made by the New England Glass Company (NEGC), Boston & Sandwich Glass Company (B&S), Millville makers, and French factories to a Chinese factory and requested copies be made. The results are interesting and sometimes confused with the originals by inexperienced collectors. The earliest pictures of these paperweights appeared in the book American Glass Paperweights by Francis Edgar Smith published in 1939. Smith was aware that at least one of the paperweights shown in his book was Chinese. Since Smith was not an expert collector, this indicates that there was some general knowledge that these were Chinese prior to 1939. In the United States, the Tariff Act of 1930 required that every imported item must be conspicuously and indelibly marked in English with its country of origin. As a result, many of these Chinese paperweights are scratch signed on the bottom "CHINA". Many are also not signed, suggesting that either they were imported prior to 1930 or the importer ignored the requirement. Most likely the earliest Chinese paperweights were made prior to 1930. The Chinese makers often combined design features found in paperweights from different makers. For example they copied the latticinio grounds used by New England Glass Company and used them with copies of Baccarat Pansy weights. The original Baccarat pansy paperweights never had a latticinio ground. They copied the pedestal rose from Millville and then used the pedestal bottom with other weights. It is fun to collect all the variations. In general, Chinese paperweights from the 1930s have a light weight glass mixture that is high in soda and has a greenish tinge. The glass also has a soft almost oily feel. Frequently they have bubbles or debris in the glass. And because of their age, many of these have minor scratches or other surface defects. Chinese paperweights made in the 1970s and later usually have better quality glass and are free of debris.
Very large size: Just under 3 7/16” diameter
by 2 7/16" high. The base is rough, fire finished, and
ground concave in the center. A remnant of the pontil scar
remains in the center. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$125 postage paid in the US. Added 2/23/2021 For more information about paperweights from China, see my Chinese Paperweights Web Page Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 4026 | Miniature Strathearn Eight Pointed Star
Concentric Millefiori Paperweight with Opaque Lime Green Ground.
circa 1963-1968. This miniature paperweight features a three
ring concentric millefiori design and is finished as a eight pointed
star. The ground is an opaque lime green. The star
points give the glass a glittery appearance. This paperweight
has a worn Strathearn paper label with a leaping salmon and
"STRATHEARN HAND MADE IN SCOTLAND" on the base. A great
addition to any collection of Scottish glass. This is called a pressed weight because a mold is used to form the shape. The top is flattened. The star points give the glass a real glittery appearance as you can see in the pictures. The birth of Scottish paperweight making is credited to the glass making family of Salvador Ysart, who moved to Crieff, Scotland in 1922. They worked first at John Moncrieff Ltd and made the earliest Scottish paperweights during that period. In 1946 Salvadore and his sons Augustine and Vincent founded Ysart Brothers Glass and produced glass wares under the Vasart label. Salvador Ysart died in 1955 The company name was later changed to Vasart Glass. Strathearn Glass was formed in a reorganization of Vasart glass in 1963. The new company was owned by Teachers Whiskey. Miniature size: 2 1/16” diameter by 1 1/8”
high. The base is fire polished. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$59 postage paid in the US. Added 2/22/2020 For more information about paperweights made by Scottish makers, see my Scottish Paperweights Web Page Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 2321 | Super Magnum Antique Bavarian / Bohemian
Trumpet Paperweight with Picture of Young Girl.
circa 1890-1930. This is a huge trumpet flower paperweight
with a picture of a young girl on top. The picture is printed
on a round, slightly oval, white enamel plaque placed just below the
surface of the dome. There is a large yellow trumpet flower
with red and white jasper pleated surround in the center and a rich
blue outer edging with five stems pushed down to the base.
Unfortunately a bubble formed under the girl's picture causing her
shoulder area to balloon. The base is ground flat with a matte
finish. A rare item. Von Brackel discusses similar paperweights in his book Paperweights - Historicism - Art Nouveau - Art Deco. He shows one example with a round picture on top on page 105, but his example is constructed differently. Still I believe this paperweight originated in either Bavaria or Bohemia. 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 or Germany. Another possibility is that the paperweight was made in the midwest US by glass workers who emigrated from the areas described above. It remains the only example I have seen with a round picture at the top of the paperweight. Most American photo paperweights have the picture on a flat enamel plaque with substantial clear glass above the picture. Very Large Size: 4" diameter by 3 13/16"
high. The bottom is ground flat with a matte finish.
The paperweight weighs 53 ounces (three pounds five ounces).
When boxed, it will weigh over four pounds. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$165 postage paid in the US. Added 2/21/2021 For more information about Bohemian paperweights, see my Bohemian Paperweights Web Page . Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 2836 | Selkirk 1996 Stylized Blue Flower
Paperweight. dated 1996. This paperweight has an
stylized or abstract blue floral design with five trumpet shaped
petals and a green center. Each of the trumpet shapes has an
elongated bubble in the center. The design is placed over a
translucent blue ground. It is signed in script on the base
"SELKIRK GLASS SCOTLAND 1996". It also has a worn paper label
"SELKIRK GLASS HANDMADE IN SCOTLAND". A colorful example
from Selkirk Glass. Selkirk Glass founded in 1977 by Peter Holmes and Ron Hutchinson. Peter apprenticed under Paul Ysart at Caithness from 1963 and continued at Caithness until 1977. Ron Hutchinson was also at Caithness. Selkirk produced a wide range of paperweight styles including abstract, lampwork and millefiori paperweights. The company was located in Selkirk, Scotland in the Borders Region. At some point they were purchased by Edinburgh Crystal and remained in operation until 2006. . Peter Holmes started his glass working career at Caithness Glass (Scotland) in 1963 as an apprentice to Paul Ysart. He continued at Caithness until 1977, when he and Ron Hutchinson left Caithness to start Selkirk Glass. Peter left Selkirk in 2002 to start Scottish Borders Art Glass with his son, Andrew, at Galalaw, Hawick. Large size: 2 13/16" diameter by 2 5/8" high. The
bottom is ground concave. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$95 postage paid in the US. Added 2/18/2021 For more information about paperweights made by Scottish makers, see my Scottish Paperweights Web Page Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 3436 | Robert Townsend Translucent Veiled Yellow
Abstract Faceted Paperweight. circa 1980s or
later. This distinctive paperweight with three top
facets has an abstract multi-layered veiled design of transparent
pale yellow and clear colored glass. The veiling technique
allows the glass to react to light and create a fluid, airy
effect. It is signed on the base "Robert Townsend", but it is
possible that I am reading the signature incorrectly. I show
the signature as it appears and then darkened to make it easier to
read. An interesting paperweight that shows considerable
skill. This paperweight has a translucent design was difficult to photograph. It has "veil" effect created by using a metallic powder in the glass. The veiling technique was first developed by Dominic Labino in the early 1970s. Later it was used by Harvey Littleton (1980), Ed Nesteruk (1982), Michael O'Keefe (1984), Robert Eickholt, Gilbert C. Johnson, and others. The paperweight is signed Robert Townsend, but I have been unable to learn anything about the artist. It is professionally executed and finished. I purchased the paperweight as part of a Massachusetts collection of quality paperweights. Size: Just over 2 7/8" diameter by just over 2 5/8"
high. The base is polished flat. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$69 postage paid in the US. Added 2/15/2021 For more paperweights by contemporary American paperweight makers, see my Contemporary American Paperweights Web Page. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 5265 | Francis Whittemore Miniature Yellow Pears
with Leaves and Seed Pod Paperweight. circa 1971 -
1980. This paperweight features two yellow pears along with
three green leaves, and a seed pod. It is signed in the design
with a fancy Whittemore "W" compound signature cane. The
signature cane is a white "W" on a blue background surrounded by a
ring of white stars. The design is placed on a translucent
green ground. Whittemore revisited this theme several times
during his career as a paperweight maker. A beautiful example. Note: This was a difficult paperweight to photograph. The highly reflective surface even picked up a reflection of my hand and my camera. If you need more pictures please let me know. Francis Dyer Whittemore, Jr. is considered one of the pioneers of the modern paperweight renaissance. He started working in glass in 1938, but did not start making paperweights until 1962. His studio was in Lansdale, Pennsylvania. Like many other early glass artists, Francis started his career as a scientific glass blower and then later taught glass as an instructor. For five years, he spent one month a year consulting at Baccarat to help them refine their lampwork paperweight art. Some sources have this consulting work from 1971 to 1976. Other sources have it starting later. The signature cane used on this paperweight was one he developed during the period that he was consulting at Baccarat. Most of his paperweights are miniature to medium in size. You can read about Francis Whittemore in the book American Glass Paperweights and Their Makers by Jean Melvin (1970). Miniature size: Just under 2 1/16" diameter
by 1 11/16" high. The bottom is ground concave. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$375 postage paid in the US. Added 2/14/2021 For more paperweights by contemporary American paperweight
makers, see my Contemporary
American Paperweights Web Page. (dl-ca-va) |
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| 2843 | Edinburgh Crystal Caithness 1986 Double
Trefoil "Ring of Roses"Millefiori Paperweight. circa
1986. This is a rare example made by Caithness Glass for
Edinburgh Crystal. It features a double trefoil design titled
"Ring of Roses" with green and pink millefiori and an Edinburgh "E"
signature cane in the center. The design is placed over a dark
purple almost opaque ground. Note: Most Edinburgh paperweights were also signed with an acid etch or sandblasted signature - this example is not. It is possible that this is an early prototype or even a second. The Ring of Roses design is shown in the 1986 Edinburgh Crystal Paperweights catalog as an unlimited issue paperweight. The 1986 catalog showed eight unlimited designs and twelve limited edition paperweights. Edinburgh Crystal originated as a glassworks in Scotland at Leith in 1664. The company had a long history as a glassworks, merging with and acquiring other companies, eventually becoming part of Webb Glass after World War I, although they retained the name Edinburgh and Leith Glassworks until 1955. In 1955, the name was changed to Edinburgh Crystal Glass Co. Edinburgh never made glass paperweights. Paperweights were made for Edinburgh by Caithness Glass in 1985 and 1986. Later production appears to have been outsourced to other countries. In 2004 Edinburgh Crystal purchased Caithness Glass out of receivership. Finances did not work out and Edinburgh ceased to exist in 2006 with Dartington Crystal acquiring some of the remaining assets. Caithness Glass was founded by Robin Sinclair in Wick in north eastern Scotland in 1961. The factory did not start making paperweights until 1962 when Paul Ysart joined Caithness. Colin Terris joined Caithness in 1968 and started the modern line of paperweights in 1969. A second factory was opened in Oban in 1969 and the Perth factory opened in 1979. In 1980, Caithness purchased the Whitefriars name and designs. More recently Caithness recently went through a number of changes of ownership. After going into receivership in 2004, it was purchased by Edinburgh Crystal, but went into receivership again in 2006. Finally, it was bought out of receivership by Dartington Crystal. The factories in Wick, Oban and Perth all closed and were replaced by a smaller operation and visitors' center in Crieff. Large Size: 2 7/8" diameter by just under 2 3/16"
high. The base is ground flat. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$75 postage paid in the US. Added 2/7/2021 For more information about paperweights made by Scottish makers, see my Scottish Paperweights Web Page Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 4744 | Large 1930s Chinese Close Packed Patterned
Millefiori Paperweight. circa 1930. This is a
large colorful Chinese close packed patterned millefiori paperweight
with a complex design made in the 1930s. It was intended to be
a copy of a French antique concentric paperweight from 1845-1860
(probably Baccarat or Clichy). The pattern mimics the typical
Baccarat pattern with a mix of concentric designs and roundels
forming a garland. This paperweight is unsigned. As with most Chinese paperweights, this
paperweight has a light weight glass mixture that is high in soda
and has a greenish tinge. The glass has a soft oily
feel. There are bubbles or debris in the glass. A welcome
addition to any collection of Chinese paperweights.
Chinese Paperweights were made in the late 1920s and throughout the 1930s as an attempt to duplicate 19th Century antique weights made in the United States and France. Because they are almost 100 years old, they are very collectible and every collector should own a few of these as study pieces. The history of the early Chinese paperweights is mostly anecdotal as no written records have been discovered. The story is that an American dealer sent examples of paperweights made by the New England Glass Company (NEGC), Boston & Sandwich Glass Company (B&S), Millville makers, and French factories to a Chinese factory and requested copies be made. The results are interesting and sometimes confused with the originals by inexperienced collectors. The earliest pictures of these paperweights appeared in the book American Glass Paperweights by Francis Edgar Smith published in 1939. Smith was aware that at least one of the paperweights shown in his book was Chinese. Since Smith was not an expert collector, this indicates that there was some general knowledge that these were Chinese prior to 1939. In the United States, the Tariff Act of 1930 required that every imported item must be conspicuously and indelibly marked in English with its country of origin. As a result, many of these Chinese paperweights are scratch signed on the bottom "CHINA". Many are also not signed, suggesting that either they were imported prior to 1930 or the importer ignored the requirement. Most likely the earliest Chinese paperweights were made prior to 1930. The Chinese makers often combined design features found in paperweights from different makers. For example they copied the latticinio grounds used by New England Glass Company and used them with copies of Baccarat Pansy weights. The original Baccarat pansy paperweights never had a latticinio ground. They copied the pedestal rose from Millville and then used the pedestal bottom with other weights. It is fun to collect all the variations. In general, Chinese paperweights from this period have a light weight glass mixture that is high in soda and has a greenish tinge. The glass also has a soft almost oily feel. Frequently they have bubbles or debris in the glass. And because of their age, many of these have minor scratches or other surface defects. Very large size: Just under 3 1/16” diameter by 1
9/16" high. The base is fire finished and the center
of the base is ground. The profile is relatively low, as is
typical of Chinese paperweights from this period. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$95 postage paid in the US. Added 1/5/2021 For more information about paperweights from China, see my Chinese Paperweights Web Page Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 4856 | Baccarat 1976 Gridel Series Magnum
Millefiori White Monkey Limited Edition Paperweight. dated
1976. This modern millefiori paperweight features a large
central Gridel white monkey silhouette on a black background
surrounded by a ring of white canes. The white monkey cane is
set in the center of a paneled pattern with six panels of blue and
green millefiori and surrounded by a ring of identical green
canes. The panels are divided by rays of smaller Gridel canes
plus Baccarat's complex signature / date cane "B 1976". Each
ray contains three Gridel canes, with the exception of one ray which
contains two Gridel canes plus the signature / date cane. The
design is set on a translucent white ground. This design was
released in 1976 in a limited edition of 350 pieces. This is
number 186 in that edition. This paperweight is also signed on
the base with an acid etched Baccarat mark along with the year
(1976) and edition number (186). A fantastic
paperweight. In 1846 Baccarat introduced the popular Gridel figures in their closepack millefiori paperweights. It was named after Emil Gridel, the nephew of Jean-Baptiste Toussaint the general manager of Baccarat. Toussaint saw Gridel making paper cutouts of animals and saw an opportunity to incorporate these silhouettes in millefiori paperweights. From 1971 to 1979 Baccarat issued a modern Gridel series of millefiori paperweights based on eighteen Gridel figures. Each paperweight has a large Gridel figure in the center with smaller versions of the other figures included in the design. There are variations in orientation and color as well as the types of canes in each design and it is possible to amass a very large collection covering just this series. Very Large Size: Just under 3 7/16" diameter by
just under 2 5/16" high. The base is ground flat. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$395 postage paid in the US. Added 1/30/2021. For more information about Baccarat paperweights, see my Baccarat Paperweights Web Page Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 2544 | 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. A colorful example that you will
keep on your desk and use as - a paperweight. Large Size: 2 3/4" diameter by 2 1/16" high. The
bottom is ground concave with a pontil scar remaining. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$95 postage paid in the US. Added 1/29/2021 For more information about antique paperweights see my Antique Paperweights Web Page. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 3405 | Baccarat Modern Four Row Open Concentric
Millefiori Paperweight. Circa 1958 - 1965.
This paperweight has an open concentric design with four rows of
pastel colored millefiori around a central complex cane. It is
signed with an etched Baccarat logo on the base. The
paperweight contains examples of early Baccarat complex millefiori
and dates from the first years of Baccarat modern millefiori
production. 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.
