New Additions - Paperweights
for Sale
New Additions - Paperweights
for Sale
| 4286 | Magnum Caithness 1976 Colin
Terris Sun Dance Limited Edition Paperweight. dated
1976. This large spherical Caithness paperweight features a
wonderful design with three funnel shaped vortexes each having a
large bubble in the center. Each vortex is made up of a
swirling arrangement of many smaller bubbles and orange color.
The design is set over a transparent dark amethyst ground layer
which has smaller bubbles arranged around the outer edge. This
paperweight is engraved in script "1865 / 3000 Sun Dance
1976". Also has a worn Caithness label "CG HAND MADE IN
SCOTLAND". A beautiful paperweight with great color. The SUN DANCE design is listed and designated CT-55 on page 16 of the Charlton Standard Catalog of Caithness Paperweights. It was designed in 1976 by Colin Terris. It was released in a limited edition of 3,000 paperweights, all of which were made. 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: Just under 3 1/4" diameter by 2
13/16" 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 10/25/2021 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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| 4318 | Rare Lewis and Jennifer Wilson Crystal
Myths Meadow Scene Paperweight with Coral Snake, Frog, and Yellow
Flower. dated 2005. This paperweight has a red,
yellow, and black banded coral snake moving through a green meadow
with a green frog watching cautiously. There is a mysterious
three dimensional five petal yellow flower with a yellow bud and leg
like and toe like appendages that is suggestive (to me) of a
mystical flower headed lizard - but that is probably just my
imagination. Exactly the type of sculptures that Lewis Wilson
and his daughter Jennifer often create at Crystal Myths. The
ground has the appearance of a meadow floor with some rocks and
pebbles. It is signed on the side near the base "L J W
05". A fantastic collaborative paperweight from these skilled
artists. Lewis Calvin Wilson is a
self-taught artist who started working with glass in 1972.
In October 1973, he worked briefly with Miguel Bonilla at Walt
Disney World in Orlando. Crystal Myths, Inc. was
established in Albuquerque, New Mexico in 1974. Lewis is
best known for his fantastic glass sculptures, which he
continues to make. His repertoire now includes beads,
marbles, and some paperweights. He now works with his
daughter Jennifer Wilson on the miniature encasements
like this paperweight. Together they also teach
lampworking and have produced a number of books and videos on
lampworking. Large Size: 2 5/16" diameter by 1 15/16" high.
The bottom is polished flat. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$375 postage paid in the US. Added 10/24/2021 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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| 3377 | Miniature Murano Millefiori Paperweight
with Red and Yellow Heart Canes. circa
1960-1980. Colorful millefiori paperweight from Murano with
red and yellow heart canes. This paperweight has seven
identical cogged heart canes, each a red heart outlined in white and
having a yellow surround. The paperweight is unsigned. A
fun item. Note: The color is off in some of the pictures. The true color is a bright yellow as shown on the view of the base. 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. Miniature Size: Just over 1 15/16" diameter by just
over 1 7/16" high. The base is polished flat. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$39 postage paid in the US. Added 10/23/2021 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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| 1435 | Antique St. Mandé Miniature Millefiori Scramble
Paperweight. circa 1841-1857. This is an
antique St. Mandé millefiori scramble or end of day
paperweight. There are many different and interesting
millefiori canes in this paperweight, including the dark red and
white rose considered unique to St. Mandé. The glass has a
very slight grayish tint and, some bubbles, and also some black
debris in it. Good condition for its age. There are two
small circular impact marks. One is small (1/8") and on the
dome (see picture). The other is low on the side and much
smaller. There is also considerable wear on the base and on
the sides near the base and some scratches on the dome. There
is sufficient glass and it could be restored. A rare example
for the advanced collector. Very little is known about the St. Mandé factory. This was a small one pot glass factory in the village of St. Mandé, France. Operated by Joseph Nocus, the factory was in operation from 1841 to 1857. During that period the factory won several awards and mentions in trade journals. When signed, the weights have an StM signature cane. Paul Hollister incorrectly referred to the factory as St. Maude in his Encyclopedia of Glass Paperweights, but George Kulles persisted and eventually identified the correct name in 1991. There is a section on St. Mandé in the Kulles book Identifying Antique Paperweights - The Less Familiar. Since then additional documentation and evidence has been uncovered. There have also been several articles on St. Mandé in the PCA Annual Bulletins, notably in 1991, 1999, and newer issues. Originally it was estimated that only a few hundred St. Mandé paperweights exist, but in recent years many more have been correctly identified. Size: Just under 2 1/16" diameter by just under 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$275 postage paid in the US. Added 9/17/2021 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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| 3469 | Vintage Magnum Arculus Concentric
Paperweight Inkwell with false date 1848 - with damage.
