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Antique Paperweights for Sale


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Click on the picture to see a larger image.

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Antique Franchini Type Aventurine Venetian Murine Paperweight Scent Bottle
5561 Antique New England Glass Company (NEGC) Millefiori Scramble Paperweight with Rabbits.  circa 1860.  This is an antique New England Glass Company (NEGC) scramble or end of day paperweight.  It is filled with a wonderful assortment of colorful millefiori canes, twists, and other glass bits.  There are at least two different running rabbit canes, one visible from the top and the other visible from the bottom.  Excellent condition.  I believe this paperweight has been restored.  You will enjoy studying the variety of millefiori canes in it visible from both the top and the base.

This paperweight has a sticker on the base from the Selman Auction 44 (Fall  2009) Lot 96.  The previous owner paid $575 ($500 plus a 15% bidders premium) for this paperweight.  The catalog says there are two rabbit canes visible from the underside, but I could only find one.

Although many people collect scramble paperweights for their own merit, scrambles are also valuable tools for learning to identify the different colors and canes used by each factory. 

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

Size:  Just under 2 7/8” diameter by 1 3/4” high.  The base is ground concave.  The profile is relatively flat.
Signature:  This paperweight is not signed, but I guarantee it to be an authentic antique New England Glass Company paperweight. 
Condition:  Excellent condition with no chips, cracks, or scratches found on inspection.  I believe this paperweight has been restored.

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

Large picture
Closeup
Profile
Side view showing one rabbit cane
View from base showing rabbit and Selman label
Closeups of two rabbit canes
Another view of base
SOLD.

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Antique New England Glass Company (NEGC) Millefiori Scramble Paperweight with Rabbits
5558 Large Antique Baccarat Dupont Period Type III Pansy Paperweight with Star Cut Base.   circa 1900-1920.  Baccarat Pansy paperweight with leaves and stem.  The base is finished with a Baccarat star cut.  This paperweight is from Baccarat's Dupont period.  This style of pansy is called a type III pansy.  It consists of two large velvet purple petals above over three lower petals.  The lower petals are amber yellow over a white base.  Each lower petal has a purple tip and three dark lines radiating from the central cane consisting of star canes with a red whorl center.  A large paperweight in great shape.

Note:  This paperweight has been restored in the past and has a relatively flat profile.  There is plenty of glass and it could be reshaped to give it a proper profile.

Note about provenance:  The previous owner acquired this paperweight at the Selman Auction 37 (Fall  2006) Lot 41 and paid $460 including the bidders premium for the paperweight.

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

  • 1845-1860 - Classic period
  • 1920-1934 - Dupont period
  • 1953-2002 - Modern period
This classification is definitely an over simplification.  The best millefiori and lampwork paperweights were made during the classic period (1845-1860).   Baccarat continued to make paperweights after the classic period, but little is known about the extent of the product line or who made the paperweights.  What is known is that by 1910, the offering in the catalog had dwindled to pansy paperweights, simple open concentric paperweights, and rock paperweights.  Popular lore attributes 1920-1934 Baccarat paperweights to a Mr. Dupont, who supposedly was the last worker at Baccarat to know the secrets of paperweight making.  These paperweights were sold at a Baccarat retail shop in Paris. No collector or scholar ever met Mr. Dupont although at least one visited the Baccarat factory and asked to meet with him.  The weights stopped appearing in the shop in 1934.  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:  3 1/8" diameter by 2" high.  The bottom is polished flat and finished with a Baccarat star cut base.  It has a relatively flat profile as shown in the pictures.
Condition: Excellent condition.  This paperweight has been restored in the past.  There are no chips, cracks, or scratches other than a few faint scratches on the base. 
Signature:  Made by Baccarat in France.  Unsigned, but I guarantee that this is an antique Baccarat paperweight from the Dupont period. 

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

Large picture
View from the back
Closeup
Side view
Profile
Base

$295 postage paid in the US.

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Large Antique Baccarat Dupont Period Type III Pansy Paperweight with Star Cut Base
3506 Antique Baccarat Miniature Single Clematis with Millefiori Garland Paperweight.  circa 1845-1860.  Antique Baccarat miniature red/orange single clematis with six ribbed petals, five leaves, and a stem.  The center of the flower is a complex millefiori cane with two rings of white star shaped canes arranged around a red bulls-eye cane.  The clematis is surrounded by an outer garland of alternating ten white and ten blue and white complex millefiori canes.  The white canes in the garland match the cane at the center of the clematis flower.  The blue and white canes have a ring of arrowhead canes around a Baccarat star cane.  The design is placed over a clear ground and finished with a Baccarat star cut on the base.  The paperweight is unsigned but I guarantee that this is a genuine Baccarat millefiori paperweight from the classic period 1845-1860.  A unique addition to any collection of miniature paperweights.  Great color. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Large picture of the paperweight
Close-up view
Profile view
Side view
Bottom view
Another view of base
Bruise on facet
$950 postage paid in the US. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Click on the picture to see a larger image.