Baccarat started making modern millefiori paperweights in 1957. According to Paul Dunlop ( Baccarat Paperweights: Two Centuries of Beauty ), Baccarat started making the modern spaced millefiori paperweights on muslin or lace in 1958 and continued making undated examples until the limited editions were started in 1970. The exception is 1964 when special versions were produced for Baccarat's 200th anniversary. Medium Size: Just over 2 1/2” diameter by 2”
high. Bottom is ground flat. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$165 postage paid in the US. Added 1/27/2021 For more information about Baccarat paperweights, see my Baccarat Paperweights Web Page. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 5376 | Francis Whittemore Limited Edition
Mistletoe and White Berries with Two Bells Paperweight.
circa 1965 - 1975. This paperweight features an innovative
presentation of a bunch of mistletoe and white berries with two
three-dimensional pink bells. Each bell has a Whittemore black
on yellow "W" signature cane as a clapper. The design is
placed on a translucent blue ground. It is part of a limited
edition of 100 paperweights and is engraved "54" on the base.
I don't have the original limited edition certificate. A
beautiful example. Note: There is a small rough area on the edge of the base. I don't think this is damage, but rather an area left unpolished when the paperweight was made. Today's cameras pick up the smallest defect. Francis Dyer Whittemore, Jr. is considered one of the pioneers of the modern paperweight renaissance. He started working in glass in 1938, but did not start making paperweights until 1962. His studio was in Lansdale, Pennsylvania. Like many other early glass artists, Francis started his career as a scientific glass blower and then later taught glass as an instructor. For five years, he spent one month a year consulting at Baccarat to help them refine their lampwork paperweight art. Some sources have this consulting work from 1971 to 1976. Other sources have it starting later. The signature cane used on this paperweight was one he developed prior to working at Baccarat. Most of his paperweights are miniature to medium in size. You can read about Francis Whittemore in the book American Glass Paperweights and Their Makers by Jean Melvin (1970). Size: 2 3/8" diameter by 1 15/16" high. The bottom
is ground concave but a small area was left unpolished (see
picture) For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$375 postage paid in the US. Added 1/27/2021 For more paperweights by contemporary American paperweight
makers, see my Contemporary
American Paperweights Web Page. (dl-ca-va) |
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| 2863 | Early Selkirk 1980 Poinsettia
Paperweight. dated 1980. This paperweight has a
pale green five petal poinsettia on a translucent cobalt blue
ground. The flower has five dark green sepals and a pink and
white millefiori cane in the center. It is signed in script on
the base "SELKIRK GLASS SCOTLAND 1980". It also has a worn
paper label "SELKIRK GLASS HANDMADE IN SCOTLAND". An
colorful early example from Selkirk Glass. Selkirk Glass founded in 1977 by Peter Holmes and Ron Hutchinson. Peter apprenticed under Paul Ysart at Caithness from 1963 and continued at Caithness until 1977. Ron Hutchinson was also at Caithness. Selkirk produced a wide range of paperweight styles including abstract, lampwork and millefiori paperweights. The company was located in Selkirk, Scotland in the Borders Region. At some point they were purchased by Edinburgh Crystal and remained in operation until 2006. . Peter Holmes started his glass working career at Caithness Glass (Scotland) in 1963 as an apprentice to Paul Ysart. He continued at Caithness until 1977, when he and Ron Hutchinson left Caithness to start Selkirk Glass. Peter left Selkirk in 2002 to start Scottish Borders Art Glass with his son, Andrew, at Galalaw, Hawick. Small size: 2 5/16" diameter by 1 5/8" high. The
bottom is ground flat. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$90 postage paid in the US. Added 1/25/2021 For more information about paperweights made by Scottish makers, see my Scottish Paperweights Web Page Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 5383 | Rare Harold J. Hacker Snake
Paperweight. circa 1966 - 1980. This
wonderful Harold Hacker lampwork snake paperweight. The long
brown snake with two white eyes and a long slender tongue has a
yellow stripe down its back. It blends perfectly with the
copper colored frit ground. It is engraved "HJH" on the
base. A very similar example is shown on page 172 of Melvin's
book American Glass Paperweights and their Makers (Revised
1970). A desirable example of Hacker's work. Harold James Hacker (1906 - 1989)
was born in Weston, West Virginia and, at the age of thirteen,
took a job at the Weston Glass Plant. Later he worked at
the West Virginia Specialty Glass Company and learned some of
the rudiments of blowing glass. In 1936 he moved to
California and worked at the Technical Glass Company in Los
Angeles. After service in the armed services during world
war II, he obtained a concession at the Knott's Berry Farm
making miniature glass objects, built on a hobby of lampworking
that started back in West Virginia. In 1966 Hacker and a
friend from West Virginia, A. F. Carpenter, started
experimenting with glass paperweights at a small studio near
Hacker's home in Buena Park, CA. In the beginning they
made more traditional lampwork floral arrangements and
millefiori paperweights, but then focused on lampwork snakes,
reptiles, turtles, and other animals. Their output was low
and, even with two helpers, never exceeded 200 paperweights a
year. All were signed with variations of Hacker's
signature, "Hacker", "Harold Hacker", "Harold J Hacker", or just
the initials "HJH". It is not possible to specifically
identify which lampwork animals were made by A. F. Carpenter,
but it is believed that Carpenter was the better lampwork artist
and Hacker did some of the simpler designs. Hacker also
did the encasement. Their work was considered good enough
to earn an entry in Dunlop's Dictionary of Glass
Paperweights. Both men are included in Jean Melvin's
book American Glass Paperweights and their Makers (revised
edition 1970) and Hacker has a page in Larry Selman's
All About Paperweights. Harold Hacker wrote
an article "The Art of Paperweights" for the 1968 Annual
Bulletin of the Paperweight Collectors' Association. Size: 2 3/4" diameter by 1 1/16" high. The
base is ground flat. Note the low profile. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$165 postage paid in the US. Added 1/22/2021 For more paperweights by contemporary American paperweight makers, see my Contemporary American Paperweights Web Page. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 5379 | Antique Belgian or Bohemian Doorknob with
Miniature Concentric Millefiori Paperweight Handle. circa
1850-1900. This is an antique doorknob with a
concentric millefiori paperweight handle. The handle has
bright translucent colors on a clear ground. It has two
concentric circles of complex canes around a complex center
cane. The theme colors are orange, lilac, turquoise, and green
and the canes are various combinations of six pointed star
canes. The outer circle of canes alternate between orange and
lilac complex canes. The inner circle of canes alternate
between green and turquoise complex canes. There is a larger
orange complex cane in the center. 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 holes for a cross pin to
anchor the spindle. There is no spindle. The design is
well centered and a wonder to study. Note on condition: This paperweight knob has a fracture in the stem (and possibly a repair), but seems solid and unlikely to crack further. There is light wear at the widest part of the handle visible in the pictures. 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 Europe. 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: The knob is 1 13/16" diameter by 1 15/16"
long including the hardware. No spindle. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$165 postage paid in the US. Added 1/19/2021 For more information about Bohemian paperweights, see my Bohemian
Paperweights
Web Page
.
(dl-boh-ant) Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 4881 | Perthshire Annual Collection 1994F Limited
Edition Fruit Bouquet Paperweight.
dated 1994. This large faceted paperweight features a
fruit bouquet with two oranges, two bunches of purple grapes, a
pear, a lemon, and six cherries arranged on a bed of leaves.
The design is placed over a clear ground. The paperweight is
faceted with a large top facet and eighteen side facets in three
rows. The base is finished with what Perthshire called a
feather cutting. It is signed with an engraved "P" on the base
near the edge of the feather cutting. This paperweight was
made in a limited edition of 300 paperweights of which 266 were
made. There is no paper label on this paperweight and I do not
have the original certificate. A nice crisp design with
Perthshire's version of the antique fruit paperweights. Perthshire made this paperweight as one of their annual collection items for 1994. This means the design was made only that one year and never again. There were eight annual collection designs in 1994, designated A through G plus one that is not given a letter. The annual collection paperweights are the most desirable of the Perthshire line, with the exception of one of one items. Perthshire was a small company in Crieff, Scotland that was devoted to the creation of quality glass paperweights. They stopped production in January 2002 after more than 30 years of production. Their paperweights were consistently high in quality and yet remained reasonable in price. The birth of Scottish paperweight making is
credited to the glass making family of Salvador Ysart, who moved
to Crieff, Scotland in 1922. They worked first at John
Moncrieff Ltd and made the earliest Scottish paperweights during
that period. In 1946 Salvadore and his sons Augustine and
Vincent founded Ysart Brothers Glass and produced glass wares
under the Vasart label. Salvador Ysart died in 1955.
The company name was later changed to Vasart Glass. Stuart
Drysdale was hired manage the business side of the enterprise in
1960. The company evolved into a new company Strathearn
owned by Teachers Whiskey. In 1967 Drysdale was sent a
magazine article on antique paperweights (Woman's Day, July
1965). This inspired him to try to produce weights
comparable to the French antiques. With this goal in mind,
he and several of the glass workers left Strathearn to found Perthshire
in 1968. Large Size: Just under 2 3/4" diameter by 2
1/4" high. The bottom is ground concave and finished with a
feather cutting. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$495 postage paid in the US. Added 1/18/2021 For more information about Perthshire Paperweights, see my Perthshire Web Page. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 600 | Early Mark Matthews 1981 Experimental
Spiral Paperweight. dated 1981. This is an early
Mark Matthews Translucent Swirl Paperweight. It features a
precise gold swirl applied to a dark brown or dark red
surface. It was made in 1981 before Mark started his studio in
1985, so it may have been made during his student days. I have
labeled this as an experimental piece because there are many surface
"flaws". These flaws don't appear to be damage but rather the
result of an unfinished or experimental process. Marble
collectors are familiar with this amazing artist but he made
relatively few paperweights. His focus is spheres and some of
them sell for thousands of dollars. This is a chance to own an
early Mark Matthews work. Mark Matthews started working in glass in 1974 while he was still an undergraduate at glorious Kent State University and continued his studies at Ohio University, receiving an MFA. Since 1985 he as worked full time in glass as an independent glass artist with his studio located within the Sauder Village in Archbold, Ohio. Matthews has become internationally recognized for his mastery of the glass sphere. His stated goal is to explore the ways radically different designs and techniques can be used within a well-defined category such as spheres. Mark Matthews work has been published in many books and is held in museums such as the Victoria & Albert Museum in London, England, the Corning Museum of Glass in New York, the Toledo Museum of Art in Ohio and the National Museum of American Art, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C. Large Size: Just under 3 1/16" diameter by 2 7/16"
high. The base is unfinished with a broken pontil
scar. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$395 postage paid in the US. Added 1/17/2021 For more paperweights by contemporary American paperweight makers, see my Contemporary American Paperweights Web Page. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 2951 | John Deacons J Glass Millefiori Butterfly
Paperweight. circa 1978-1983. This
paperweight features a delightful millefiori buterfly placed on an
opaque black ground. The wings of the butterfly are formed
from stretched millefiori canes and each wing is surrounded by a
millefiori garland. The body and antennae are dark green
lampwork. It is signed with a complex J Glass "J" signature
cane below the butterfly. A great example of John Deacons work
during the J Glass period. Note: The color of the butterfly body and antennae are darker in the pictures than in actuality. The birth of Scottish paperweight making is credited to the glass making family of Salvador Ysart, who moved to Crieff, Scotland in 1922. They worked first at John Moncrieff Ltd and made the earliest Scottish paperweights during that period. In 1946 Salvadore and his sons Augustine and Vincent founded Ysart Brothers Glass and produced glass wares under the Vasart label. Salvador Ysart died in 1955 The company name was later changed to Vasart Glass. Strathearn Glass was formed in a reorganization of Vasart glass in 1963. John Deacons learned his craft at Strathearn Glass in Crieff, Scotland in 1967. When Perthshire was formed in 1968, he left Strathearn to move to Perthshire and worked there for 10 years before leaving in 1978 to start his own glass studio. He has produced paperweights and other glass objects under a variety of labels, including J Glass, St. Kilda, and now under his own name. Some of the lines were produced simultaneously. J Glass was produced from 1978 to 1983. When John Deacons left Perthshire in 1978 to set up J Glass, Allan Scott and Harry McKay followed John to J Glass. They stayed at J Glass until it closed in March 1983. The St. Kilda line was produced from 1978 or 1979 through 1987. You can read about John Deacons in the book by Hall - Scottish Paperweights. Small size: 2 1/4" diameter by just under 1 11/16"
high. The bottom is ground concave. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$165 postage paid in the US. Added 1/16/2021 For more information about paperweights made by Scottish makers, see my Scottish Paperweights Web Page Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 2697 | Perthshire Annual Collection 1978B
Limited Edition Heather Paperweight. dated
1978. This paperweight features a Scottish heather sprig
surrounded by a ring of alternating amethyst and green complex
millefiori canes. The design is set on a deep blue translucent
ground. It is signed with a Perthshire complex "P1978"
signature cane on the base. The paperweight comes with its
original worn box and worn certificate stating that it is number 341
out of a limited edition of 500 paperweights (452 were made).
It also has a worn Perthshire
paper label "PERTHSHIRE PAPERWEIGHTS CRIEFF SCOTLAND" on the base.
A nice crisp design with great color. Perthshire made this paperweight as one of their Annual Collection designs for 1978. This means the design was made only that one year and never again. There were six Annual Collection designs in 1978, designated A through F. The annual collection paperweights are the most desirable of the Perthshire line, with the exception of one of one items. Perthshire was a small company in Crieff, Scotland that was devoted to the creation of quality glass paperweights. They stopped production in January 2002 after more than 30 years of production. Their paperweights were consistently high in quality and yet remained reasonable in price. There are three books on Perthshire Paperweights. If you collect Perthshire paperweights, you should have them in your library. The birth of Scottish paperweight making is credited to the glass making family of Salvador Ysart, who moved to Crieff, Scotland in 1922. They worked first at John Moncrieff Ltd and made the earliest Scottish paperweights during that period. In 1946 Salvadore and his sons Augustine and Vincent founded Ysart Brothers Glass and produced glass wares under the Vasart label. Salvador Ysart died in 1955 The company name was later changed to Vasart Glass. Stuart Drysdale was hired manage the business side of the enterprise in 1960. The company evolved into a new company Strathearn owned by Teachers Whiskey. In 1967 Drysdale was sent a magazine article on antique paperweights (Woman's Day, July 1965). The inspired him to try to produce weights comparable to the French antiques. With this goal in mind, he and several of the glass workers left Strathearn to found Perthshire in 1968. Size: Just over 2 5/8" diameter by 1 15/16"
high. The base is ground concave. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$285 postage paid in the US. Added 1/8/2021 For more information about Perthshire Paperweights, see my Perthshire Web Page. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 4646 | Magnum Victor Trabucco Pink Clematis
Paperweight with Buds on Trellis. dated 1983.
This Victor Trabucco paperweight consists of a large pink clematis
with two buds and leaves and stems on a white trellis. The
clematis flower has five textured petals with dark bushy stamens in
the center. One bud is about to open. There are ten
veined leaves. The design is set on a clear ground. It
is signed on the side near the base "Trabucco 1983". There is
also a "VT" signature cane on the underside of a leaf. A
beautiful paperweight.
Victor Trabucco's original career
was as a steelworker. He began working with glass in 1974
after seeing a flameworker make a sculpture. He knew this was
what he wanted to do for his life's work. Trabucco says that
“Glass is the ultimate challenge; it has properties of no other
material and offers the artist possibilities that are inspiring
for the creative process. His work is often inspired by nature,
capturing the beauty and motion of the subject and freezing a
moment in time. His work is in the collection of many major
museums. Victor set up his first studio in the basement of
his house and learned by experimentation. He now works
with his sons Jon and David in a large studio in Clarence,
NY. Very Large Size: Just over 3 1/8" diameter by
2 1/2" high. The base is ground concave. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$675 postage paid in the US. Added 1/5/2021 For more paperweights by contemporary American paperweight makers, see my Contemporary American Paperweights Web Page. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 4566 | Large Whitefriars Early Faceted Six Ring
Concentric Millefiori Paperweight. dated 1970.