circa 1920-1941. This magnificent inkwell has a matching
concentric pattern in both the base and the top. The base has
a false date "1848" in the second ring from the outside. The
base has six concentric millefiori rings (pink, white, green, blue,
white, pink) around a central millefiori cane. The stopper top
has four concentric rings (pink, white, green, blue) also around a
central cane. There is a slight foot at the base of the
bottle. Unfortunately, this inkwell has noticeable
repair. The flared portion of the neck was broken and repaired
and there is a large chip in the stopper. There is also a
piece of black debris inside the well of the inkwell. Offered
at a considerable discount. This was made by Arculus in
Birmingham, England or by its successor firm Walsh-Walsh. See
the history of Arculus and Walsh-Walsh below. It displays well
as shown in the pictures. For a long time, collectors believed that English paperweights dated 1848 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 just Old English paperweights. Arculus was founded as R.W. Winfield
of Birmingham, England in 1864. It was renamed Alfred
Arculus & Company in 1875. They produced millefiori
paperweights and other glassware in Birmingham from around 1920
to about 1941. During that period, Thomas and Noel Arculus
left the company and produced similar items in their own
factory. The Arculus firm was acquired by Walsh-Walsh in
1931. They continued to operate in the Arculus location
until 1941 when it was destroyed by the Germans. In 1850, the firm of John Walsh-Walsh, Ltd. took over a glasswork business that dated from 1801. To expand, they acquired Arculus in 1931and continued to operate it at the original Arculus location until 1941. The Walsh-Walsh company then continued to operate at another location until 1951 when they went out of business. Size: 4 3/16" diameter by 5 3/4" high. Stopper
is 2 5/16" diameter. The base is ground concave. Very
heavy, this weighs just under four pounds, five pounds when
packaged. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large pictureSOLD. Added 9/16/2021 For more information about paperweights made by Whitefriars and other English factories, see my English Paperweights Web Page . (dl-eng-ant) Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 4280 | Early Miniature Orient & Flume 1977
Glossy Blue Forget Me Nots and Vines Paperweight. dated
1977. This is a wonderful example of an early Orient &
Flume surface decorated design with four blue forget-me-not flowers
and brown and green vines. The lower part of the design is
filled with a Tiffany style pulled feather pattern. The vines
wrap around to the bottom of this paperweight. The ground is
an opalescent white over a clear core. This paperweight is
signed in script on the white edge of the base "O&F 1977". 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. Size: 2 1/16" diameter by just over 1 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$85 postage paid in the US. Added 9/14/2021 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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| 1420 | Iittala (Finland) Enameled Red Tulips
Glass Card Paperweight Designed by Helja Liukko-Sundstrom. circa
1990s. This is Heljä Liukko-Sundström's card sculpture with a
rectangular form, clear glass, and a red tulips motif. The
design is painted with enamels (ground glass) on the back surface
and fired onto the clear glass front portion. It is part
of as part of Liukko-Sundström's Lasikortti (Glass Cards)
series. It has its original red Iittala label on the left side
and is signed "Helja Liukko-Sundstrom" on the right side.
A warm, whimsical addition to any diverse collection of
paperweights. Iittala was founded in 1881 by a Swedish glass maker Peter Magnus Abrahamson. The company was and still is located in the village Iittala, Finland which is now the center of glass manufacturing in Finland. Originally Iittala produced blown, pressed, polished and etched glass but has since expanded to include ceramics, textiles, wood, and other crafts. It has become a Finnish design brand that includes Arabia and specializes in design objects, tableware and cookware. The current owner is the Fiskars Corporation. Production now takes place in several countries but some glassware is still made in Finland. Heljä Liukko-Sundström (1938-) was one of Finland’s leading ceramic artists in the 20th century. She studied at the Institute of Industrial Art in Helsinki and then worked for Arabia for more than 40 years before becoming an independent artist. She is one the nine members of the Arabia Art Department Society and has the honorary title of Professor (1994). She was a prominent designer of wall plaques with playfulness, naive expression, and sometimes mild sadness. She added glass sculptures to her repertoire in the 1990s. Her work is represented at numerous museums in the Nordic countries. Size: 3 7/8" wide by just under 3 1/8" high.
It is 1" thick at the base and 3/4" thick at the top. The
base is finished flat with a texture. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large pictureSOLD. Added 9/12/2021 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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| 4303 | Peter Raos Magnum Pacific Series Blue
Starfish Paperweight. Dated 2001. This
paperweight features a naturalistic interpretation of a New Zealand
Pacific reef with a a blue starfish and a variety of coral and sea
life. It was made by Peter Raos in New Zealand and is part of
his Pacific Series of paperweights. Peter calls this shape a
flat domed paperweight. According to Raos, the design was was
inspired by a visit to the Sydney aquarium in the early
1980's. During the visit he saw a coral tank with colorful
corals and starfish. It is signed on the side near the base "Raos
2001 NZ". This is a hard to find item. A wonderful
paperweight. Peter Raos works as a glass artist in Devonport, New Zealand since starting his studio in 1979. He is a graduate of the University of Auckland Elam School of Fine Arts and Design. Large size: It has a flat profile and is just over 3
3/4” diameter by 2" tall. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$395 postage paid in the US. Added 9/11/2021 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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| 2620 | Fantastic Miniature Cape Cod Glass
Works Bill Burchfield Crown Paperweight.
circa 1997. This is an amazing tiny crown paperweight with one
of Bill Burchfield's large rose canes on the top. The design
has twenty one twist canes. It appears that Burchfield chose
to alternate each white twist cane with two blue and red twist
canes, with a total of seven white twist canes and fourteen blue and
red twist canes. The paperweight is crowned with a rose cane
that was used only in 1997. A rare miniature from this
talented artist. The rose cane used to top this paperweight is designated as Bill Burchfield-25 in Andrew Dohan's DICTIONARY OF PAPERWEIGHT SIGNATURE CANES (CD Version 2007). Crown weights are considered by some to be the most exciting of all millefiori designs. They are extremely difficult to make. The Cape Cod Glass Works was operated by William Clark Burchfield in Sagamore, Massachusetts from 1976 to 2000. It then continued briefly in Crossville, Tennessee until 2001. Bill Burchfield died in 2012. Bill's son Mark was also at the glass works until 1998. Bill started making paperweights at Pairpoint Glass in 1970. Size: Just under 1 13/16” 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$185 postage paid in the US. Added 9/11/2021 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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| 469 | Chinese Cube Shaped Single Crown Aquarium
Paperweight. circa 1940 or later. This
paperweight features a miniature crown paperweight inside a nearly
cube shaped paperweight. It is a uniquely Chinese
invention. It is intended to be placed in an aquarium
along with the rocks and plants. The inner crown paperweight
has an orange six petal flower on top of a sphere made from white
filigree. The flower has a yellow millefiori center. The
edges are beveled. Novelty items like this started appearing
in the US in the 1930s and some were sold at the 1939 World's Fair
but I believe this is a later example because the glass is better
quality. A fun collectible. 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. Size: 1 1/4" by 1 1/4" by 1 7/16" high. The
edges are beveled. The base has been polished flat but still
has some voids. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$39 postage paid in the US. Added 9/5/2021 For more paperweights from China, see my Chinese Paperweights Web Page. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 3020 | William Manson 1980 Yellow Spotted Green
Aventurine Salamander Limited Edition Paperweight. dated
1980. This a William Manson yellow-spotted green
aventurine salamander moving among scattered white rocks on a brown
and yellow sandy surface. The design is placed over an almost
opaque amethyst ground. It was issued as a limited edition of
150 paperweights and is engraved on the base "94/150" and also has a
"wm 80" signature / date cane on the base. This paperweight
was made at William Manson's small home studio during a period that
he was employed on and off by Caithness. A brilliant design. 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. His son, William David Manson, assisted him starting in 1992, taking it up as a career in 1996 (age 18) and continued until the market cooled in 2003-2004. He is now in the process of setting up his own studio (in 2021). Size: Just over 2 7/8" diameter by 2" high.