This paperweight has six concentric rings of canes (blue, white,
turquoise, dark blue, red, and white) around a larger center cane
with a star center. The ground is clear crystal. Typical
heavy Whitefriars lead crystal. The paperweight is faceted
with a large top facet and five large side facets. It has a
Whitefriars signature cane with a white monk and the date 1970 in
the outermost white ring and also has an early paper label used from
the mid 1950s into the early 1970s. With its bold colors, this
is a very nice addition to any collection of millefiori
paperweights. Modern Whitefriars paperweights are prized by collectors for their high quality glass and millefiori designs. The paperweights with mosaic canes are especially sought after. The name Whitefriars Glass dates from sometime in the 1600s. The original site had been occupied by a community of Carmelite monks known as White Friars, hence the name taken by the glass company. Some sources state that at least a portion of the company operated under the name of James Powell and Sons from 1834 to 1962. Other sources state that the Whitefriars name was used from 1680 to 1980. Limited production of millefiori paperweights and other millefiori items started some time in the 1930s and first appeared in the 1938 catalog. Millefiori items were made using English full lead crystal (33% lead oxide). It is difficult to associate specific paperweights with this production. After 1945, they made colored glass and bubble design paperweights until the modern millefiori production started about 1951. Even then relatively few designs were produced until the 1970s. In 1980, Whitefriars glass went out of business. After Whitefriars Glass was liquidated, Caithness Glass purchased the rights to the name and produced paperweights under the Whitefriars name for awhile. Large Size: Just over 3" diameter by 1 7/8"
high. The base is ground concave. Faceted with a total
of one large top facet and five large side facets. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$275 postage paid in the US. Added 1/4/2021 For more information about Whitefriars and other paperweights from England,see my English Paperweights Web Page. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 5147 | Caithness Period Whitefriars 1982 Double
Trefoil Millefiori Paperweight. dated 1982. This
paperweight has a double trefoil with red and blue canes and a
Whitefriars signature cane in the center. The design is placed
on a very dark brown (almost black) ground. It is signed and
dated in the center of the design with the Whitefriars signature
cane featuring a white friar silhouette and the date 1982. The
paperweight is faceted with one large top facet and six smaller side
facets. It was issued by Caithness Glass under the Whitefriars
label in 1982. There is an engraved number "1764" on the
base. This is probably the edition number. A great
example of an early Caithness period Whitefriars paperweight. This paperweight is one of the transition period paperweights issued after Caithness purchased the Whitefriars name in 1980. Based on the construction and millefiori canes which resemble other Caithness millefiori products, it was probably made at a Caithness factory in Scotland. It does not appear in any of the Whitefriars catalogs nor in the Colin Terris publications on Caithness. Note: This paperweight has a tiny nick on the top facet. That is the only damage I could find. Caithness Glass was founded by Robin Sinclair in Wick in north eastern Scotland in 1961. The factory did not start making paperweights until 1962 when Paul Ysart joined Caithness. Colin Terris joined Caithness in 1968 and started the modern line of paperweights in 1969. A second factory was opened in Oban in 1969 and the Perth factory opened in 1979. In 1980, Caithness purchased the Whitefriars name and designs. More recently Caithness recently went through a number of changes of ownership. After going into receivership in 2004, it was purchased by Edinburgh Crystal, but went into receivership again in 2006. Finally, it was bought out of receivership by Dartington Crystal. The factories in Wick, Oban and Perth all closed and were replaced by a smaller operation and visitors' center in Crieff. Modern Whitefriars paperweights are prized by collectors for their high quality glass and millefiori designs. The paperweights with mosaic canes are especially sought after. The name Whitefriars Glass dates from sometime in the 1600s. The original site had been occupied by a community of Carmelite monks known as White Friars, hence the name taken by the glass company. Some sources state that at least a portion of the company operated under the name of James Powell and Sons from 1834 to 1962. Other sources state that the Whitefriars name was used from 1680 to 1980. Limited production of millefiori paperweights and other millefiori items started some time in the 1930s and first appeared in the 1938 catalog. Millefiori items were made using English full lead crystal (33% lead oxide). It is difficult to associate specific paperweights with this production. After 1945, they made colored glass and bubble design paperweights until the modern millefiori production started about 1951. Even then relatively few designs were produced until the 1970s. In 1980, Whitefriars glass went out of business. After Whitefriars Glass was liquidated, Caithness Glass purchased the rights to the name and produced paperweights under the Whitefriars name for awhile. Medium size: 2 7/16"" diameter by just over 1 1/2"
high. The base is ground flat. Faceted with one large
top facet and six smaller side facets. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$95 postage paid in the US. 12/27/2020 For more information about paperweights made by Scottish makers,
see my Scottish Paperweights Web Page
(dl-sc-eng) Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 3027 | Very Early Paul Stankard Pink and White
Striped Dahlia Pedestal Paperweight. undated
1968-1969. This paperweight features a pink and white striped
dahlia with a black and white center. The flower has no leaves
and no stem. It is mounted on a clear glass foot or
pedestal. This is one of the earliest paperweights made by
Paul Stankard. Although it is primitive compared to later
work, the paperweight shows the features Stankard was experimenting
with at an early time in his artistic development. If you have
ever watched Paul work, you can imagine him pulling the fine tip of
each petal and then assembling them to create the flower. It
is signed under the flower with an early "S" signature cane having a
black S on a white background. This is an important early
example of Paul Stankard's work and worthy of any collection of
Stankard paperweights. Note: Please ignore the white areas, they are glare from the light. Paul Joseph Stankard is considered to be the father of modern glass paperweights. He has a degree in Scientific Glassblowing from the Salem Vocational Technical Institute (now Salem Community College) in Salem, New Jersey and worked for ten years as a glassblower making scientific instruments for various chemical laboratories before turning his attention to creating glass art. He made his first paperweights in 1968 focusing on a realistic replication of nature. Today he is one of the premier lampwork artists and has shared his knowledge with many other fine glass artists. Paul's studio is in Mantua, NJ. His work is on display at over 60 museums worldwide and there are several excellent books on this artist. Miniature size: Just over 1 15/16" diameter by
1 13/16" tall. The base is just under 1 5/16"
diameter. The paperweight has a relatively flat profile and
has a pedestal base (or footed base). The base is ground
flat. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large pictureSOLD. Added 12/27/2020 For more paperweights by contemporary American paperweight makers, see my Contemporary American Paperweights Web Page. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 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. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$995 postage paid in the US. Added 12/26/2020 For more information about Antique Paperweights, see my Antique Paperweights Web Page. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 4393 | Large Pairpoint Robbie Mason Pink Footed
Crimp Rose Paperweight. circa 2000. This is a
rare footed lush pink crimp rose paperweight made by Robbie Mason at
Pairpoint Glass in Sagamore, Massachusetts. It has 13 petals
with a 4-4-3-2 pattern and 4 outer green leaves. It has a styled
foot. This is an unusual rose style for Pairpoint which is
better known for their assembled roses with eight leaves (or four
large leaves and four narrow sepals). The attribution is based
on comparison to signed examples made by Robbie Mason. A
wonderful and rare example of the best of modern Pairpoint
production.
Note: Crimp roses from Pairpoint are rare. More typically, the rose is fashioned from a frit pickup or assembled. The leaves are identical to the large leaves in other Pairpoint rose paperweights. Several experts have reviewed this example and agree with the attribution. Pairpoint Glass has a long history extending back to its earliest origins with Mount Washington Glass in 1837. Owners and locations changed a number of times and the name Pairpoint was first used in the 1890s. The original Pairpoint companies were located in New Bedford, Massachusetts. In 1938, it was reorganized as Gunderson Glass Works by owner Robert Gunderson and later renamed the Gunderson - Pairpoint Glass Works in 1952. The name was acquired by Robert Bryden and the company moved briefly to East Wareham, MA in 1957 where it operated as the Pairpoint Glass Company. They leased production facilities in Spain. The old New Bedford factory burned down in 1965. In its latest iteration, Robert Bryden moved Pairpoint to Sagamore, Massachusetts in 1969. Attempts were made to resume glassmaking in New Bedford for five years (1977-1982), but this was not successful. Bryden retired in September 1988. Since then, the Pairpoint Glass Company has changed owners several times. It continues to operate at that location today. Robert (Robbie) C. Mason (1935-2020) started his glass career in 1950 as an apprentice with Edinburgh Crystal, Scotland (part of the Thomas Webb and Sons). With exception of three years in the Army (1960-1963), he continued to gain seniority and expertise as a glass maker. In 1968, Thomas Bryden advertised in the Edinburgh Evening News for experienced glass workers emphasizing the need for hand made experience. Robbie Mason decided to take a chance on a new employer and joined Pairpoint in 1969. With his experience, he became a gaffer by 1971. He stayed at Pairpoint as a master glassblower until he retired in 2005. A number of well known glass artists apprenticed with him. He retired in 2005 and passed away from complications of COVID-19 in April 2020. Large Size: Just under 2 7/8” diameter by just under
3” high. The foot is 2 3/8" in diameter. There is a
remainder of a pontil mark in the center of the foot. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$595 postage paid in the US. Added 12/24/2020 For more paperweights by contemporary American paperweight makers, see my Contemporary American Paperweights Web Page. (dl-ca-va) Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 4899 | Perthshire PP23 Paperweight Creamer or
Pitcher with Concentric Millefiori Design. circa
1973 - 1975. This paperweight pitcher has a concentric
millefiori pattern over a translucent green ground. There are
six concentric rings of millefiori canes surrounding a single center
cane. The pattern is mirrored in the bowl of the pitcher,
making it look like there is a second concentric pattern in the bowl
(but there is not). The pitcher is signed with a worn Perthshire
paper label "PERTHSHIRE PAPERWEIGHTS CRIEFF SCOTLAND" on the
base. This is a very nice example. Note: The PP23 was made only from 1973 to 1975. Perthshire was a small company in Crieff, Scotland that was devoted to the creation of quality glass paperweights. They stopped production in January 2002 after more than 30 years of production. Their paperweights were consistently high in quality and yet remained reasonable in price. There are three books on Perthshire Paperweights. If you collect Perthshire paperweights, you should have them in your library. The birth of Scottish paperweight making is credited to the glass making family of Salvador Ysart, who moved to Crieff, Scotland in 1922. They worked first at John Moncrieff Ltd and made the earliest Scottish paperweights during that period. In 1946 Salvadore and his sons Augustine and Vincent founded Ysart Brothers Glass and produced glass wares under the Vasart label. Salvador Ysart died in 1955 The company name was later changed to Vasart Glass. Stuart Drysdale was hired manage the business side of the enterprise in 1960. The company evolved into a new company Strathearn owned by Teachers Whiskey. In 1967 Drysdale was sent a magazine article on antique paperweights (Woman's Day, July 1965). The inspired him to try to produce weights comparable to the French antiques. With this goal in mind, he and several of the glass workers left Strathearn to found Perthshire in 1968. Size: Approximately 4 1/4" high with a diameter of
just over 2 13/16" (not counting the handle). It is 4 1/8"
wide at the widest point. The base is hollow ground. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$245 postage paid in the US. Added 12/18/2020. For more information about Perthshire Paperweights, see my Perthshire Web Page. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 4576 | Charles Kaziun Jr. Miniature Pansy
Paperweight with Gold Bee. circa 1960-1980. This
wonderful Charles Kaziun pansy paperweight has a classic pansy
design with a bud, stem, and five green leaves. The pansy has
a bright yellow stardust cane in the center, two notched purple
upper petals, and three crisp blue and white lower petals. The
lower petals have yellow crows feet arrowheads pointing to the
center. The design is set on a pink and white jasper
ground. The paperweight is signed with Kaziun's gold foil "K"
on the base and also has Kaziun's signature gold foil bee on one of
the leaves. A great example of Charlie Kaziun's exquisite
artistry. Note: On close inspection, I found a faint scratch and a tiny pinprick. Although these flaws were too small to capture in my pictures, I am selling the paperweight at reduced price. Charles Kaziun Jr. was one of the most famous of the American paperweight artists. He is often credited with contributing to the rebirth of interest in paperweight making. He made paperweights from the 1940s until his death in 1992. His weights are usually signed with a gold K or a special millefiori cane containing a K. You can read about him in many books, including: Signature: This paperweight is signed with Kaziun's gold K on the base. Condition: Very good condition. There is a faint scratch and a tiny pinprick on the side of this paperweight. No other chips, cracks, or scratches found on inspection. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large pictureSOLD. Added 12/17/2020 For more paperweights by Charles Kaziun, see my Kaziun Paperweights Web Page. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 4797 | Antique Faceted Baccarat Type III Pansy
Paperweight with Star Cut Base. circa
1845-1860. Baccarat Pansy paperweight with leaves and
stem. The base is finished with a Baccarat star cut.
This style of pansy is called a type III pansy. It consists of
two large dark purple petals above over three lower petals.
The lower petals are yellow over a white base which can be seen from
the back. Each lower petal has a purple tip and three dark
lines radiating from the central cane consisting of star canes with
a red whorl center. This paperweight is faceted with one large
top facet and six side facets. A wonderful paperweight in
perfect condition shape.
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.
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 3/8" diameter by 1 7/16" high. The
bottom is ground concave and finished with a Baccarat star cut
base. This paperweight is faceted with one large top facet
and six side facets. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture $645 postage paid in the US. Added 12/16/2020 For more information about Antique Paperweights, see my Antique
Paperweights Web Page.
(dl-ant-bac) |
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| 2374 |
Spectacular Super Magnum Peter McDougall
(PMcD) Special Checker Board on Lace Ground Millefiori
Paperweight. circa 2006-2007. This paperweight
features an extra large checker board arrangement of 96 millefiori
canes plus four signature canes. The checker board is created
using 18 pink stringers. The design is placed on a lace
ground. This paperweight was part of a special offering that
Peter McDougall made at the end of 2006 or early 2007.
It is signed on each side of the checker board with a complex "PMcD"
signature cane made from four separate letter canes and it also has
a paper label on the base "PMcD Glass Studio LTD, Handmade in Crieff
Scotland." A well executed design with great color. The picture does not do justice to this paperweight. Ignore the white areas, they are reflections and glare from the lights. Peter McDougall started his glassmaking career as an apprentice at Strathearn Glass in Crieff, Scotland back in the 1960s. When Perthshire was formed in 1968, he left Strathearn to move to Perthshire and worked there in many positions, eventually becoming Manager and Chief Glassmaker. Perthshire Paperweights closed early in 2002 after the death of the owner Neil Drysdale. Peter McDougall then made high quality glass paperweights at his own glass studio, PMcD Glass Studio Ltd. in Crieff, Scotland from 2002 until early 2012. The studio is now closed but Peter plans to continue to make a limited number of paperweights in the future. Very Large Size: 4 3/16" diameter by 2 3/4"
high. The base is ground concave. It weighs just over
41 ounces. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$1,775 postage paid in the US. US Sales only, no international shipping. Added 12/1/2020 For more information about paperweights made by Peter McDougall, see my Peter McDougall Web Page . Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 5428 | Rare 1974 Strathearn Faceted Upright Red
Flower Paperweight with Original Box. dated 1974.
This is a rare Strathearn faceted five petal upright red flower with
three leaves and a stem. There is a translucent red
ground. It is designated PSF62 in the catalog on Scotland's
Glass and is part of the second series of upright flower. It
has a polished flat base. The paperweight is faceted with a
small top facet and eight side facets (four large and four smaller
below). There is a paper label "STRATHEARN HAND MADE IN
SCOTLAND" and Strathearn's "S 74" signature cane on the base.
It comes with its original satin lined blue Strathearn Glass
box. A great addition to any collection of Scottish
paperweights. The birth of Scottish paperweight making is credited to the glass making family of Salvador Ysart, who moved to Crieff, Scotland in 1922. They worked first at John Moncrieff Ltd and made the earliest Scottish paperweights during that period. In 1946 Salvadore and his sons Augustine and Vincent founded Ysart Brothers Glass and produced glass wares under the Vasart label. Salvador Ysart died in 1955 The company name was later changed to Vasart Glass. Strathearn Glass was formed in a reorganization of Vasart glass in 1963. The new company was owned by Teachers Whiskey. The company is no longer in existence. Large Size: 2 5/16” diameter by 3 1/2” high.