The base is ground flat. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$345 postage paid in the US. Added 9/5/2021 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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| 4805 | Perthshire Annual Collection 1989F Limited
Edition Cherries Faceted Paperweight.
circa 1989. This paperweight features five cherries with green
leaves and stems on a clear ground. The all over honeycomb
faceting makes it appear as if there are many more cherries than
just five. It has a grid cut base and is engraved with a "P"
signature on a facet near the base. This design was made in a
1989 limited edition of 300 paperweights of which only 154 were
made. A nice crisp design with many reflections. Perthshire made this paperweight as one of their Annual Collection designs for 1989. This means the design was made only that one year and never again. There were seven Annual Collection designs in 1989, designated A through G. This design is designated 1989F. 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: 2 7/16" diameter by 1 1/2" high.
The base is fire finished and engraved with the letter "P".
The paperweight 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$395 postage paid in the US. Added 9/4/2021 For more information about Perthshire Paperweights, see my Perthshire Web Page. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 4298 | Pairpoint Pink and White Twists Crown
Paperweight. dated 1974. This is a crown
paperweight with alternating pink and white twist canes topped on
top with a yellow and white complex millefiori crown. There
are eight pink twist canes and eight white twist canes. The
millefiori crown has a star in the center. The paperweight is
signed with Pairpoint's engraved "P in a diamond" on the base and
also has an engraved date "1974". A great example of modern
Pairpoint production. Note about Bill Burchfield: Because Bill Burchfield worked at Pairpoint from 1970 to 1976, it is possible that he contributed to the making of this paperweight although he did not sign it. It is certainly similar to crown paperweights that he produced on his own at the Cape Cod Glass Works. 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 last New Bedford factory burned down in 1965. In its
latest iteration, Robert Bryden moved Pairpoint to Sagamore,
Massachusetts in 1970. It continues to operate at that
location today (2019) although under new owners. The Cape Cod Glass Works was operated by William Clark Burchfield in Sagamore, Massachusetts from 1976 to 2000. It then continued briefly in Crossville, Tennessee until 2001. Bill Burchfield died in 2012. Bill's son Mark was also at the glass works until 1998. Bill started making paperweights at Pairpoint Glass in 1970. Size: 2 7/16" diameter by 2" high. The bottom
is ground concave. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large pictureSOLD. Added 9/4/2021 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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| 4276 | Stuart Abelman Iridescent Floral
Paperweight. dated 1997. This amazing paperweight
has an iridescent surface decorated with a large blue and white five
petal flower and a stylized leafy stem. The ground is
translucent. What makes this paperweight especially magical is
the way the glass changes color as it reflects light. The
frosted ground also changes to a clear ground as it blends towards
the base. It is signed on the base "Abelman 1997 GFL29".
There is a tool mark on the side resembling stitches, but this is
inside the glass and is not damage. It is absolutely
spectacular. Note on colors: This was a difficult paperweight to photograph because of the strong iridescence. The color of the glass would gradually change as the angle of illumination or the angle of view changed. Stuart Abelman studied glass at
Carnegie Mellon University and in the Master of Fine Arts
program at UCLA (California). He taught a developed a flat
glass program for El Camino College and in 1977 opened his
Abelman Glass Studio in Van Nuys, CA. He worked with a
number of other glass artists in developing his style. Size: 2 9/16" diameter by 2 3/8" high. The
base is ground flat. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$125 postage paid in the US. Added 9/3/3021 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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| 4889 | Perthshire Annual Collection 2000A Limited
Edition Bouquet in Basket Paperweight.
circa 2000. This paperweight features a bouquet of two amber
flowers, two pink buds, and green leaves inside a pristine double
basket of millefiori canes. The inner basket consists of dark
blue millefiori canes. The outer basket consists of
alternating pink and green millefiori canes. The paperweight
is faceted with a large top facet and five side facets. It is
signed with an engraved "P" in the center of the base. This
design was made in a limited edition of 250 paperweights only in
2000. A nice crisp design with great color. 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 a Special Limited Edition which had no letter designation. This design is designated 2000A. 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: 2 7/16" diameter by 1 1/2" high.
The base is fire finished and engraved with the letter "P".
The paperweight 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 9/1/2021 For more information about Perthshire Paperweights, see my Perthshire Web Page. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 5010 | Peter McDougall (PMcD) Collection 2008
Limited Edition Paperweight Flowers and Millefiori
Canes on White Swirl Ground. circa 2008.