It has a polished flat base. The paperweight is faceted with
a small top facet and eight side facets (four large and four
smaller below). The box is 6 1/2" long by 4" wide by 3"
high. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$175 postage paid in the US. Added 11/30/2020 For more information about paperweights made by Scottish makers, see my Scottish Paperweights Web Page Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 5249 | Perthshire 1975 Limited Edition Christmas
Rose Paperweight with Box and Certificate. circa
1975. This paperweight features a white Christmas rose with a
bud over a clear ground. It has one top facet and an unusual
star cut base. It is signed in the center of the flower with a
Perthshire "P" signature cane. This paperweight does not have
a paper label. It comes with its original box and original
certificate stating that it is number 129 in a limited edition of
350. A great holiday paperweight.
The Perthshire Christmas Paperweights were special limited editions that changed design each year starting in 1971. There was no Christmas paperweight in 1974, so this is the fourth Christmas design. The Christmas paperweights were near the top of the Perthshire line. Perthshire was a small company in Crieff, Scotland that was devoted to the creation of quality glass paperweights. They stopped production in January 2002 after more than 30 years of production. Their paperweights were consistently high in quality and yet remained reasonable in price. The birth of Scottish paperweight making is credited to the glass making family of Salvador Ysart, who moved to Crieff, Scotland in 1922. They worked first at John Moncrieff Ltd and made the earliest Scottish paperweights during that period. In 1946 Salvadore and his sons Augustine and Vincent founded Ysart Brothers Glass and produced glass wares under the Vasart label. Salvador Ysart died in 1955 The company name was later changed to Vasart Glass. Stuart Drysdale was hired manage the business side of the enterprise in 1960. The company evolved into a new company Strathearn owned by Teachers Whiskey. In 1967 Drysdale was sent a magazine article on antique paperweights (Woman's Day, July 1965). The inspired him to try to produce weights comparable to the French antiques. With this goal in mind, he and several of the glass workers left Strathearn to found Perthshire in 1968. Size: 2 5/8" diameter by just over 1 9/16" high. The base
is ground concave and is finished with an unusual star cut
pattern. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large pictureSOLD. Added 11/29/2020 For more information about Perthshire Paperweights, see my Perthshire Web Page. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 5294 | Medium Colorful Strathearn Paneled
Millefiori Paperweight. circa 1963-1968. This
attractive paperweight consists of a paneled millefiori pattern with
eleven sections of 1orange +1 green +2 tiny blue millefiori patterns
each separated by a white latticinio twist cane. The blue
canes are visible only from the side. There is a central ring
of eight millefiori canes and then a center millefiori cane.
The canes are early Scottish millefiori canes on a transparent brown
ground. This is a great example. A nice
addition to any collection of Scottish paperweights.
The birth of Scottish paperweight making is credited to the glass making family of Salvador Ysart, who moved to Crieff, Scotland in 1922. They worked first at John Moncrieff Ltd and made the earliest Scottish paperweights during that period. In 1946 Salvadore and his sons Augustine and Vincent founded Ysart Brothers Glass and produced glass wares under the Vasart label. Salvador Ysart died in 1955 The company name was later changed to Vasart Glass. Strathearn Glass was formed in a reorganization of Vasart glass in 1963. The new company was owned by Teachers Whiskey. The company is no longer in existence. Medium Size: 2 9/16” diameter by 1 3/4”
high. Bottom is fire polished. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$85 postage paid in the US. Added 11/21/2020 For more information about paperweights made by Scottish makers, see my Scottish Paperweights Web Page Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 5350 | Magnum Ken Rosenfeld 1988 Floral Bouquet
Paperweight. dated 1988. This paperweight
has a stylized bouquet of a seven clematis style flowers and buds
with stamens, leaves and stems over a clear glass ground.
There are three pink flowers with yellow centers, two purple flowers
with red and blue centers, and two blue flowers with white centers
plus three blue buds. It is signed on the side with Ken
Rosenfeld's "R" signature cane and engraved signature "Ken Rosenfeld
'88". This is a beautiful large paperweight with a great
composition.
Note: The picture does not do justice to this
paperweight. Ignore the white areas, they are reflections
and glare from the lights. Ken Rosenfeld works at his own
studio, Ken Rosenfeld Glass, in Milwaukie, Oregon. Ken's
paperweight expertise arose from a formal art education and a
technical background. He has a Bachelor's degree in art
from the University of California and a Master's of Fine Arts
degree from Southern Illinois University. His technical
experience in scientific glasswork and his studio glass
experience contributed to his superb ability as a glass
artist. Ken has been a paperweight artist since the mid
1980s. He started at Correia Glass, leaving after five
years to set up his own studio in 1983. Very Large Size: 3 7/16" diameter by 2 3/8"
high. It has a relatively flat top / profile. The base
is ground concave. It weighs just over 23 ounces. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large pictureSOLD. Added 11/21/2020 For more paperweights by contemporary American paperweight makers, see my Contemporary American Paperweights Web Page. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 4742 | Antique Millville Style Magnum Rock of
Ages Four Color Frit Paperweight. circa
1900-1920. This frit paperweight features a rare four color
Rock of Ages motif with a turquoise cross on a rock in the middle of
the water. There is a brown or dark red vine growing on the
cross. The text "ROCK OF AGES" appears in blue and red above
the cross. The design is set in colored frit on an opaque
white enamel ground. The white ground color wraps around to
the base and covers the base except for a clear circle in the center
of the base where the pontil rod would have been. This
paperweight was probably made at the Whitall Tatum factory in
Millville, New Jersey in the first quarter of the 19th
century. Some collectors believe that the clear circle on the
base points to the Corning, NY area rather than Millville as the
place of manufacture. A great addition to any collection of
antique American paperweights. Note: This is a very nice clean example but I did find a very faint small (1/8”) partial circular impact mark on careful inspection. Please review the pictures. 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. Some 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. 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. Some collectors believe that the clear circle on the base points to the Corning, NY area rather than Millville as the place of manufacture. There is no documentary proof to support this, but a number of weights of this type (with the clear circle on the base) have been found in the Corning area. 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: 3 11/16” diameter by 2 9/16”
high. The base is ground flat. This paperweight weighs
34 ounces. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$195 postage paid in the US. Added 11/11/2020 For more vintage American paperweights, see my Vintage American Paperweights Web Page. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 4028 | Magnum Gene Crabtree Icepick Flower
Paperweight. circa 1970s. This
paperweight has four brown icepick flowers over a yellow cushion
ground. There is a large bubble in the center and between the
flowers and also a pattern of smaller bubbles surrounding the
design. The base is fire finished and is signed with a pontil
stamp on the base “Gene Crabtree”. This
paperweight probably dates from the early 1970s. A very large
showy paperweight with great color. This design is sometimes called an icepick flower design because an icepick type tool is pushed down through the colored layer to create the stem for the flower. The design is made by placing the brown frit (ground glass) in a metal template, then picking it up with a gather of clear glass. An icepick like tool is then used to create a stem and center bubble in each petal. Eugene Crabtree who was one of the earliest glass workers at Wheaton Village in Millville, New Jersey. He made paperweights at Wheaton Village starting in the 1960s and also worked at a number of other glass factories. Magnum Size: 3 9/16” diameter by 3 1/4” high.
The base is fire finished with a pontil signature stamp.
This paperweight weighs 34 ounces. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$95 postage paid in the US. Added 11/11/2020 For more vintage American paperweights, see my Vintage American Paperweights Web Page. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 4004 | Early Ysart Brothers Paneled Millefiori
Paperweight. circa 1946-1960. This colorful
paperweight consists of a paneled millefiori pattern with nine
sections of 1+2 millefiori patterns each separated by a white twist
cane. There is a central cluster of fourteen smaller
canes. The design is set on an transparent dark brown or
reddish brown ground. The glass is slightly gray.
There are some great complex canes in the design. Most likely
this paperweight was made by Augustine or Vincent Ysart or their
father Salvador Ysart at Ysart Brothers Glass in Perth,
Scotland. It is also possible, but unlikely, that it was made
earlier when Salvador and Paul Ysart were collaborating.
Either way, it is a very nice example with a fantastic variety of
early Scottish millefiori canes. A great addition to any
collection of Scottish paperweights. Note: This paperweight has been professionally restored to remove extensive scratching on the dome and an uneven base. The birth of Scottish paperweight making is credited to the glass making family of Salvador Ysart, who moved to Crieff, Scotland in 1922. They worked first at John Moncrieff Ltd and made the earliest Scottish paperweights during that period. Paul Ysart (1904-1991), originally Pablo Moreno Isart, was apprenticed to his father as a glass worker at Moncrieff in 1922. In 1946 Salvadore and his sons Augustine and Vincent founded Ysart Brothers Glass and produced glass wares under the Vasart label. Salvador Ysart died in 1955. The company name was later changed to Vasart Glass. Strathearn Glass was formed in a reorganization of Vasart glass in 1963. The new company was owned by Teachers Whiskey. The factory was taken over by Stuart Glass in 1980, and renamed Stuart Strathearn Ltd. Production ceased in 1992. Size: 2 5/8" diameter by 1 5/8" high.
The base is ground concave. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$295 postage paid in the US. Added 10/30/2020 For more information about paperweights made by Scottish makers, see my Scottish Paperweights Web Page Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 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. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$1,125 postage paid in the US. Added 10/25/2020 For more information about Antique Paperweights, see my Antique Paperweights Web Page. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 5405 | Large Whitefriars 1974 Faceted Closepack
Millefiori Paperweight. dated 1974. Wonderful
design with many elaborate complex millefiori canes tightly packed
into rich mosaic of canes. There is a black button ground
underneath the design. Faceted with one top facet and a total
of 30 side facets in three rows (12 small + six large + 12 small
side facets). There is a Whitefriars signature cane with a
white monk and the year 1974. It comes with its original round
Whitefriars box. One of my favorite Whitefriars designs.
A great addition to any collection of millefiori paperweights. Modern Whitefriars paperweights are prized by collectors for their high quality glass and millefiori designs. The paperweights with mosaic canes are especially sought after. The name Whitefriars Glass dates from sometime in the 1600s. The original site had been occupied by a community of Carmelite monks known as White Friars, hence the name taken by the glass company. Some sources state that at least a portion of the company operated under the name of James Powell and Sons from 1834 to 1962. Other sources state that the Whitefriars name was used from 1680 to 1980. Limited production of millefiori paperweights and other millefiori items started some time in the 1930s and first appeared in the 1938 catalog. Millefiori items were made using English full lead crystal (33% lead oxide). It is difficult to associate specific paperweights with this production. After 1945, they made colored glass and bubble design paperweights until the modern millefiori production started about 1951. Even then relatively few designs were produced until the 1970s. In 1980, Whitefriars glass went out of business. After Whitefriars Glass was liquidated, Caithness Glass purchased the rights to the name and produced paperweights under the Whitefriars name for awhile. Large Size: Just over 3" diameter by 1 15/16"
high. The base is ground concave. Faceted with a total
of 31 facets, one top facet and 30 side facets in three rows (12 +
6 + 12) For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$325 postage paid in the US. Added 10/23/2020 For more information about Whitefriars and other paperweights from England,see my English Paperweights Web Page. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 5122 | Large Antique St. Louis Millefiori
Scramble Paperweight with Arrow Canes. circa
1845-1860. This is a fantastic large St. Louis scrambled
millefiori paperweight. It is just packed with a variety of
millefiori canes and twists, including several canes with a St.
Louis arrow or a six pointed star in the center. There is also
a cane with a ring of arrow canes. And more. A colorful
large weight with a great variety of complex canes to examine.
Although many people collect scramble paperweights for their own merit, scrambles are also valuable tools for learning to identify the different colors and canes used by each factory. Note: Please ignore the white spots - they are glare caused by my light. Cristalleries de Saint Louis was founded in 1767 in Lorraine, which became part of France in 1766. The region was already home to several glassworks. Paperweight production started at St. Louis in 1845 and most likely continued until about 1860. Although the modern production of paperweights started in 1952, the output of millefiori and lampwork paperweights was small. Fewer than 400 lampwork and millefiori paperweights were made between 1952 and 1955. They were not all signed or dated. The most successful product of this early revival period was the Queen Elizabeth sulphide which was made to commemorate her coronation in 1953. After 1955, no additional weights were made at St. Louis until 1965. In 1965 the factory resumed production of lampwork and millefiori paperweights and then in 1967 they began a series of sulphide weights. Finally, in 1970 they started producing annual limited edition paperweights. In addition to the three types already mentioned, millefiori, lampwork, and sulphide paperweights, St. Louis also made a small number of designs with gold inclusions. Very Large Size: Just over 3 1/16" diameter by 2
1/4" high. The bottom is ground concave. The profile is
unusually high. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large pictureSOLD. Added 10/18/2020 For more information about antique paperweights see my Antique Paperweights Web Page. (dl-ant-sl) Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 4699 | Charles Kaziun Jr. Miniature Blue and
White Convolvus (Morning Glory) with Bud and Bee on Dark Red
Ground. circa 1960-1980. This is a graceful
three-dimensional blue and white Convolvus (or Morning Glory) flower
with a bud, four leaves, and stem. There is a miniature gold
foil bee on one of the leaves. The ground is a very dark red
(almost black). The red layer is slightly transparent but it
is backed with an opaque white layer which makes the ground overall
opaque. The paperweight is signed on the white underside of
the ground with a gold foil K. This is a very attractive
addition to any collection of Kaziun paperweights.
This design was one of Charles Kaziun's signature designs. There are variations with and without the gold bee. Note: The mirror like dark ground made this
paperweight very difficult to photograph. Please ignore the
reflections from the lights and from my camera and lens.
Charles Kaziun Jr. was one of the most famous of the American paperweight artists. He is often credited with contributing to the rebirth of interest in paperweight making. He made paperweights from the 1940s until his death in 1992. His weights are usually signed with a gold K or a special millefiori cane containing a K. You can read about him in many books, including: Signature: Signed on the white underside of the dark red ground with Kaziun's gold K. Condition: Excellent condition with no chips or cracks or scratches. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$750 postage paid in the US. Added 10/15/2020 For more paperweights by Charles Kaziun, see my Kaziun
Paperweights
Web Page.
(dl-kaz-ca) Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 5292 | Large Strathearn Paneled Millefiori
Paperweight with Transparent Green Ground. circa
1963-1968. This very attractive paperweight consists of a
paneled millefiori pattern with ten sections each with one small and
one large millefiori cane and separated by a white latticinio twist
cane. There is a central ring of eight millefiori canes and
then a center millefiori cane. There are a two stray small
bubbles over the center cane. The canes are early Scottish
millefiori canes on a transparent green ground. This is
a very nice example. A great addition to any collection of
Scottish paperweights.
The birth of Scottish paperweight making is credited to the glass making family of Salvador Ysart, who moved to Crieff, Scotland in 1922. They worked first at John Moncrieff Ltd and made the earliest Scottish paperweights during that period. In 1946 Salvadore and his sons Augustine and Vincent founded Ysart Brothers Glass and produced glass wares under the Vasart label. Salvador Ysart died in 1955 The company name was later changed to Vasart Glass. Strathearn Glass was formed in a reorganization of Vasart glass in 1963. The new company was owned by Teachers Whiskey. Large Size: Just under 3 1/8” diameter by 2
1/16” high. The base is fire polished. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$120 postage paid in the US. Added 10/14/2020 For more information about paperweights made by Scottish makers, see my Scottish Paperweights Web Page Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 3070 | Special Peter McDougall Medium Ribbed
Millefiori Paperweight Made For 2011 PCA Convention. This
ribbed millefiori paperweight has a paneled millefiori pattern with
set in red, white, and blue. It was made as a table favor for
the 2011 Paperweight Collectors Association convention in
Washington, DC. There are seven panels, each with a 1-2
pattern of red, white and blue millefiori separated by red, white
and blue twists. There is a special convention complex cane in
the center "WDC 2011". The ground is a opaque black. It
is scratch signed PCA on the back and also has a paper label "PMcD
Glass Studio LTD, Hand Made in Crieff Scotland."