This limited edition paperweight features three blue flowers
each with five striped petals, a complex cane in the center, and
five green sepals. The flowers alternate with complex
millefiori canes and a large center cane. The center cane is
especially nice, consisting of many tiny millefiori canes. The
design is placed on a swirling white latticinio ground. It is
signed on the base with Peter's complex signature cane "PMcD" and
also has a worn paper label "PMcD Glass Studio LTD, Handmade in
Crieff Scotland." This was a special Collection 2008 design
from Peter McDougall and was issued in a limited edition of 40
paperweights, of which this is number 1. A special paperweight
from Peter McDougall. This paperweight was one of the special annual editions made in only in 2008. It was designated Collection 2008 #2 and was made in a limited edition of 40 paperweights. This example is engraved "1/40" on the base. 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 2 3/16" diameter by just
over 1 1/2" high. The base is ground concave. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large pictureSOLD. Added 9/1/2021 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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| 5216 | Magnum Baccarat 1972 Gridel Series
Squirrel Concentric Millefiori Limited Edition
Paperweight. dated 1972. This modern close
concentric millefiori paperweight features a large white squirrel
silhouette on a black background in the center surrounded by five
rings of millefiori canes. One ring contains all eighteen
Gridel figures. The white ground is a made up of latticinio
twists. The paperweight is signed with Baccarat's complex
signature cane "B 1972" in the fourth ring from the center. It
also has two copies of the acid etched Baccarat mark on the base
along with the year (1972) and edition number (1151). A
beautiful paperweight with warm colors. This design was released in 1971 and continued into 1972 in a limited edition of 1,200 pieces. This is number 1151 in that series. There is a signature cane "B 1972" shown in the pictures. The base has two copies of the acid etched Baccarat logo plus it is engraved with the year (1972) and the edition number (1151). 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 seventeen Gridel figures included in the design. Some designs include all eighteen Gridel canes in smaller canes. 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 3/16" 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$495 postage paid in the US. Added 9/1/2021 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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| 5343 | Antique New England Glass Company (NEGC)
Mixed Fruit Paperweight. circa 1869. This is a
classic design from NEGC called a mixed fruit paperweight,
consisting of five apples (or pears), four radishes (or cherries),
four large leaves and four smaller leaves over a perfect double
swirl latticinio ground. The apples have bright vivid
colors. The design is beautifully composed in NEGC's cruciform
style, but is slightly off center and one of the apples in missing
is end. There are small bubbles in the fruit setup and in the
glass. Everything shows good definition and the latticinio
ground is perfect. Please see comment below about
condition.
Many authors call the fruit pears and cherries. I feel that they look more like apples and radishes. Note about condition: There are chips and scratches on the surface and on the base. The largest of the chips is a 3/16" circular impact mark. There are also two smaller and fainter impact marks. Several chips on the base. In addition, one of the apples is missing its end (a flaw from when it was made). Because of these flaws, I am offering this paperweight at a bargain price. The 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 John Hawley. The Art of the Paperweight - The Boston & Sandwich and New England Glass Companies covers both B&S and NEGC. Medium Size: Just over 2 1/2" diameter by 2"
high. The base is ground concave. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large pictureSOLD. Added 8/31/2021 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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| 1693 | Rare Chinese Scramble Paperweight with
"MADE IN CHINA" Signature Canes. circa 1930. An
entertaining addition from China. Since 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), it leaves you wondering
why they chose to add the "MADE IN CHINA" canes at the bottom.
Perhaps it was a response to the US customs requirement that goods
be marked with the country of origin in English starting about
1930. Some importers complied by scratch signing the word
CHINA on the bottom. In any event, this is a rare and welcome
addition to any collection of Chinese paperweights. 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 and there
are some light scratches. This example is especially
colorful with a nice variety of twist cans and millefiori slices. Special thanks to another collector who
pointed out that the words are actually word canes rather than
painted plaques. The lettering goes all the way through
the white background from top to bottom. You can see the
letters in reverse from the bottom. This is in contrast to
a painted plaque where the letters would be visible on only the
top surface. 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.
Small Size: Just over 2 1/16” diameter by just
over 1 1/16" high. The base is fire finished
flat. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$125 postage paid in the US. Added 8/30/2021 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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| 5380 | Early Debbie Tarsitano Red Fuchsia Flower
with Bud Paperweight. circa 1978-1980. This
paperweight features a lush three dimensional purplish red fuchsia
flower plus a bud, ten striped leaves, and stems. The design
is placed on a clear ground. The paperweight is signed at the
edge of the composition with the conjoined "DT" Tarsitano signature
cane used by both Delmo and Debbie Tarsitano from about 1978 to
1980. 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: Just over 2 5/8" diameter by just over 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$495 postage paid in the US. Added 8/30/2021 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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| 5371 | Antique English Green Glass Dump
Paperweight with Four Foil Flowers in Flowerpot. circa
1840-1860. This is a very nice example with one large
"umbrella" flower plus three smaller foil flowers underneath, all in
a flowerpot. The large flower has eight foil petals and a stem
that goes down to the flower pot. The smaller flowers each has
four foil petals and a stem going down to the flowerpot. This
dump is unsigned, so the maker is not known. A very showy
example. The condition is unusually good with wear on the
base, but no chips, impact marks, or cracks on the body. A
great addition to a collection of old English paperweights. Green glass 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. Size: 2 1/2" diameter by 3 3/4" tall.
The base is fire finished with a remnant of the pontil
scar. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large pictureSOLD. Added 8/29/2021 For more information about paperweights made by Whitefriars and other English factories, see my English Paperweights Web Page . Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 4352 | William Manson Phoenix Limited Edition
Faceted FP8 Pink Flower with Bud and Millefiori Garland
Paperweight. Dated 2003. This
paperweight has wonderful double tiered pink flower with ten petals
plus a bud, leaves, and stems. The flower has a nice yellow
millefiori center. The design is surrounded by a garland of
millefiori canes and is set on an opaque black (actually dark
purple) ground. The paperweight was issued in a limited
edition of 50 paperweights of which this is number 48. It is
signed and numbered "PHOENIX 2003 48/50" on the base and also has a
Phoenix "PP" signature cane near the stem of the flower. This
paperweight is faceted with one large top facet and fourteen side
facets in two rows. A great addition to any collection of
Scottish paperweights. 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. Large Size: 2 13/16" diameter by 1 3/4" high. The base is
ground concave. This paperweight is faceted with one large
top facet and fourteen side facets in two rows. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$265 postage paid in the US. Added 8/29/2021 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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| 4281 | Large Whitefriars Faceted Six Ring Red
White & Blue Concentric Millefiori Paperweight. dated
1975. This paperweight has six concentric rings of red, white,
and blue millefiori canes around a 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 1975 in
the outermost white ring (the fifth ring from the center) and also
has a paper label used starting in 1970. 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: 3 1/8" 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$295 postage paid in the US. Added 8/29/2021 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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| 5382 | Antique New England Glass Company (NEGC)
Blown Glass Pear Paperweight - Good Condition. circa
1860. This is a wonderful antique New England Glass Company
(NEGC) life-size blown pear placed on a round clear glass
cookie. The pear is hollow. It is complete with blossom
end up in the air and an intact stem resting on the clear
cookie. The coloration shades from a light red to a
yellow-green. Unlike most examples of this type, there is no
crackling of the surface. The paperweight displays beautifully
with the sides or stem end displayed. Please read the note
below about condition. If you don't already have one in
your collection, this is a chance to acquire a NEGC blown pair at a
bargain price. Note on condition: Unfortunately there is an area near the blossom end that has a loss of surface color and a strange white stripe where no color was applied. There is some chipping near the blossom end. And there is also a tiny nick in the area of deep red where some color is lost. Finally, there is a fracture at the bottom of the pear visible only through the base. The most common NEGC blown fruit are apples and pears, although some collectors have seen other fruits. It is not unusual to find pieces of these fruit in scramble paperweights, mixed in with millefiori and twist canes. The shading of the colors on the exterior often leads to crackling and this flaw is found in varying degrees in many blown fruit paperweights. Normally a NEGC hollow blown pear paperweight would be a $800 to $1,000 paperweight but this one is offered at a considerably reduced price to compensate for the flaws in condition. The New England Glass Company (NEGC)
operated in Cambridge, Massachusetts from 1818 to 1888.
You can read about paperweights from the New England Glass
Company in the book by John Hawley. The Art of
the Paperweight - The Boston & Sandwich and New
England Glass Companies covers both B&S and NEGC or
the newer book by John Hawley devoted just to NEGC, The Art
of the Paperweight - The New England Glass Company.
Size: The pear itself is 2 1/2” diameter by 3 1/4”
long. Overall dimensions are 3 7/16" diameter by 2 9/16"
high. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$325 postage paid in the US. Added 8/28/2021 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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| 2270 | German or Bohemian Souvenir Paperweight
with Ruby Stain Engraved Scene of Münster in Freiburg.
circa 1840-1910. This is a large footed
paperweight with an engraved image of the cathedral of Freiburg im
Breisgau in southwest Germany. There are initials after the
title which I assume are those of the engraver. The engraving is
done from the bottom which has a ruby stain. The paperweight
has a footed or pedestal base. The techniques used in this type of paperweight are attributed to the pioneering work with colored stains (sometimes incorrectly called flash overlays) by Friedrich Egermann (1774-1864) in North Bohemia. Egermann discovered methods of applying metallic salts to glass to produce a colored stain. Silver salts would produce a yellow stain, copper salts would produce a ruby stain, etc. The application of this colored layer enabled many Bohemian (and also European) glass factories to engrave a variety of images as souvenirs of the prominent buildings and spas throughout Europe. The style became known as spa paperweights. Although the technique was enabled by Egermann's discoveries, it is not possible to attribute this paperweight to a specific factory, engraver, or country. There is an excellent article this subject with many examples in the 2016 Annual Bulletin of the Paperweight Collectors Association "19th Century Engraved Bohemian Paperweights: Spas and Other Local Views" by Jim and Nancy Barton. Bohemian Glass generally refers to the glass made in the regions that form the border area between the Czech Republic, Poland, and Germany. Most of these areas are now parts of the western Czech Republic. Size: 3 7/8" diameter by approximately 1 3/8" high.
The foot has a diameter of 3 1/2". For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$135 postage paid in the US. Added 8/27/2021 For more information about Bohemian paperweights, see my Bohemian
Paperweights
Web Page
.
(dl-boh-ant) |
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| 2528 | Antique Belgian or Bohemian Doorknob with
Miniature Concentric Millefiori Paperweight Handle. circa
1880-1910. This is a wonderful antique doorknob with a
concentric millefiori paperweight handle. The handle has
bright colors on a clear ground. It has two concentric circles
of canes around a complex center cane. The outer ring
alternates between larger complex blue and white canes and simpler
red and white canes. One red cane is missing. The inner
ring consists of six large identical white, pink, and yellow complex
canes. There is a complex green, pink, and yellow center
cane. The maker of this paperweight is unknown. It has
similarities to a group of paperweights believed to have originated
at an unidentified glass factory in Belgium, Northern Europe, or
even Bohemia. The hardware portion is in good condition with a
fixed spindle. The design is well centered and a wonder to
study. This paperweight has a strong similarity to a group of paperweights and doorknobs that are believed to have originated at an unidentified glass factory in Belgium or Northern 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 2 3/16" long
including the brass hardware, but not the spindle. With the
spindle, it is 4 13/16" long. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$235 postage paid in the US. Added 8/26/2021 For more information about Bohemian paperweights, see my Bohemian
Paperweights
Web Page
.
(dl-boh-ant) |
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| 5353 | Magnum Ken Rosenfeld 1988 Floral Bouquet
Paperweight. dated 1988. This paperweight
has a three dimensional stylized bouquet of a seven clematis style
flowers and buds with stamens, leaves and stems transparent blue
ground. There are three white flowers with multi-colored
centers, two purple flowers with yellow centers, and two pink
flowers with white centers plus three pink buds. It is signed
on the side with Ken Rosenfeld's "R" signature cane and engraved
signature "Ken Rosenfeld '88". See note below about
condition. This is a beautiful large paperweight with a great
composition. Note about
condition: This
paperweight has two areas with surface scratches on the dome,
some of which are visible in the pictures. There is also
some black debris that appears to be below the bouquet on the
surface of the blue ground. While the scratches can be
removed by restoration, the debris is there to stay. If
perfect, this paperweight would sell for $600 or more. I
have reduced the price accordingly. 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. Very Large Size: Just over 3 1/2" diameter by
2 3/8" high. It has a relatively flat top / profile.
The base is ground concave. It weighs 25 ounces (over two
pounds when packaged for mailing). For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large pictureSOLD. Added 8/21/2021 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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| 5407 | Perthshire PP4 Medium Concentric
Millefiori Paperweight. circa 1972 - 1992.