This is called a pressed weight because a mold is used to form the shape. The top is flattened. Peter McDougall started his glassmaking career as an apprentice at Strathearn Glass in Crieff, Scotland back in the 1960s. When Perthshire was formed in 1968, he left Strathearn to move to Perthshire and worked there in many positions, eventually becoming Manager and Chief Glassmaker. Perthshire Paperweights closed early in 2002 after the death of the owner Neil Drysdale. Peter McDougall then made high quality glass paperweights at his own glass studio, PMcD Glass Studio Ltd. in Crieff, Scotland from 2002 until early 2012. The studio is now closed but Peter plans to continue to make a limited number of paperweights in the future. Medium Size: Just over 2 1/2" diameter by 1 1/4"
high. The base is ground concave. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$195 postage paid in the US. Added 10/13/2020 For more information about paperweights made by Peter McDougall, see my Peter McDougall Web Page . Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 5284 | Antique Clichy Miniature Faceted
Concentric Millefiori on Lace Paperweight with Rose.
circa 1845-1860. This antique Clichy concentric millefiori
paperweight has a two concentric rings of complex millefiori around
a central blue pastry mold cane. There is a wonderful green
and pink Clichy rose in the outer ring. There are 18 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. This paperweight has a complex faceting with a
top facet, five side facets and an additional five lower
facets. A fantastic miniature 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. Miniature Size: Just over 2" diameter by 1 3/8"
high. The base is ground slightly concave. This
paperweight is faceted with a top facet, five side facets, and
five more lower side facets. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$795 postage paid in the US. Added 10/10/2020 For more information about Antique Paperweights, see my Antique Paperweights Web Page. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 3668 | Antique Bohemian Concentric Millefiori
Paperweight with Complex Canes. circa 1850-1900.
This is an antique Bohemian millefiori paperweight with some
interesting complex millefiori canes. The paperweight has
three concentric circles of canes around a complex center star
cane. The design consists almost entirely of complex canes,
with the exception of the red and white canes in the second
ring. In all a complex design built from a variety of canes
with many star canes. The design is well executed and it is in
perfect condition. The glass is slightly grey. This
paperweight has been professionally restored.
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: Just over 2 1/4" diameter by 1 5/16"
high. The base is ground concave. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$295 postage paid in the US. Added 10/10/2020 For more information about Antique Paperweights, see my Antique Paperweights Web Page. (dl-ant-boh) Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 4020 | Supermagnum 2007 Translucent Pink Seaform
Paperweight with Sea Anemone Murrini - Probably by Robert
Eickholt. dated 2007. This huge upright
semi-transparent pink paperweight has six round sea anemone-like
roundels or murrini set shallowly into the surface. There are
tentacles or vines completing the structure. The shape is
non-traditional and is high and wide, but not as deep. I
believe this probably is a late career experimental work by Robert
Eickholt. It has a minimalist signature on the base that looks
like an abbreviated "E 2007". An awesome paperweight. Note: I consulted with several other collectors on the maker of this paperweight. Most felt this had several features that pointed to Robert Eickholt. Those who did not believe it to be Eickholt had no alternate maker to suggest. If you have a different maker in mind, please let me know. Robert Eickholt has been making glass paperweights since 1978 when he founded Eickholt Glass in Columbus, Ohio. His designs often make use of precious metals such as gold and silver, and rare oxides such as cobalt and copper. In later paperweights by Eickholt the design moved to the interior and veiling techniques began to appear. He retired in 2013. Very Large Size: 8 1/2" high by 4 5/8" wide by 2
7/8" deep. It weighs 55 ounces. The base has been
polished flat. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$295 postage paid in the US. Added 8/29/2020 For more paperweights by contemporary American paperweight makers, see my Contemporary American Paperweights Web Page. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 3069 | Special Peter McDougall Small Daisy
Millefiori Paperweight Made For 2011 PCA Convention. This
daisy shaped paperweight has a paneled millefiori pattern with set
in red, white, and blue. It was made as a table favor for the
2011 Paperweight Collectors Association convention in Washington,
DC. There are six panels, each with a 1-2 pattern of red,
white and blue millefiori separated by red, white and blue
twists. There is a special convention complex cane in the
center "WDC 2011". The ground is a opaque black. It is
scratch signed PCA on the back and also has a paper label "PMcD
Glass Studio LTD, Hand Made in Crieff Scotland."
This is called a pressed weight because a mold is used to form the shape. The top is flattened. Peter McDougall started his glassmaking career as an apprentice at Strathearn Glass in Crieff, Scotland back in the 1960s. When Perthshire was formed in 1968, he left Strathearn to move to Perthshire and worked there in many positions, eventually becoming Manager and Chief Glassmaker. Perthshire Paperweights closed early in 2002 after the death of the owner Neil Drysdale. Peter McDougall then made high quality glass paperweights at his own glass studio, PMcD Glass Studio Ltd. in Crieff, Scotland from 2002 until early 2012. The studio is now closed but Peter plans to continue to make a limited number of paperweights in the future. Small Size: Just over 2 1/8" diameter by 1 3/16"
high. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$145 postage paid in the US. Added 8/29/2020 For more information about paperweights made by Peter McDougall, see my Peter McDougall Web Page . Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 4016 | Large Mdina Glass Swirl Paperweight.
circa 1968-1985. Wonderful paperweight with a dark
interior of red, green, blue, yellow, and other colors. There
are additional swirls that surround the core and extend out to the
surface. The glass encasement is a dark grey or green.
Made on the island of Malta in the Mediterranean Sea. It is
signed "Mdina"in script on the base. Mdina Glass was founded on the Island of Malta in 1968 by Michael Harris (1933-1994) and Eric Dobson with financial incentives and the encouragement of the Maltese government. Initially it was called the Maltese Glass Industries, but the name was changed to Mdina Glass shortly later. Michael Harris received his training in glass at several institutions graduating from the Royal College of Art in London in 1959. He later became an RCA tutor setting up hot glass facilities there in 1967. He was a pioneer of the studio glass movement in the UK. Eric Dobson was also at the Royal College of Art. Mdina Glass was a successful venture and gave rise to a significant glass craft industry on the Island of Malta. Michael Harris left Malta in 1972 to establish Wight Glass in the UK. In 1971, two Italian maestros, the father and son team of Vincente and Ettore Boffo joined Mdina Glass to introduce Italian glassmaking techniques. Eric Dobson continued until about 1985 working with the local glass artists that he and Michael had trained. Eventually Mdina Glass was taken over by Joseph Said, a Maltese glassworker who had trained at Mdina. For context, during this period Malta gained independence from Britain in 1964 after 150 years as a British colony. In 1974 it became the Republic of Malta, and in 2004 joined the European Union. Large Size: 3" diameter and just under 4 1/4"
high. The bottom is fire finished with a left hand flame
pontil mark. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture $85 postage paid in the US.
Added 8/14/2020. For more information about paperweights from England, see my English Paperweights Web Page.
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| 4012 | Stunning Magnum Jungle Fusion Studio
(Hawaii) Molten Lava Paperweight. This extra
large paperweight depicts a hot molten flow of lava emerging from
the copper colored mouth of an erupting volcano. At least,
that is my interpretation. It has rich iridescent colors and
an exciting appearance. The paperweight is signed on the
backside with a pontil stamp that says in part "JUNGLE FUSION
STUDIO" with the image of a group of mountains surrounded by a ring
of fire. The text at the bottom is hard to read, but I believe
it says "HANA-MAUI". The paperweight is tall and wide, but not
very deep. It is a fun paperweight with great color.
I was unable to find out anything about the Jungle Fusion Studio, but believe it was located in or near the small town of Hana on the Hawaiian island of Maui. The island of Maui was formed by the eruptions of two volcanoes, Haleakalā (East Maui Volcano) and Mauna Kahalawai (West Maui Mountains). Very large Size: 5 5/16” high by 3 11/16" wide by 1
5/8” deep. The bottom ground flat. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$195 postage paid in the US. Added 8/14/2020 For more paperweights by contemporary American paperweight makers, see my Contemporary American Paperweights Web Page. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 4011 | Vintage Magnum John D. Murphy Multi-layer
Frit Icepick Flower Paperweight. circa 1970. The
paperweight features a blue and white multi-layer design with at
least two layers of colored frit flowers. Each layer has
icepick flowers with carefully placed bubbles in the center of the
flower. The stems of each flower go through the lower
layers. The paperweight is signed "J Murphy" on the flat
polished base. A large dramatic paperweight that looks much
better in real life than in the pictures. This design is sometimes called an icepick flower design because an icepick type tool is pushed down through the colored layer to create the stem for the flower. John D. Murphy, born in 1938, worked at Fostoria Glass in Moundsville, West Virginia. He invented his own techniques for making paperweights and also conferred with other glassworkers, particularly John Gentile. Because paperweights were an off hours activity, his output was extremely limited. He is included in Jean Melvin's book American Glass Paperweights and Their Makers (revised 1970). Very Large Size: 3 13/16" diameter by just under 3 3/8"
high. It weighs 41 ounces. The base is polished flat with an
added signature. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$125 postage paid in the US. Added 8/11/2020 For more vintage paperweights by American paperweight makers, see my Vintage American Paperweights Web Page. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 4015 | Vintage Magnum Wheaton Village
Blue Flower in Flowerpot Paperweight. circa
1970s-1980s. The paperweight features a five petal robins egg
blue flower with a long stem and yellow and brown pleated
flowerpot. The design is rendered in frit (ground glass) over
a clear crystal ground. At the bottom, there is a pleated
yellow and brown flowerpot. There is a tiny bubble at the tip
of each petal and a larger controlled bubble between each
petal. The paperweight is signed on the base with a pontil
stamp "WHEATON VILLAGE" indicating it was made in normal production
at The Glass Studio at Wheaton Village. A pleasing design that
is well executed. Great color. This design is sometimes called an icepick flower design because an icepick type tool is pushed down through the colored layer to create the stem for the flower. The design is made by placing the colored frit (ground glass) in a metal template, then picking it up with a gather of clear glass. An icepick like tool is then used to create a stem and the bubbles in the design. Wheaton Village (now called the Wheaton Arts and Cultural Center or WheatonArts) was founded in 1968 in Millville, NJ. It is non-profit arts education organization with a focus on the medium of glass. The center's mission is to engage artists and audiences in an evolving exploration of creativity. Many paperweight collectors and artists have visited Wheaton Village to participate in the biennial Paperweight Fest. The village hosts a variety of crafts studios including a The Glass Studio. It also houses the Museum of American Glass - a comprehensive collection of glass produced in America. Over the years a number of volunteers and paid glass workers have produced paperweights at Wheaton Village. Some of the names are Henry Davis, Kenyon Brown, Anthony “Tony” DePalma, and others. When the work was production work for The Glass Studio, it usually had a superimposed WV or WHEATON VILLAGE pontil stamp. Work that represented the artist's own effort would have additional initials to identify the artist. Magnum Size: 3 5/8" diameter by 3 1/2" high. The base is
fire finished with a pontil signature stamp. The paperweight
weighs 37 ounces (2 pounds 5 ounces). For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$95 postage paid in the US. Added 8/10/2018 For more vintage American paperweights, see my Vintage American Paperweights Web Page. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 4013 | Small Glass Eye Studio 2003 Colorful
Iridescent Egg Shaped Abstract Paperweight. dated 2003.
This egg shaped paperweight features a multi-colored four
section abstract design with iridescent glass. It's hard to
design, but it looks different from each side. Please review
the pictures. Signed with an acid etch on the base "GES
03". It is a fun paperweight with great color.
Glass Eye Studio was founded in 1978 in Seattle, Washington. Managed by Dale Leman, GES is a production glass company that produces a range of glass products. Most paperweights are signed with the acid etched initials GES, although some are signed with the engraved Glass Eye Studio signature or even a signature cane. Each GES glass product includes some ash from the 1980 eruption of the nearby Mount St. Helens volcano. Size: 1 15/16" diameter by just under 3
3/16" high. The bottom ground flat. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$39 postage paid in the US. Added 8/9/2020 For more paperweights by contemporary American paperweight makers, see my Contemporary American Paperweights Web Page. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 4007 | Murano Trumpet Flower Paperweight with
Label. Circa 1970. Murano trumpet or icepick
flower paperweight with seven flowers and a center bubble cushion
ground. The flowers are arranged in two circles of three
around a center flower. Each flower is made from a red, white,
and blue millefiori slice that has been pushed down to the bubble
cushion ground. There is a planned bubble in the center of
each flower. This paperweight has its original red and silver
foil label identifying it as "MADE IN MURANO ITALY". A very
nice example of this style of paperweight.
This style is also called an icepick flower because of the sharp tool used to push each flower down to the base. In this case the tool is pushed through a millefiori glass slice. Some authors call these morning glory flowers. This paperweight was made on the island of Murano in Venice, Italy. Venetian glass making dates back centuries and the Venetians are given credit for the earliest millefiori canes and paperweights in 1840s. More recently, paperweight making was revived in the 1930s and again in the 1960s. Size: Just under 2 3/4" diameter by just under 2
9/16" high. The bottom is ground flat. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$49 postage paid in the US. Added 8/1/2020 For more information about Murano paperweights, see my Murano Paperweights Web Page . Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 3062 | Kosta Boda Bertil Vallien Galaxy Blue
Artist Collection Abstract Paperweight. circa 1981 or
later. This is dramatic Swedish art glass paperweight was
designed in 1981 by the famous Swedish designer Bertil Vallien for
the Kosta Boda glassworks at Boda, Sweden. The surface
decorated paperweight has a series blue threads and two large blue
dots on an almost opaque textured light blue surface. There
also smaller blue spatters on the surface. At first glance, it
could be mistaken for a piece of pottery with a heavy glaze.
The underlying ground is clear glass. It is an example of
Bertil Vallien’s popular Galaxy Blue Series of glass objects, each
of which share similar visual effect. The paperweight is
signed on the base "BODA ARTIST COL BVALLIEN 98113". There is
also the remnant of the original silver Boda Artist Collection
label, but the printed text has washed off. An visually
exciting paperweight designed by the most famous of the Kosta Boda
designers. Note: In 1976 Bertil Vallien started his "Artist collection" at Åfors glassworks. This collection consisted of art glass in large editions where each glass blower was allowed considerable freedom in executing the design. There was a definite basic form, but it was the craftsman's skill and feeling that completed the work. This was in contrast to the Bertil Vallien "Atelje" (Studio) series where each object was made in a limited edition and under the artist's supervision and were signed and numbered. The Galaxy Blue Artist Collection series was designed by Vallien in 1981 for the Boda Glassworks. I believe there are fifteen different objects in the series. The series includes paperweights, vases, bowls, an oil lamp, and a wine glass. Kosta is one of the oldest glass companies in the world. Kosta Glasbruk was founded in 1742 in Smaland, Sweden by Anders Koskull and Georg B. Stael von Holstein. In 1976 the glassworks of Kosta, Boda and Åfors merged to form Kosta Boda AB. In 1989, Kosta Boda and Orrefors merged to form Orrefors Kosta Boda AB. Ownership changed in 2005 with the purchase of the glassworks by the New Wave Group which decided to close the Orrefors glassworks in December 2012. After that, all glass production was done under the KostaBoda brand label. Bertil Vallien (1938-) initially studied Ceramics, first at the art school Konstfack in Stockholm and then at the University of Southern California (Los Angeles, CA). While in the US he also worked as a designer at a ceramics factory. After returning to Sweden in 1963, he began to focus on glass while continuing his work in ceramics, and developed an innovative sand-casting technique. He was hired as a designer for the glassworks at Åfors and given the freedom to also work on his own designs part of the time. The merger of Kosta, Boda and Åfors in 1976 made it possible to devote more capacity to Vallien's designs. In 1963, he married Ulrica Margaret Hydman Vallien (1938-2018) a Swedish artist and fellow Konstfack student who started as a ceramist and then expanded her expertise to glass. Large Size: 3 3/16" diameter by 2 1/8" high.
The base is ground flat. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$95 postage paid in the US. Added 7/31/2020 For more information about paperweights from other countries, see my Paperweights from Other Countries Web Page . Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 4009 | Joe St. Clair Multicolored Ribbon Crimp
Paperweight - Signed. circa 1941-2000.