Perthshire concentric design with six rings of floret canes around a
center cane over a clear ground. The of the rings are
variations on blue and white. The rings are pastel
colors: pink, blue & white, turquoise, blue & white,
yellow, and another blue & white. It has a hollow ground
base. It is does not have a signature cane, but does have a
worn Perthshire paper label "PERTHSHIRE PAPERWEIGHTS CRIEFF
SCOTLAND" on the base. A nice early example of Perthshire's
art. The PP4 design was made from 1969 to 1994. Those made from 1969 to 1971 have a flat, polished, star-cut base. Those made from 1972 to 1994 have a hollow ground base. PP4s made from 1969 to 1992 have a clear ground. Those made in 1993 and 1994 have a color ground. Some, but not all, PP4 paperweights have a signature cane in the outer row. This one does not have a signature cane, but it has a clear ground and a hollow ground base so it was made in the period 1972 to 1992. Most Scottish paperweights have colored grounds, in fact most have opaque colored grounds. I've always thought this was because it is more difficult technically to make a paperweight with a clear ground. It requires a greater precision to have a paperweight look perfect from above and below, as this one does. 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 7/16” diameter by just over 1 3/4"
high. The base is hollow ground. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large pictureSOLD. Added 8/20/2021 For more information about Perthshire Paperweights, see my Perthshire Web Page. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 4748 | Miniature 1930s Chinese Millefiori
Brushholder Paperweight - Aladdin's Lamp Shape.
c.1930-1940. This is another uniquely Chinese invention,
although one that adopted the use of millefiori found in
paperweights from other countries. This has also been
described as a chopstick holder. Novelty items like this
started appearing in the US in the 1930s and some were sold at the
1939 World's Fair. I call this shape the Aladdin's lamp
shape. A fun collectible. 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. Size: 2 1/2” long by 1 1/2" tall by 1 7/16"
deep. The base is ground flat. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$35 postage paid in the US. Added 8/20/2021 For more paperweights from China, see my Chinese Paperweights Web Page. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 5349 | Francis Whittemore Pink Cyclamen Flower
with Leaves and Bud Paperweight. circa 1969. This
paperweight features a pink cyclamen flower and bud with two green
leaves and stems. Signed on the back of a leaf with an early
Whittemore signature cane. The cane has a black "W" on a
yellow background. The design is placed on a translucent green
ground. There is an edition number "53" engraved on the base,
but I was unable to determine the edition size. A beautiful
example. This paperweight is shown in the Leo Kaplan Ltd. catalog on the 9/85 insert. M210 is described as a "Pink cyclamen on translucent green ground $400". Note: The highly reflective surface and high dome made this a difficult paperweight to photograph. There are extra shadows and objects in the pictures that are not in the paperweight. 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. 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: Just under 2 7/16" diameter by 2"
high. The bottom is ground flat. The edition number "53" is
engraved on the base. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$295 postage paid in the US. Added 8/19/2021 For more paperweights by contemporary American paperweight
makers, see my Contemporary
American Paperweights Web Page. (dl-ca-va) |
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| 5357 | Pairpoint Twists and Frit Scramble or End
of Day Paperweight. Circa 1970-1990. This is a
end of day paperweight loosely filled with Pairpoint twist canes and
multi-colored frit. This paperweight came from a collection
that contained other Pairpoint items. A wonderful curiosity
from the Bryden period of Pairpoint production. 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 last New Bedford factory burned down in 1965. In its latest iteration, Robert Bryden moved Pairpoint to Sagamore, Massachusetts in 1970. It continues to operate at that location today (2021) although under new owners. Size: 2 13/16" 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 picture$39 postage paid in the US. 8/18/2021 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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| 5397 | Magnum 1971 St. Louis Limited Edition
Millefiori Star with Pistachio Double Overlay. dated
1971. This 1971 St. Louis paperweight features a hexagon
shaped millefiori pattern with a wonderful six pointed star in the
center. The millefiori design is crisply executed and set on a
translucent dark blue button ground. The result is encased in
a pistachio and white double overlay. It is signed in the
center of the star pattern with a Saint Louis "SL 1971" signature /
date cane. The paperweight is faceted with a large top facet
and five side facets. See note below about manufacturing
flaws. A brilliant design. This limited edition design
was offered by St. Louis in a choice of four overlay colors - red,
white, blue, and pistachio - with 100 made in each color, for a
total of 400 paperweights. A great addition to any collection
of modern millefiori paperweights. Note about manufacturing flaws: The double overlay has flaws - some black debris and one tool mark. The millefiori pattern is placed slightly off center on the dark blue button ground. There are some striations in the glass. 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: 3 3/16" diameter by 2 5/16" high.
The base is ground concave. Finished with a pistachio and
white double overlay and faceted with a large top facet and five
side facets. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$375 postage paid in the US. Added 8/18/2021 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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| 1472 | Unusual Miniature Chinese Mosaic
Millefiori Paperweight with Rose Cane. circa
1950-70. Unusual Chinese millefiori with mosaic canes.
There are red and yellow star canes surrounded by leaf canes and a
single rose cane. I have no idea what the pattern is supposed
to represent. Very little is known about this style.
Other examples have a butterfly pattern and some have Chinese
writing in the design. The style is believed to be from
1950-1970.
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 earliest period (1930-1950) 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. This paperweight has a slightly better glass, but it is not crystal clear like modern paperweights. Miniature Size: 1 13/16" diameter by 1 1/2"
high. The bottom is 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 8/17/2021 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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| 5394 | Perthshire PP2 Medium Paneled Millefiori
Paperweight. circa 1969 - 1977. This is a
medium patterned millefiori paperweight with a center millefiori
cane surrounded by two rings of colorful millefiori and then 12
short radial twists. Each panel has a 1-1-2-2 pattern of
millefiori. The ground is a transparent royal blue. This
version of the PP2 does not have a signature cane and the base is
fire finished, dating it to early Perthshire production (1969 -
1977). It has a worn Perthshire paper label "PERTHSHIRE
PAPERWEIGHTS CRIEFF SCOTLAND" on the base. An extra nice
example with crisp setup and bright colors. Note on white glare: Please ignore the white areas, they are glare from the lights. 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. Medium Size: 2 7/16" diameter by just under 1
11/16" high. The base is fire finished. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$115 postage paid in the US. Added 8/16/2021 For more information about Perthshire Paperweights, see my Perthshire Web Page. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 3669 | St. Louis 1953 Queen Elizabeth II
Coronation Sulphide Paperweight on Rare Rose Petal
Ground. dated 1953. This is a St. Louis
sulphide paperweight featuring a ceramic image of Queen Elizabeth II
set on a rare red and white rose petal over white ground and
surrounded by a garland of red and white millefiori canes. The
ground in this paperweight is also called red over marble. It
is signed with an upside down complex St. Louis signature / date
cane in the garland "SL 1953" and also signed on the base with an
impressed mark "COURONNEMENT 2-6-53
SAINT-LOUIS-FRANCE". The sulphide has been treated to produce
a silver finish. An early example of St. Louis artistic
accomplishment. It is faceted with a large top facet and five
side facets. A significant historical paperweight.
According to the two books on St. Louis paperweights, the QE II sulphide was issued in an edition of 1,226 regular sulphides on a variety of grounds and with and without millefiori garlands. There were also some overlay versions produced. Not all were marked with the special COURONNEMENT mark. This was St. Louis earliest modern sulphide and one of the company's earliest modern paperweights. It was much in demand and the famous French writer Colette requested one for her collection. Note on fractures in the white ground layer: The rose petal ground is created using red and white layers of frit. Unfortunately the two colors were incompatible and the white under layer contains a few thin fractures. They are hard to see without magnification but I have included a picture showing some of the fractures. I suspect this manufacturing problem caused St. Louis to produce very few paperweights in this color combination. Please keep in mind that this was their earliest modern sulphide. Sulphides are cast objects (animals, flowers, people) made of a ceramic material that has properties similar to the surrounding glass. They are normally white, but are also sometimes colored or even painted. The objects are cast in a mold that copied or made directly from a medallion, coin or sculpture. The finest French sulphides are cast in a mold made by a skilled artist. Often a sulphide will have a silvery appearance due to a thin layer of trapped bubbles between the glass and the sulphide itself. 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 15/16" diameter by 1 11/16"
high. The bottom is ground concave. It is faceted with
a 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 8/15/2021 For more information about paperweights made by the St. Louis factory, see my St. Louis Web Page (dl-sl-sul) Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 1486 | Antique Thuringia or Bohemia
Concentric Millefiori Paperweight with Basket Ground. Circa
1870 - 1940. Colorful antique concentric paperweight with
thirteen millefiori canes arranged in a ring of varying canes around
a center group of three canes. There are four different cane
types. The design is placed in a basket ground with a white
base. This paperweight is in unusually good condition for its
age. An interesting example of a type of weight that is
becoming more in demand as collectors learn more about the various
Bohemian and German factories. The glass is slightly
gray. A nice example with great color. The maker of this paperweight is unknown, except that it is believed to originate in Thuringia. Previously we would say this is from Bohemia, the region along the Czech - German border, but more specific information has revised that attribution to be more specific. Similar paperweights 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. Examples can be found in the book by Peter von Brackel, Paperweights: Historicism - Art Nouveau - Art Deco - 1842 to Today. Size: 2 3/16" diameter by 1 5/16" high. The
top has a flattened profile. The base is ground flat.
The glass is slightly gray. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large pictureSOLD. Added 8/14/2021 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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| 4656 | Antique New England Glass Company (NEGC)
Plymouth Rock Pressed Glass Paperweight. circa 1876 and
later. This is one of the best known pressed designs made at
the New England Glass Company. It was made for the Providence
Inkstand Company and was one of the souvenir paperweights of the
1876 Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia. It is a faithful
representation of the actual Plymouth Rock right down to the crack
that supposedly happened during an attempt to move the rock.
It has the year "1620" molded in the top of the rock. Around
the outer edge of the base, the history of Mary Chilton is molded in
tiny letters "MARY CHILTON WAS THE FIRST TO LAND UPON THE ROCK. DEC.
21, 1620. PILGRIM ROCK TRADE MARK PROVIDENCE INKSTAND CO.
1876". Around edge of underside, molded in larger letters in
two rows of text "A ROCK IN THE WILDERNESS WELCOMED OUR SIRES / FROM
BONDAGE FAR OVER THE DARK ROLLING SEA, / ON THAT HOLY ALTAR THEY
KINDLED THE FIRES / JEHOVAH! WHICH GLOW IN OUR BOSOMS FOR
THEE". All of this writing is extremely hard to read, but with
a bright light and some magnification it is possible. Some of
the letters are more faint and others are more crisply molded.
An identical paperweight is in the collection of the Brooklyn Museum
in NY (Accession Number 40.230). An amazing feat to show off
the technical ability of the American glass industry. A
wonderful example.
Note: This was a difficult paperweight to photograph
due to the clear glass pressed glass. The texture ends up
looking metallic. Some of the pictures look darker and dirty
but you can rest assured that the glass is clear crystal and
clean. Note: This paperweight was made in several
variations and also in two sizes, this one (3 3/8" wide) and a
larger one (4" wide). A rarer version was pressed in blue
glass. Versions exist with "1620" in gold lettering.