Multi-colored stylized crimp flower in the unique St. Clair
style. I refer to this style as a rainbow ribbon crimp
weight. It has has eight pleats or crimps with a carefully
placed bubble between each. A showy paperweight with great
color. Very collectible. Similar examples are shown American Glass Paperweights and Their Makers by Jean Melvin (1967 and 1970) and the St. Clair Collectors Guide by Bonnie Pruitt. The St. Clair line (as far as paperweights are concerned) started with John "Pop" St. Clair, Sr. who worked at the George MacBeth Glass Works in Elwood from around 1903 to 1938. Local natural gas production faltered in 1938 and the St. Clairs began to develop their ideas for a new business of their own. Joe St. Clair (1909 - 1987) did the original experimentation and the business was formally started in 1941 in Elwood, Indiana. John, Sr. and the brothers John, Jr., Joe, Ed and Bob all participated, while another brother, Paul, did not at first. By 1944 St. Clair paperweights were being sold through Georg Jensen on Fifth Avenue in New York. Joe retired (the first time) in 1971 and sold the factory to new owners in Elwood, Indiana. Sometime later, the new owners of the original factory sold the factory back to Joe. For a while, there were two St. Clair factories, one owned by Joe and the other owned by Bob St. Clair. Large Size: Just over 2 3/4" diameter by 2"
high. The bottom is fire finished and hot stamped with the
signature. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$69 postage paid in the US. Added 7/28/2020 For more information about paperweights made by the St. Clair family, see my St. Clair Paperweights Web Page . Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 4005 | Caithness Confusion 1989 Limited Edition
Abstract Paperweight. circa 1979. This is a
modern looking design with three blue figures facing center while a
swirl of blue and white whirls around them. The figures are
rooted to a green and white bubble ground. The lack of clarity
denotes the confusion of our times. Or put your own
interpretation on it. The paperweight is a limited edition
designed by Colin Terris and issued in an edition of 750
paperweights, of which this example is number 346. The
paperweight is signed with an engraved script signature on the base
"Confusion Caithness Scotland 346/750". The signature is faint
and I could not get single picture with the entire signature.
Great color.
This design is listed and designated CT-652 on page 101 of the Charlton Standard Catalog of Caithness Paperweights. It was designed in 1989 by Colin Terris and issued in a limited edition of 750 paperweights. Of these, 716 were made. The original issue price was $210. Caithness Glass was founded by Robin Sinclair in Wick in north eastern Scotland in 1961. The factory did not start making paperweights until 1962 when Paul Ysart joined Caithness. Colin Terris joined Caithness in 1968 and started the modern line of paperweights in 1969. A second factory was opened in Oban in 1969 and the Perth factory opened in 1979. In 1980, Caithness purchased the Whitefriars name and designs. More recently Caithness recently went through a number of changes of ownership. After going into receivership in 2004, it was purchased by Edinburgh Crystal, but went into receivership again in 2006. Finally, it was bought out of receivership by Dartington Crystal. The factories in Wick, Oban and Perth all closed and were replaced by a smaller operation and visitors' center in Crieff. Very Large Size: 3 1/16" diameter by 2 11/16"
high. The base is ground flat. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$79 postage paid in the US. Added 7/28/2020 For more information about paperweights made by Scottish makers, see my Scottish Paperweights Web Page Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 1585 | Very Rare Chinese Quatrefoil Faceted Blue
Flower with Bud on Double Latticinio Paperweight - copy of NEGC.
circa 1930. This is an almost antique Chinese copy of a New
England Glass Company (NEGC) Blue Flower with Bud Paperweight made
circa 1860. It has the fancy NEGC quatrefoil faceting and
double latticinio ground. There is a blue flower with five
petals and a millefiori center and also a large blue bud and two
large green leaves and a stem. The design is set on a great
double latticinio ground. The paperweight is faceted with a
four part top facet and eight side facets (four large and four
smaller). This is a fantastic addition to any collection of
antique paperweights. In some ways, the execution of this
example is better than the original NEGC, since NEGC examples often
have large bubbles or other defects in the latticinio.
Chinese Paperweights were made in the late 1920s and throughout the 1930s as an attempt to duplicate 19th Century antique weights made in the United States and France. Because they are almost 100 years old, they are very collectible and every collector should own a few of these as study pieces. The history of the early Chinese paperweights is mostly anecdotal as no written records have been discovered. The story is that an American dealer sent examples of paperweights made by the New England Glass Company (NEGC), Boston & Sandwich Glass Company (B&S), Millville makers, and French factories to a Chinese factory and requested copies be made. The results are interesting and sometimes confused with the originals by inexperienced collectors. The earliest pictures of these paperweights appeared in the book American Glass Paperweights by Francis Edgar Smith published in 1939. Smith was aware that at least one of the paperweights shown in his book was Chinese. Since Smith was not an expert collector, this indicates that there was some general knowledge that these were Chinese prior to 1939. In the United States, the Tariff Act of 1930 required that every imported item must be conspicuously and indelibly marked in English with its country of origin. As a result, many of these Chinese paperweights are scratch signed on the bottom "CHINA". Many are also not signed, suggesting that either they were imported prior to 1930 or the importer ignored the requirement. Most likely the earliest Chinese paperweights were made prior to 1930. The Chinese makers often combined design features found in paperweights from different makers. For example they copied the latticinio grounds used by New England Glass Company and used them with copies of Baccarat Pansy weights. The original Baccarat pansy paperweights never had a latticinio ground. They copied the pedestal rose from Millville and then used the pedestal bottom with other weights. It is fun to collect all the variations. In general, Chinese paperweights from this period have a light weight glass mixture that is high in soda and has a greenish tinge. The glass also has a soft almost oily feel. Frequently they have bubbles or debris in the glass. And because of their age, many of these have minor scratches or other surface defects. Large Size: Just under 2 5/8" diameter by 1
7/82" high. The bottom is ground concave. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$295 postage paid in the US. Added 7/27/2020 For more information about paperweights from China, see my Chinese Paperweights Web Page. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 2907 | Charles Kaziun Jr. Crimp Rose Upright
Pedestal Paperweight - Dark Pink. circa
1960-1980. This upright pedestal paperweight features a
magnificent crimp rose with fifteen variegated dark pink petals, a
center pistil, and four upturned dark green leaves. The petals
are arranged in Kaziun's 4+4+4+3 crimp pattern. It is signed
on the underside of the rose with Kaziun's complex signature cane
having a K in the center surrounded by six heart canes. The
design is set on a clear ground and supported by a large pedestal
base. A fantastic addition to any collection of glass
paperweights.
After being introduced to the Millville glass artist Emil Larson, Charles Kaziun set a goal to create and perfect his own version of Larson's famous Millville Rose. This was considered the ultimate icon of glass perfection. It took Charles almost four years and many thousands of dollars worth of experimentation to succeed. Many collectors consider the pedestal rose the pinnacle of Kaziun's artistry. Charles Kaziun Jr. was one of the most famous of the American paperweight artists. He is often credited with contributing to the rebirth of interest in paperweight making. He made paperweights from the 1940s until his death in 1992. His weights are usually signed with a gold K or a special millefiori cane containing a K. You can read about him in many books, including: Signature: Signed on the underside of the rose with Kaziun's complex signature cane having a K in the center surrounded by six heart canes. Condition: Excellent condition with no chips. cracks, or scratches. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$850 postage paid in the US. Added 7/22/2020 For more paperweights by Charles Kaziun, see my Kaziun Paperweights Web Page. (dl-kaz-ca) Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 5305 | Huge Murano Millefiori Scramble
Paperweight. circa 1970. This paperweight is a
good example of an extra large Murano millefiori scramble
paperweight. It is filled with extra large millefiori canes
and twists. There are some tool marks and also areas roughness
to the surface as is sometimes found in large paperweights.
This happened when the paperweight was made and does not affect the
display of the paperweight. Although many people collect scramble paperweights for their own merit, scrambles are also valuable tools for learning to identify the different colors and canes used by each factory. This paperweight was made on the island of Murano in Venice, Italy. Venetian glass making dates back centuries and the Venetians are given credit for the earliest millefiori canes and paperweights in 1840s. More recently, paperweight making was revived in the 1930s and again in the 1960s. Very Large Size: About 4 1/4" diameter by 3
7/8" high. It weighs three pounds ten ounces (over four
pounds when packaged). The base is ground flat with a
concave area in the center. There is a remnant of the pontil
scar. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$125 postage paid in the US. Added 7/21/2020 For more information about Murano paperweights, see my Murano Paperweights Web Page . Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 3411 | Large Orient & Flume Ed Seaira Canada
Goose Limited Edition Paperweight. dated 1986.
This is a wonderful large hand crafted three-dimensional paperweight
with Canada Goose swimming on a torchworked painterly blue
waterway and moving among green plant life. The design is set
on a speckled blue frit ground. It is an interesting
construction. Signed on the base "Orient & Flume SFN11
98/250 jn 1986 E. Seaira". It also comes with its original
worn registration certificate. A wonderful paperweight. Orient & Flume was started in
1972 in Chico, California by Douglas Boyd and David
Hopper. The studio took its name from its initial location
which was at the corner of Orient & Flume. Their early
weights adopted a style that has become known as the California
style of iridescent paperweights with surface torchworked
art nouveau motifs on the outside surface of the weight.
Later work involved interior lampworked designs such as the
Canada Goose shown here. Every Orient & Flume piece
has a registration number. Ed Seaira (aka Ed Alexander) worked as a glass blower at Orient & Flume for 20 years. He died in 2010. Large Size: 3 1/16" diameter by 2 11/16" high.
The bottom has been ground flat. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$295 postage paid in the US. Added 7/19/2017. For more paperweights by contemporary American paperweight makers, see my Contemporary American Paperweights Web Page. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 5304 | Large Murano Spaced Millefiori on Lace
Paperweight with Rare Signature Cane and KB Label - Probably by
Fratelli Toso. dated 1969. This paperweight
is a good example of a Murano spaced millefiori paperweight with
eight bright colored millefiori canes plus a rare signature cane
placed on a lace ground. The signature cane reads "M.B 69" in
blue letters on a white background. This signature cane has
been previously recorded and a variation appears in Andrew Dohan's Dictionary
of Paperweight Signature Canes", revised edition. At
this time, the precise meaning of the signature cane is
unknown. In addition, it has a worn and faded silver foil
label from KB (Koscherak Brothers) stating that it is "AN ORIGINAL
CREATION BY KB. MADE IN ITALY".
This paperweight was made on the island of Murano in Venice, Italy. Venetian glass making dates back centuries and the Venetians are given credit for the earliest millefiori canes and paperweights in 1840s. More recently, paperweight making was revived in the 1930s and again in the 1960s. Koscherak Brothers (KB) were importers of Murano glass and Italian pottery from the 1950s until the late 1970s . At the time, they had a showroom at 225 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY. Some writers have observed that most of the Italian Glass imported under the KB Label was made by Fratelli Toso, but others have noted that KB labels appear on other good Italian glass including Barovier-Toso, Seguso, and others. KB is believed to have stopped importing Italian glass about 1977, but continued to exist in New York City until at least 1993. Large Size: 2 15/16" diameter by 2 5/8"
high. The base is ground flat. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$195 postage paid in the US. Added 7/19/2020 For more information about Murano paperweights, see my Murano Paperweights Web Page . Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 4578 | Perthshire PP81 Limited Edition Golfer
Paperweight with Complex Millefiori Canes on Lace.
1985-1991. This large paperweight consists of a black,
blue, and white image of a golfer surrounded by three rings of
twists and complex canes. The golfer image was created using a
transfer (similar to a decal but able to survive the heat of the
glass encasement). The inner ring has twists and canes.
The two outer rings consist of canes only. The design is set
on a lace ground. The paperweight is faceted with one large
facet on top. It is signed on the base with a complex
Perthshire signature cane "P". It also has a worn Perthshire
paper label "PERTHSHIRE PAPERWEIGHTS CRIEFF SCOTLAND" on the
base. A nice design with great millefiori canes. Perthshire made the PP81 in several variations starting in 1985. From 1985 to 1991 the design was as shown in this example with the transfer image surrounded by three rings of millefiori. A golfer picture cane was created for the 1992 to 1995 and the 1997 versions and the millefiori patterns became more complex. The lace ground appears only in the 1985-1991 design. The PP81 was not made in 1996. Perthshire was a small company in Crieff, Scotland that was devoted to the creation of quality glass paperweights. They stopped production in January 2002 after more than 30 years of production. Their paperweights were consistently high in quality and yet remained reasonable in price. The birth of Scottish paperweight making is
credited to the glass making family of Salvador Ysart, who moved
to Crieff, Scotland in 1922. They worked first at John
Moncrieff Ltd and made the earliest Scottish paperweights during
that period. In 1946 Salvadore and his sons Augustine and
Vincent founded Ysart Brothers Glass and produced glass wares
under the Vasart label. Salvador Ysart died in 1955.
The company name was later changed to Vasart Glass. Stuart
Drysdale was hired manage the business side of the enterprise in
1960. The company evolved into a new company Strathearn
owned by Teachers Whiskey. In 1967 Drysdale was sent a
magazine article on antique paperweights (Woman's Day, July
1965). This inspired him to try to produce weights
comparable to the French antiques. With this goal in mind,
he and several of the glass workers left Strathearn to found Perthshire
in 1968. Large Size: 3 1/16" diameter by 1 13/16" high.
The bottom is ground concave. It is faceted with one large
top facet. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$235 postage paid in the US. Added 7/8/2020 For more information about Perthshire Paperweights, see my Perthshire Web Page. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 5159 | Robert Eickholt 1993 Magnum Blue
Iridescent Abstract Paperweight. dated 1993.
This paperweight has an abstract design with a deceptive three
dimensional design. Unlike other works where the peaks and
valleys are physical, in this paperweight the peaks and valleys are
created using the veiling technique. The dark blue inner core
has a mostly smooth surface with only a few depressions to anchor
the larger bubbles. Additional texture and depth are the
result of adding transparent and translucent layers to blanket the
core. Two large bubbles and an arc of smaller bubbles add to
the magic. The iridescent colors progress in layers in shades
of light to dark blue. It is signed "Eickholt 1993 EMAS" on
the base. An excellent large example of Eickholt's
work. Note: Please ignore the white areas, they are glare from the light. Robert Eickholt has been making glass paperweights since 1978 when he founded Eickholt Glass in Columbus, Ohio. His designs often make use of precious metals such as gold and silver, and rare oxides such as cobalt and copper. In later paperweights by Eickholt the design moved to the interior and veiling techniques began to appear. He retired in 2013. Very Large Size: 5 9/16" tall by 3 3/16"
diameter. The base has been ground flat. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$195 postage paid in the US. Added 7/4/2020 For more paperweights by contemporary American paperweight makers, see my Contemporary American Paperweights Web Page. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 5208 | Magnum Vandermark-Merritt 1976 Pulled
Feather Tiffany Style Art Nouveau Hollow
Paperweight. dated 1976. This very large hollow
egg shaped paperweight features a surface decorated Tiffany style
art nouveau feather pulled design with iridescent shades of gold and
white. The outer layer of glass is a translucent purple.
It is signed "Vandermark 1976". The original name of the
studio was Vandermark Glasshouse at Liberty Village, later changed
to Vandermark-Merritt Glass Studios. This paperweight has one
large (1/4" by 3/8") tool mark or gouge and also some small surface
defects such as popped surface bubbles, tool marks, and debris in
the glass from when the paperweight was made. It is priced
accordingly. The paperweight is hollow with a large opening at
the base and may have been intended to be used with a small light
inside or placed on a lighted stand. A nice example of early
work by this studio. Note: From the signature, we can't be sure which artist at Vandermark-Merritt made this paperweight. The primary glass artists at the time were Jerry Vandermark, Doug Merritt and Stephen Smarr. Jerry Vandermark apprenticed with
Carl Erickson in 1943 at Erickson Art Glass in Bremen,
Ohio. In 1959, Vandermark left Erickson to direct the
Colonial Glasshouse at Jamestown, Virginia for the National Park
Service. In 1968, working with Thomas Merritt, he
established the Vandermark Glasshouse at Liberty
Village, Flemington, New Jersey. Jerry later took
Thomas Merritt's son Doug Merritt as an apprentice and
they paired up to form the Vandermark-Merritt Glass Studios in
1972. The studio evolved from producing replicas of 18th
century glassware to more wide-ranging reproductions, and then
added some original art glass designs. It built its
reputation with museum quality colonial reproductions, original
art glass in the art nouveau and art deco traditions, crystal
sculpture, contemporary designs and cameo creations. Their
work can be found in a number of major collections, including
the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Smithsonian Institution, Toledo
Museum, Corning Museum, and Wheaton Museum of American
Glass. Stephen Smarr was a master glass artist for
Vandermark Merritt Glass Studios in Branchburg, NJ for 38 years
until his death in 2010.