Metal versions also exist. A local souvenir store in
Plymouth, MA continued to offer at least one variation until
the 1920s or later, it is possible that some of the paperweights
on the market are later production made from the original
molds. There are also variations in the wording from one
variation to another. The text on the larger version is
longer. Also, at least one author claims this paperweight
was made by the Providence Inkstand Company using a die made by
Gillinder Brothers. The expert on NEGC, John Hawley, states
it was made by NEGC for the Providence Inkstand Company. The 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 John Hawley. The Art of the Paperweight - The Boston & Sandwich and New England Glass Companies covers both B&S and NEGC. Size: 3 3/8" wide by 2 5/16" deep by 1 7/16"
high. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large pictureSOLD. Added 8/14/2021 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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| 4850 | Magnum Baccarat 1975 Gridel Series
Pheasant Concentric Millefiori Limited Edition
Paperweight. dated 1975. This modern three
ring concentric millefiori paperweight features a large white
pheasant silhouette on a black background in the center. This
large center cane is surrounded by a circle of yellow millefiori
canes. The middle ring of canes has seventeen small Gridel
canes plus a Baccarat "B 1975" signature / date cane. The
pheasant Gridel appears only in the center, not in the middle
ring. The design is set on a transparent blue 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 (1975) and engraved edition number (46). This is a nice
balanced design. A beautiful addition to any collection of
Baccarat paperweights. This design was released in 1975 in a limited edition of 350 pieces. This is number 46 in that series. There is a signature / date cane "B 1975" shown in the pictures. The base has an acid etched Baccarat logo plus it is engraved with the year (1975) and the edition number (46). 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 3/16" diameter by 2 3/8"
high. The base is ground flat. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$375 postage paid in the US. Added 8/14/2021 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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| 4346 | William Manson Phoenix Limited Edition FP5
Blue Flowers and Millefiori Garland Paperweight. Dated
2003. This paperweight has a bouquet of two blue
flowers with yellow millefiori centers and leaves and stems
surrounded by a garland of millefiori canes. The design is set
on an opaque black (actually very dark purple) ground. The
paperweight was issued in a limited edition of 50 paperweights of
which this is number 38. It is signed and numbered "PHOENIX
2003 38/50" on the base and also has a Phoenix "PP" signature cane
near the stems of the bouquet. Perfect condition with its
original slightly worn Phoenix box. It also has its original
certificate. A great addition to any collection of Scottish
paperweights. 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. Large Size: 2 7/8" diameter by 2" high. The base is
ground concave. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large pictureSOLD. Added 8/13/2021 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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| 7 | Small Robert Eickholt 1985 Blue Abstract
Paperweight. dated 1985. This paperweight
has an abstract design with deeply carved peaks and valleys.
The colors progress in layers from light blue to dark blue. It
is signed "Eickholt 1985" on the base. A nice example of
Eickholt's early work. I believe this style was a predecessor
to the Reptile Series that cane a few later, so named because the
imagery of the later series resembled a reptilian skin. 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. Small Size: 2 1/8" diameter by 2 1/8" high.
The base has been ground flat. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$60 postage paid in the US. Added 8/11/2021 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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| 5411 | Large St. Louis 1971 Limited Edition Swirl
Crown Paperweight. dated 1971. This dramatic St.
Louis paperweight crown paperweight has a swirl of alternating areas
of white and blue. The swirl consists of fourteen white lines
and fourteen blue lines culminating in a complex St. Louis "SL 1971"
signature cane on top. The paperweight was made by starting
with a clear core, adding a thin white layer, then the blue layer,
and finally fourteen white stringers. The design was then
"crowned" and encased in a clear outer layer. This can be
confirmed by examining view of the bottom. At the center of
the base, the fourteen white stringers can be seen to rest upon a
blue layer. There are a number of visible manufacturing flaws
where the white stringers expanded too much. This paperweight
was one of the earliest limited edition paperweights issued by St.
Louis. It was made in a limited edition of 400 paperweights,
of which 250 were reserved for American collectors. A
brilliant design. A great addition to any collection of modern
St. Louis 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. There were three limited
editions in 1970 and six limited editions in 1971. Large Size: 3 1/16" diameter by 2 5/16" high.
The base is ground slightly concave. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$345 postage paid in the US. Added 8/11/2021 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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| 2741 | Early Paul Stankard Footed Fancy Faceted
Grey Striped Flower Paperweight. circa 1969 -
1971. This paperweight features a delicate pale grey five
petaled pink flower with leaves, a bud, and stem on an opaque light
aqua ground. The upright blue stamen in the center has light
green filaments. The flower has a stem and four leaves
(sepals) behind the flower plus two other leaves and a bud.
Each petal is striped with various shades of pink, beige, and grey
and the leaves are also striped. This is one of Paul
Standard's earliest designs and is signed with a "PS" cane in the
side of the aqua ground. The aqua ground color is
uneven. The paperweight is footed and also has a fancy
faceting with a top facet and fourteen side facets. A
remarkable early work by this talented artist. Note on execution: This is a very early Stankard paperweight and there are bubbles in the design and uneven color in the ground. However, the flower is exquisite. Note on ground color: It was challenging to capture the correct colors in this paperweight. The pictures make the interior of the paperweight seem darker than it is. An almost identical paperweight with the same fancy faceting is shown in the 1971 Selman Catalog of Collectors' Paperweights (see PS1). It is also similar to the unfaceted paperweight 7D (1971) on page 7 of the book PAUL JOSEPH STANKARD: THE FIRST DECADE published by Wheaton Museum of Glass. 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. Size: 2 1/16" diameter by 1 7/16" tall.
The paperweight is footed and also has a fancy faceting with a top
facet and fourteen side facets. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large pictureSOLD. Added 8/7/2021 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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| 4524 | 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 ring 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
very dark purple ground. In addition to the Baccarat signature
/ date cane, this paperweight has an acid etched Baccarat logo on
the base along with the engraved year (1978) and engraved edition
number (147). There are three very small areas on the side
with minor damage - please see note below. 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 147 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 (147). Note on defects: This paperweight three tiny marks or scratches. There is a small (less than 1/8") partial circular impact mark low on the side and a nearby faint scratch. These are shown on one of the pictures. There is also a smaller faint rub mark low on the side which I could not get a clear picture of. I have reduced the price rather than have the paperweight 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 1/16" 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 pictureSOLD. Added 8/3/2021. 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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| 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 pictureSOLD. 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 SOLD. 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 pictureSOLD. 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 “sřlvpyramide” (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 pictureSOLD. 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 pictureSOLD. Added 6/26/2021 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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| 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 pictureSOLD. 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 pictureSOLD. 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 pictureSOLD. 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 pictureSOLD. 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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| 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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| 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 Frčres 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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| 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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| 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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| 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 pictureSOLD. 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 Smĺland 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 pictureSOLD. 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 pictureSOLD. 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 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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| 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 pictureSOLD. 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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| 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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| 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 pictureSOLD. 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 pictureSOLD. 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 pictureSOLD. 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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| 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 pictureSOLD. 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 pictureSOLD. Added 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 SOLD. 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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| 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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| 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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| 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 Ĺfors 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 Ĺfors 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 Ĺfors and given the freedom to also work on his own designs part of the time. The merger of Kosta, Boda and Ĺfors 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. |