Very Large Size: 3 5/16" diameter x 4 11/16"
high. The paperweight is hollow with a large opening on the
base. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$85 postage paid in the US. Added 7/3/2020 For more vintage American paperweights, see my Contemporary American Paperweights Web Page. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 4556 | Charles Kaziun Jr. Miniature Tilted
Pedestal Spider Lily Paperweight with Double Latticinio Ground and
Cobalt Blue Lower Ground. circa 1960-1980.
This is a miniature pedestal paperweight with a yellow spider lily
and four leaves on a placed on a swirling double latticinio ground
over a cobalt blue ground. The flower has a red center with a
yellow star cane in the middle. The paperweight is tilted at a
45 degree angle so it displays beautifully. Signed on the
bottom of the ground with a gold K. With its dramatic swirling
double latticinio ground and cobalt blue under layer, this
paperweight will be a wonderful addition to any collection of Kaziun
miniature paperweights. The tilted pedestal spider lily design was Charles Kaziun's signature design and one of the most popular with collectors. The most common variety was often referred to as a #1. This example is larger than a #1 and has the rarer double latticinio ground. Charles Kaziun Jr. was one of the most famous of the American paperweight artists. He is often credited with contributing to the rebirth of interest in paperweight making. He made paperweights from the 1940s until his death in 1992. His weights are usually signed with a gold K or a special millefiori cane containing a K. You can read about him in many books, including: Signature: Signed on the bottom of the ground with Kaziun's gold K. Condition: Excellent condition with no chips or cracks. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$395 postage paid in the US. Added 7/3/2020 For more paperweights by Charles Kaziun, see my Kaziun Paperweights Web Page. (dl-kaz-ca) Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 5127 | Antique Baccarat Type III Pansy
Paperweight with Star Cut Base. circa
1900-1920. Baccarat Pansy paperweight with leaves and
stem. The base is finished with a Baccarat star cut. It
is probably from Baccarat's Dupont period. This style of pansy
is called a type III pansy. It consists of two large velvet
purple petals above over three lower petals. The lower petals
are amber yellow over a white base which can be seen from the
back. Each lower petal has a purple tip and three dark lines
radiating from the central cane consisting of star canes with a red
whorl center. A wonderful paperweight in great shape.
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.
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: Just over 2 1/4" diameter by 1 1/2"
high. The bottom is ground slightly concave and finished
with a Baccarat star cut base. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture $495 postage paid in the US. Added 6/20/2020 For more information about Baccarat paperweights, see my Baccarat
Paperweights
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| 3454 | Antique Clichy Sulphide Paperweight of
Victoria and Albert. circa 1851. Clichy Sulphide
paperweight featuring Queen Victoria (1819-1901) and Prince Albert
(1819-1861). The sulphide is fairly high in the dome of the
paperweight and is over a clear ground. It is believed that
this paperweight may have been made for the 1851 Great Exhibition at
the Crystal Palace in London. Prince Albert conceived of the
exhibition which was considered the first world's fair. The
exhibition was intended to advance the arts and sciences. A
wonderful example.
Note: This was a difficult paperweight to photograph due to the clear glass and white sulphide. Some of the pictures look darker but you can rest assured that the glass is clear crystal, although some striations (sugaring) are visible. 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. Sometimes a
sulphide will have a silvery appearance due to a thin layer of
trapped bubbles between the glass and the sulphide itself. 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 over 2 1/2" diameter by 1 13/16"
high. The base is ground concave. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$845 postage paid in the US. Added 6/18/2020 For more information about Antique Paperweights, see my Antique Paperweights Web Page. (dl-ant-sul) Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 2976 | Rare Magnum Rick Ayotte 2003 Artist Proof
Desert Scene with Bird, Lizards, Insect, Flowering Cacti
Paperweight. dated 2003. This very large
paperweight is teeming with life in a crowded rocky and sandy
space. There are three different varieties of flowering cacti
with red, white, and yellow flowers, a blue bird, two lizards
(salamanders?), and a large insect (tarantula?). And maybe a
snake, or is it dried up plant material. It is hard to be sure
of everything. The second lizard is hiding under the red
flowered cactus. This piece is an artist's proof and as such
should be viewed as a unique study piece. Rick made artist
proofs like this to work out details and arrangement of a
challenging new design. It is signed "Rick Ayotte AP/1 2003"
on the near the base. A great example of Rick Ayotte's
artistry. The book Songs without Words: The Art of the Paperweight - Rick Ayotte was published in 1997, so this paperweight does not appear in the book. Artist proofs are mentioned in the book in the context of miniatures, "One also finds a number of rare artist proof miniatures. These study pieces were created in the process of mapping out a larger design." It is fair to speculate that this magnum artist proof was useful in planning a complex design with many elements. As far as I know, the desert scene was never made as a regular production item. Roland "Rick" Ayotte specializes in paperweights with themes from nature, including lampworked bird and other animals, flowers, fruits, and berries. His paperweights range in size from miniatures to super magnums. He also produces other wonderful glass art objects. He lives and works in New Boston, New Hampshire and has been making glass paperweights since 1978. Very Large Size: 3 5/8" diameter by 2 5/8”
high. The base has been ground concave. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$2,250 postage paid in the US. US Sales only, no international shipping. Added 6/16/2020 For more paperweights by contemporary American paperweight makers, see my Contemporary American Paperweights Web Page. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 1390 | Antique Bohemian Enameled
Paperweight "Bund der Deutschen in Böhmen 1894". circa
1900. This unusual paperweight is made of clear glass enameled
on top with a shield displaying German colors, oak leaves, and a
banner "Bund
der Deutschen in Böhmen 1894" (League of Germans in Bohemia
1894). There is also a worn gold edge decoration
visible in the larger picture. The members of the league were
people of German heritage living in Western Bohemia. An
organization of the same name exists today. There may be more
than one such organization as I found images with an 1894 date and
others with an 1896 date. I believe the paperweight was
decorated locally in Western Bohemia using glass produced
nearby. 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. Size: 2 9/16" diameter by 1 3/16" high. The base is
ground flat but not entirely smooth. The glass is
clear. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$125 postage paid in the US. Added 6/13/2020 For more information about Bohemian paperweights, see my Bohemian Paperweights Web Page . Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 4680 | Large Early Selkirk Peter Holmes 1979
Aquarius Limited Edition Footed Paperweight. dated
1979. In my mind, this paperweight has an abstract
representation of the expression "the dawning of the age of
Aquarius" from the 1967 musical Hair, which was released on film in
1979. That's my interpretation, you can have your own. I
see a large silvery bubble charged with green energy suspended above
a green sea. There are undefined bodies rising from the
surface to join the sphere. The paperweight is an early design
from Peter Holmes created shortly after founding Selkirk
Glass. It is signed in script on the edge of the base "SELKIRK
GLASS SCOTLAND AQUARIUS 102/350 1979", indicating it is number 102
in a limited edition of 350 paperweights. It also has an early
Peter Holmes "PH" signature cane. Pedestal or footed
paperweights like this from Selkirk are rare, with only a few
designs made in this form. A imaginative paperweight in
excellent condition. Selkirk Glass founded in 1977 by Peter Holmes and Ron Hutchinson. Peter apprenticed under Paul Ysart at Caithness from 1963 and continued at Caithness until 1977. Ron Hutchinson was also at Caithness. Selkirk produced a wide range of paperweight styles including abstract, lampwork and millefiori paperweights. The company was located in Selkirk, Scotland in the Borders Region. At some point they were purchased by Edinburgh Crystal and remained in operation until 2006. . Peter Holmes started his glass working career at Caithness Glass (Scotland) in 1963 as an apprentice to Paul Ysart. He continued at Caithness until 1977, when he and Ron Hutchinson left Caithness to start Selkirk Glass. Peter left Selkirk in 2002 to start Scottish Borders Art Glass with his son, Andrew, at Galalaw, Hawick. Large Size: 3" diameter by 2 7/8" high. There is a
footed base, which is 2 3/8" diameter. The bottom of the
foot is ground flat. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$165 postage paid in the US. Added 6/12/2020 For more information about paperweights made by Scottish makers, see my Scottish Paperweights Web Page Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 2257 | Large Antique Dorflinger Red over White
Petaled Lily-Style Paperweight. circa 1895-1920.
This 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. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$395 postage paid in the US. Added 6/7/2020. For more information about Antique Paperweights, see my Antique Paperweights Web Page (dl-ant-va) Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 3066 | Large Antique Baccarat Macédoine
(Scramble) Millefiori Paperweight. circa
1845-1860. This paperweight is made up of
multi-colored striped millefiori segments arranged at (mostly) right
angles. This is a antique paperweight made during the classic
period of paperweight making (1845-1860). A great example of
this unique style of antique Baccarat paperweight. Great
color. The Macédoine is a uniquely Baccarat style in which the short sections of latticinio (twists, filigree, lace) are arranged in a quilt-like pattern with many of the sections at right angles to each other. Usually there are no millefiori present. This pattern was originally made during the classic period of French paperweights (1845-1860). A modern version was produced in the 1960s and is similar to but different from the antique version. 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.
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 and the Dupont connection 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. Large Size: Just over 2 7/8" diameter by 2"
high. The bottom is ground concave. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$595 postage paid in the US. Added 6/7/2020 For more information about Baccarat paperweights, see my Antique
Paperweights, see my Antique Paperweights
Web Page.
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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. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$345 postage paid in the US. Added 6/5/2020 For more vintage American paperweights, see my Vintage
American
Paperweights Web Page.
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| 2178 |
Antique St. Mandé Miniature Closepack
Millefiori Paperweight. circa 1841 - 1857. This
is an antique St. Mandé closepack millefiori paperweight.
I'm describing this as a closepack because the canes are all
upright, not tipped over. However there are some open
areas. There are many different and interesting canes in
this paperweight. The bright yellow cane is something rarely
found except in St. Mandé paperweights. The glass has a very
slight grayish tint and has a lot of bubbles. The design is
set high in the dome. And there is a a characteristic groove
low down on the side. The condition is very good to
excellent with a few scuffed areas on the dome, but there is
plenty of glass and it could be restored. I wouldn't do so
because polishing might remove the St. Mandé characteristic groove
on the side. A rare example for the advanced collector. Very Small Size: Just over 1 7/8" diameter by just
under 1 1/2" high. The base is ground concave. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$645 postage paid in the US. Added 5/27/2020 For more information about Antique Paperweights, see my Antique Paperweights Web Page. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 2267 | Large Millefiori Paperweight with Frit
Ground by Unknown Maker. This is a large mystery
millefiori paperweight made by an unknown maker. There are ten
millefiori canes (two designs) in brown, white, and black. Nine are
arranged in a circle alternating in an irregular pattern between two
cane types. And the tenth cane is a slightly larger black and
white cane in the center. All over a colorful frit
ground. The base is ground concave. A mystery for future
study. The maker of this paperweight is unknown. It is probably European in origin. Possibly early 20th century Murano, but it could also have originated at one of the many glass houses in Bohemia. Large Size: 2 15/16" diameter by 1 15/16"
high. The base is ground concave. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$49 postage paid in the US. Added 5/27/2020 For more information about paperweights by unknown makers, see my Unknown Makers Paperweights Web Page . Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 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.
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. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$895 postage paid in the US. added 5/24/2020 For more information about antique paperweights see my Antique Paperweights Web Page. (dl-ant-bacc) Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 5125 | Large Antique Dorflinger Paneled
Lily-Style Paperweight. circa 1895-1920. This
paperweight has
four sections or panels, each with a center stripe of pink or
green flanked on both sides with a white border. The panels
are pleated with a large bubble and second smaller bubble between
each pleat. There is also a larger center bubble. The
pleats are created
by pushing the top of the design down with a crimp. When
viewed from the bottom, the paperweight gives the the appearance
of an umbrella with four white panels and four ribs. The
paperweight is confirmed to have been made at Dorflinger
Glass. An
interesting paperweight worthy of further study. 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. Special thanks to a Dorflinger collector who confirmed the Dorflinger attribution and drew my attention to a group of similar paperweights found in the Dorflinger Glass Museum in White Mills, PA. 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 1/4” diameter by 2 1/2" high.
The base is ground slightly concave. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture of the paperweight$195 postage paid in the US. Description updated 5/24/2020. For more information about Antique Paperweights, see my Antique Paperweights Web Page (dl-ant-va) Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 3576 | Rare Vintage Lewis Kain Blue and White
Dahlia Paperweight with Green Ground. circa
1960-1979. This paperweight features wonderful sparkly blue
and white striped dahlia flower with leaves and stem placed over an
transparent green ground. The flower has many long pointed
blue and white striped petals arranged in three layers. The
center of the flower is a yellow and white cane. Underneath
the transparent green ground is a a partial white layer. The
design is reminiscent of antique St. Louis dahlias. It is
signed in the design with Lewis Kain's LK signature cane. A
great addition to any collection of early American studio
paperweights. Note: Primitive as this paperweight is, it should be kept in mind that the artist was working at the very beginning of the American studio paperweight period. It has many of the elements that later glass workers would struggle to master. The paperweight is in good condition although there is one small 1/16"chip and also some scratches on the side. There are also many bubbles and some areas with black debris in the glass. The paperweight displays well and is offered at a bargain price. Lewis Kain was one of the early pioneers of the modern paperweight movement. He worked in southern New Jersey making small lampwork flower weights in the 1960s and 1970s. His paperweights are hard to find. Small Size: 2 1/4" diameter by 1 1/2" high.
The bottom is ground flat. The base is ground flat. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large pictureSOLD. Added 5/22/2020 For more vintage American paperweights, see my Vintage American Paperweights Web Page. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 2044 | Antique Thuringia or Silesia
Bohemia Miniature Concentric Millefiori Paperweight. Circa
1870 - 1940. Colorful antique concentric paperweight with
millefiori canes arranged in two rings of alternating canes around a
center cane. The design is placed over a multi-colored frit
ground. This paperweight is in unusually good condition but
does have a 1/8" chip on the top and tiny chips around the
base. It has many small bubbles as shown in the
pictures. 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. The glass
has a gray tint. A nice example with great color. 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 Peter von Brackel, Paperweights: Historicism - Art Nouveau - Art Deco - 1842 to Today (see examples on page 94-95). Miniature Size: Just over 1 7/8" diameter by just
over 1 5/8" high. The top has a flattened profile. The
base is ground flat. The glass is grayish. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$135 postage paid in the US. Added 5/11/2020 For more information about Bohemian paperweights, see my Bohemian Paperweights Web Page . Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 1929 | Colorful Miniature Antique Bohemian
Concentric Millefiori Paperweight. circa
1880-1920. Colorful small antique Bohemian millefiori
paperweight with a concentric design of two rings of complex
multi-colored millefiori around a central blue and white complex
millefiori cane. The outer ring alternates between several
different complex canes, primarily green and white with some red and
blue mixed in. The inner ring consists of identical canes made
up of red and white elements with a touch of other colors.
Wonderful complex canes and a nice balance of colors. Note: Please ignore the white areas, they are glare from the light. There is a debate as to where this paperweight was made. Some paperweight experts, including myself, believe that this paperweight was made by an unknown European maker, probably in the region along the Czech - German border, hence the label Bohemian. Others believe that the paperweight is of Chinese origin because the cane structure shares some similarities to known early 1930’s Chinese millefiori. The glass is good quality crystal and and the bottom finish is consistent other Bohemian paperweights. Very Small Size: Just over 1 7/8" diameter by just
over 7/8" high. The bottom is ground flat. $69 postage paid in the US. Added 5/4/2020 For more information about Bohemian paperweights, see my Bohemian Paperweights Web Page .
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| 2793 | Medium Colorful Strathearn Paneled
Millefiori Paperweight. circa 1963-1968. This very
attractive paperweight consists of a paneled millefiori pattern with
eight sections of 1+2+2 millefiori patterns each separated by a
white latticinio twist cane. There is a central ring of six
millefiori canes and then a center millefiori cane. The canes
are early Scottish millefiori canes on an opaque blue
ground. This is a very nice example. A great
addition to any collection of Scottish paperweights.
The birth of Scottish paperweight making is credited to the glass making family of Salvador Ysart, who moved to Crieff, Scotland in 1922. They worked first at John Moncrieff Ltd and made the earliest Scottish paperweights during that period. In 1946 Salvadore and his sons Augustine and Vincent founded Ysart Brothers Glass and produced glass wares under the Vasart label. Salvador Ysart died in 1955 The company name was later changed to Vasart Glass. Strathearn Glass was formed in a reorganization of Vasart glass in 1963. The new company was owned by Teachers Whiskey. Medium Size: 2 9/16” diameter by 1 7/8”
high. Bottom is fire polished. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$95 postage paid in the US. Added 5/4/2020 For more information about paperweights made by Scottish makers, see my Scottish Paperweights Web Page Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 3360 | Antique Miniature Clichy Millefiori
Nosegay Paperweight. circa 1845-1860. This antique
Clichy nosegay paperweight has an exquisite setup with three very
nice Clichy complex pastry mold canes (pink, red, and blue) plus
five perfect leaves and a stem. It is well centered over a
clear ground. This paperweight has been professionally
restored to remove surface defects and is in excellent
condition. The colors are perfect and this will be a
delightful addition to any collection of antique paperweights.
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. Very small size: 1 11/16” diameter by 1 3/16”
high. The base is ground concave. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$475 postage paid in the US. 5/3/2020 For more information about Antique Paperweights, see my Antique Paperweights Web Page. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 1462 | Antique Thuringia or Silesia
Bohemia Scramble Millefiori Paperweight. Circa 1870 -
1940. Colorful antique paperweight with millefiori canes and
twists arranged in a tight pattern. This paperweight is in
unusually good condition but has many small bubbles as shown in the
pictures. 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. The glass
has a slightly gray tint. A nice example with great color. Although many people collect scramble paperweights for their own merit, scrambles are also valuable tools for learning to identify the different colors and canes used by each factory. 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 Peter von Brackel, Paperweights: Historicism - Art Nouveau - Art Deco - 1842 to Today (see examples on page 94-95). Small Size: Just over 2 1/16" diameter by just
under 1 1/2" high. The base is ground flat. The glass
is grayish. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large pictureSOLD. Added 5/2/2020 For more information about Bohemian paperweights, see my Bohemian Paperweights Web Page . Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 1872 | Mystery Magnum Star Millefiori Paperweight
by Unknown Maker. This is a very large mystery
paperweight made by an unknown maker. There are 13 black five
pointed stars each with a white background arranged in a 1-4-3-4-1
pattern. The design is placed over a large bubble with a
funnel like hole on the base which leads to the bubble. There
is no pontil mark. The maker of this paperweight is unknown. One collector has suggested that glass artist Richard Ritter made paperweights with similar star shaped millefiori, but that isn't enough to attribute this paperweight. So, it remains by an unknown maker. Very Large Size: 3 9/16" diameter by 2 1/4"
high. There is no pontil mark on the base, but there is an
unusual funnel shape that leads to the large bubble in the design.
For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture of the paperweight$79 postage paid in the US. Added 5/1/2020 For more information about paperweights by unknown makers, see my Unknown Makers Paperweights Web Page . Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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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.
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.. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture of the paperweight$1,250 postage paid in the US. US sales only for this paperweight. Added 4/24/2020 For more information about Antique Paperweights, see my Antique Paperweights Web Page. (dl-ant-bac) Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 1090 | Czech / Bohemian Morning Glories Trumpet
Flower Paperweight. circa 1880-1925. Trumpet
flower paperweight with five blossoms. There is one large
center flower and four smaller ones under it. There is a
planned bubble in the center of each flower. The flowers are
pushed down to a green frit flower pot shaped ground. The
glass is heavy crystal.
This style is also called an icepick flower because of the sharp tool used to push each flower down to the base. In this case the tool is pushed through a multi-colored glass slice. Some authors call these morning glory flowers. Von Brackel discusses this style in his book He lists many variations on pages 106 to 149 with a wide range of values up to $300 and more. On pages 278 & 279 he describes the process used to make a trumpet flower paperweight. Size: 2 3/4" diameter by 3 5/16" high. The
bottom is ground flat. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture of the paperweight$125 postage paid in the US. Added 4/5/2020 For more information about Bohemian paperweights, see my Bohemian Paperweights Web Page . Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 2920 | Perthshire Annual Collection 1973E Limited
Edition Miniature Amber Flower Paperweight with
certificate. This paperweight features a five-petaled
amber flower with a stem set over a clear ground. It is
faceted with one top facet and eight side facets and finished with a
brilliant grid cut base. This was the first design Perthshire
made with the grid cut base, which they called a
strawberry-cut. It is signed with Perthshire's "P" signature
cane in the center of the flower. This paperweight was made in
a limited edition of 600 paperweights of which 563 were made.
This comes which its original certificate which identifies it as
#554 in the edition. There is no paper label on this
paperweight. A nice crisp design with great color. Perthshire made this paperweight as one of their annual collection items for 1973. This means the design was made only that one year and never again. There were five annual collection designs in 1973, designated A through E, of which this is 1973E. The annual collection paperweights are the most desirable of the Perthshire line, with the exception of one of one items. Perthshire was a small company in Crieff, Scotland that was devoted to the creation of quality glass paperweights. They stopped production in January 2002 after more than 30 years of production. Their paperweights were consistently high in quality and yet remained reasonable in price. The birth of Scottish paperweight making is
credited to the glass making family of Salvador Ysart, who moved
to Crieff, Scotland in 1922. They worked first at John
Moncrieff Ltd and made the earliest Scottish paperweights during
that period. In 1946 Salvadore and his sons Augustine and
Vincent founded Ysart Brothers Glass and produced glass wares
under the Vasart label. Salvador Ysart died in 1955.
The company name was later changed to Vasart Glass. Stuart
Drysdale was hired manage the business side of the enterprise in
1960. The company evolved into a new company Strathearn
owned by Teachers Whiskey. In 1967 Drysdale was sent a
magazine article on antique paperweights (Woman's Day, July
1965). This inspired him to try to produce weights
comparable to the French antiques. With this goal in mind,
he and several of the glass workers left Strathearn to found Perthshire
in 1968. Small Size: 2 1/8" diameter by 1 3/8" high.
The bottom is ground concave and finished with a grid-cut.
This paperweight is faceted with a larger top facet and eight
small side facets. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture of the paperweight$265 postage paid in the US. Added 4/5/2020 For more information about Perthshire Paperweights, see my Perthshire Web Page. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 3529 | Early Kenyon Brown 1990 Multi-Color Swirl
Paperweight. dated 1990. This paperweight
features a blue, white, green, and brown swirl design with the swirl
winding from the base up to a tight point on top. The ground
is clear. It is signed with an engraved "Ken Brown '90" on the
fire finished base. One of Ken Brown's earliest
paperweights. A rare item. Kenyon Brown was originally an auctioneer in Buckingham, PA. After his retirement he developed an interest in glass and volunteered at Wheaton Village (now WheatonArts) in Millville, NJ. He experimented for more than a decade making paperweights. While he did some of the setups at his home in Lahaska, PA, he would do the encasement in the hot shop at Wheaton Village. Ken passed away in 2017 at the age of 94. Large Size: 2 13/16” diameter by 2 1/4" high.
The base is fire finished. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture of the paperweight$65 postage paid in the US. Added 3/12/2020 For more information about Contemporary American paperweights, see my Contemporary American Paperweights Web Page . Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 2238 | Chinese Millefiori Perfume Bottle or
Inkwell. c.1930. Matching concentric millefiori pattern
in the base and the stopper. Each has four rings of millefiori
around a central floral cane. The base is footed. I
would call this bottle a scent or perfume bottle because of the long
stopper that reaches almost to the bottom of the well. A very
desirable Chinese paperweight collectible.
This is a copy of a Whitefriars inkwell from about 1920. You can see the Whitefriars version by clicking this link. Note the similarity right down to the footed base. Size: 3 1/8" diameter by 5 1/2" high. Excellent condition with only minor wear consistent with age. As is typical of Chinese paperweights from this period, there is some debris in the glass and it has a greenish hue. For comparable pricing, check lot 288 in Selman's Fall 2002 auction, in which a similar sized bottle brought $303 against an estimate of $275-$400. Chinese Paperweights were made in the late 1920s and throughout the 1930s as an attempt to duplicate 19th Century antique weights made in the United States and France. Because they are almost 100 years old, they are very collectible and every collector should own a few of these as study pieces. The history of the early Chinese paperweights is mostly anecdotal as no written records have been discovered. The story is that an American dealer sent examples of paperweights made by the New England Glass Company (NEGC), Boston & Sandwich Glass Company (B&S), Millville makers, and French factories to a Chinese factory and requested copies be made. The results are interesting and sometimes confused with the originals by inexperienced collectors. The earliest pictures of these paperweights appeared in the book American Glass Paperweights by Francis Edgar Smith published in 1939. Smith was aware that at least one of the paperweights shown in his book was Chinese. Since Smith was not an expert collector, this indicates that there was some general knowledge that these were Chinese prior to 1939. In the United States, the Tariff Act of 1930 required that every imported item must be conspicuously and indelibly marked in English with its country of origin. As a result, many of these Chinese paperweights are scratch signed on the bottom "CHINA". Many are also not signed, suggesting that either they were imported prior to 1930 or the importer ignored the requirement. Most likely the earliest Chinese paperweights were made prior to 1930. The Chinese makers often combined design features found in paperweights from different makers. For example they copied the latticinio grounds used by New England Glass Company and used them with copies of Baccarat Pansy weights. The original Baccarat pansy paperweights never had a latticinio ground. They copied the pedestal rose from Millville and then used the pedestal bottom with other weights. It is fun to collect all the variations. In general, Chinese paperweights from the 1930s have a light weight glass mixture that is high in soda and has a greenish tinge. The glass also has a soft almost oily feel. Frequently they have bubbles or debris in the glass. And because of their age, many of these have minor scratches or other surface defects. Chinese paperweights made in the 1970s and later usually have better quality glass and are free of debris. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the
following links: Large
picture of the paperweight For more paperweights from China, see my Chinese Paperweights Web Page. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 4678 | Early 1978 Large Caithness Amber Myriad
Abstract Paperweight. circa 1978. This early
Caithness paperweight features an abstract design with a swirling
tornado-like vortex rising from a bed of multi-colored glass
bits. The transparent amber ground has a ring of controlled
bubbles placed just above the base. There are larger bubbles
deliberately placed above the vortex. The paperweight is
signed with an acid etch on the base "Caithness MYRIAD
Scotland". Great color.
This design is listed and designated CT-91 on page 21 of the Charlton Standard Catalog of Caithness Paperweights. It was designed in 1978 at the Oban Studios as part of the Modern Design Series.. The paperweight came in many color variations, including Blue, Green, Purple and Red. And this one - which is Amber. Caithness Glass was founded by Robin Sinclair in Wick in north eastern Scotland in 1961. The factory did not start making paperweights until 1962 when Paul Ysart joined Caithness. Colin Terris joined Caithness in 1968 and started the modern line of paperweights in 1969. A second factory was opened in Oban in 1969 and the Perth factory opened in 1979. In 1980, Caithness purchased the Whitefriars name and designs. More recently Caithness recently went through a number of changes of ownership. After going into receivership in 2004, it was purchased by Edinburgh Crystal, but went into receivership again in 2006. Finally, it was bought out of receivership by Dartington Crystal. The factories in Wick, Oban and Perth all closed and were replaced by a smaller operation and visitors' center in Crieff. Large Size: 3 1/16" diameter by 2 9/16" high.
The base is ground flat. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture of the paperweight$59 postage paid in the US. 1/30/2020 For more information about paperweights made by Scottish makers, see my Scottish Paperweights Web Page Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 5138 | Large Blue Glass Dump Paperweight with
Flowers - Unknown Maker. This is a large blue /
turquoise glass dump with five petaled icepick flowers inside, each
with five or six petals. Crude unfinished base. It is
possibly made as a whimsy by workers in a bottle factory.
Although it is similar to antique English green and blue dumps,
there are no known Victorian period dumps with this color or with
this style of flowers. I believe this paperweight originated
at a factory that worked with blue or turquoise colored bottle
glass, probably in the early 1900s and possibly in the UK or
Bohemia. Since the origin is uncertain, I can only attribute
it to an unknown maker in an unspecified country. An
interesting paperweight worthy of further study. Green and Blue glass dump paperweights, mantle ornaments and doorstops originated as early as 1820 and continued to be made as late as 1914. Often referred to as dumps, they are made from green and blue bottle glass in factories founded by John Kilner of Wakefield and other bottle makers in the Midlands and Northern regions of England. There are articles on this topic in 2002, 2003 and 2005 annual bulletins of the Paperweight Collectors Association. You can also read about them in Old English Paperweights by Robert Hall. These dumps can be found with internal bubble designs, well executed floral designs, sulphide inclusions, or colored flowers. Signed examples exist and command a premium price. Since they are made from bottle glass, these paperweights often show signs of rough handling with chips or internal fractures. Large Size: 3 1/16" diameter by just under 2 1/2"
high. The base is unfinished and rough. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture of the paperweight$95 postage paid in the US. Added 1/30/2020 For more information about paperweights by unknown makers, see my Unknown Makers Paperweights Web Page . Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 5200 | Rare Baccarat 1952-1953 Experimental or
Prototype Dwight Eisenhower Sulphide Paperweight.
This modern sulphide paperweight features a three dimensional figure
of President Dwight D. Eisenhower. The sulphide was made
directly from a campaign medal. The Eisenhower sulphide was
the first modern sulphide paperweight made by Baccarat and was
considered experimental. It preceded the larger editions
produced later. After much experimentation, Baccarat produced
an edition of 153 of these paperweights, of which 103 were on a blue
ground and 50 were on a clear ground. An unknown number of
those on a clear ground were finished with a diamond-cut base.
This example has a clear ground. The sulphide is a bit cruder
than others I have seen, indicating to me that this may be a
prototype made to demonstrate feasibility. The glass is heavy
crystal typical of Baccarat paperweights, but it is unsigned. Note: Please ignore the white areas, they are glare from the light. 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. Sometimes a sulphide will have a silvery appearance due to a thin layer of trapped bubbles between the glass and the sulphide itself. 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.
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. Large Size: Just under 2 7/8" diameter by 1 7/8"
high. The base is slightly convex.
For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture of the paperweight$95 postage paid in the US. Added 1/29/2020 For more information about sulphide paperweights, see my Sulphide Paperweights Web Page (dl-sul-bac) Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 5027 | Faceted Harlequin Type Paperweight
with Five Icepick Bubbles - Possibly Unknown European or Scottish.
circa 1950 -1980. Most likely made at an unknown
European factory although there is a slight possibility that it was
made by a member of the Ysart family. This paperweight has a
large central bubble and four side bubbles pushed down to a
multi-colored frit ground. It is similar to the Harlequin
paperweights shown in Colin Mahoney's book on Paul Ysart
paperweights, but it not good enough to be called a Paul Ysart
Harlequin weight. There is a tight ring of twelve thumbprint
facets around the side near the base. The glass has a lot of
small bubbles. An interesting study paperweight. Note: My first inclination was to call this Bohemian or unknown European, but I could not find any close matches in the literature. Similarly, it shares some characteristics with the harlequin paperweights shown in Colin Mahoney's book Masterpieces: The Paperweights of Paul Ysart, but is not a good match there either. The birth of Scottish paperweight making is credited to the glass making family of Salvador Ysart, who moved to Crieff, Scotland from Spain in 1922. They worked first at John Moncrieff Ltd and made the earliest Scottish paperweights during that period. Paul Ysart (1904-1991), originally Pablo Moreno Isart, was apprenticed to his father as a glass worker at Moncrieff in 1922. He worked on the production of Monart Art Glass. Paperweights were primarily an after hours activity. Paul made his first paperweight in the early 1930s. Production was interrupted by World War II and the Monart line was not restarted until 1946. In 1946 Salvadore and his sons Augustine and Vincent left Moncrieff and founded Ysart Brothers Glass. They produced glass wares under the Vasart label. Salvador Ysart died in 1955. Paul stayed at Moncrieff from until 1962, when he joined Caithness as a Training Officer. While at Caithness, he trained Pe |