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Large Antique Clichy Spaced Concentric Millefiori Paperweight with 25 canes including a Green and Pink Rose
2270

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

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

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

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

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

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

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German or Bohemian Souvenir Paperweight with Ruby Stain Engraved Scene of Münster in Freiburg
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.
Condition:  Excellent condition.  This paperweight has been professionally restored.       
Signature:  Unsigned, but I guarantee this is an antique paperweight from Bohemia.  The specific factory has not been identified.  

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

Large picture
Profile
Side view
Closeup
Base 
$295 postage paid in the US.

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Antique Bohemian Concentric Millefiori Paperweight with Complex Canes
2254 Antique Thuringia Lauscha Bohemia Millefiori Paperweight with  Name Plaque "Hauptm. Karl".  Circa 1870 - 1940.  Colorful antique paperweight with colorful millefiori canes arranged around a central name plaque.  The name "Hauptm. Karl" is probably an abbreviation of "Hauptmann Karl", meaning Captain Karl or leader Karl.  The complex millefiori canes repeat in alternating patterns to make up the design with 26 canes in all.  The pattern is arranged over a multicolored frit ground.  There are some wonderful complex canes in this paperweight.  An interesting example of a type of weight that is becoming more in demand as collectors learn more about the various Bohemian factories and eastern Germany factories.  This is a relatively rare item.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Profile
Side view
Close up
Base
$495 postage paid in the US.

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Large Antique New England Glass Company (NEGC) Salmon Red Double Poinsettia Paperweight on a Blue and White Jasper Ground
4216 Antique Meisenthal France (Alsace Lorraine)  Five Bubble Pedestal Paperweight Chalice.  circa 1870 - 1914.  Antique paperweight chalice with a five bubble paperweight stem and a glued bowl.  Each bubble is made by piercing the multicolored frit layer and leaving a stem.  There are four outside bubbles and one larger central bubble.  In this example the bowl was made separately and the base of the bowl was ground flat, cut with a star pattern, and then glued to the stem.  There is a gold enamel or paint covering the joint between the bowl and the stem.  The paperweight stem has two collars.  This is a rare item. 

Note:  The bowl is not as deep as what would be expected for a wine glass.  It is possible that it has been cut down or that the intended purpose was different (e.g., a candle holder). 

At first I thought the glued construction was unusual, but von Brackel discusses multiple examples of two part paperweights glued together from this region (France, Germany, Bavaria) in his book Paperweights: Historicism - Art Nouveau - Art Deco - 1842 to Today.  See pages 202-205. 

Meisenthal is in north-eastern France (originally part of Alsace Lorraine).  The village is famous for the Centre International d’Art Verrier (CIAV; international center for studio glass).  Glass has been produced in Meisenthal since the early 18th century, and since the 19th century Christmas decorations from Meisenthal were famous – some say they were invented there.

Large Size:  The bowl is 2 13/16” in diameter, the paperweight stem is 1 7/8” diameter, and the foot is 3 ľ” in diameter.  The entire chalice is 5 7/8” high.
Condition:  Excellent condition.  No damage found. 
Signature:  Unsigned, but I guarantee this is an antique paperweight chalice, most likely from the border area between France and Germany. 

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

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Close-up View
Star cut in base of bowl
View of joint
View of foot
$195 postage paid in the US. 

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

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

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

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

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

Large picture of the paperweight
Close-up picture
Profile view
Side view
Base
$295 postage paid in the US.  

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

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

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

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

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

Large picture of the paperweight
Close-up View
Profile View
Bottom View
New Price $185 (was $265)  postage paid in the US. 

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

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

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

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

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Closeup
Profile
Base
Side view
$345 postage paid in the US.

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Magnum Antique Union Glass (Somerville, Massachusetts) Paperweight "GEORGE M FLINT"
5367 Antique Baccarat Rock or Sand Dune Paperweight.  circa 1880. This paperweight consists of a sandy ground with two large hills flecked with green glass particles and mica.  An inexpensive way to get an antique Baccarat paperweight.

According to Sibylle Jargstorf (Paperweights), Baccarat started making this type of weight in 1880.  She advances the theory that Baccarat issued these weights in response to the reptile weights shown by Pantin at the 1878 Paris Exhibition. Some Baccarat rock weights contain reptiles or flowers, but almost all contain just rock motifs.  Often these weights have incompatibility cracks throughout the weight, causing a glittery appearance which is part of the appeal. 

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

  • 1845-1860 - Classic period
  • 1920-1934 - Dupont period
  • 1953-2002 - Modern period
This classification is definitely an over simplification.  The best millefiori and lampwork paperweights were made during the classic period (1845-1860).   Baccarat continued to make paperweights after the classic period, but little is known about the extent of the product line or who made the paperweights.  What is known is that by 1910, the offering in the catalog had dwindled to pansy paperweights, simple open concentric paperweights, and rock paperweights.  Popular lore attributes 1920-1934 Baccarat paperweights to a Mr. Dupont, who supposedly was the last worker at Baccarat to know the secrets of paperweight making.  These paperweights were sold at a Baccarat retail shop in Paris. No collector or scholar ever met Mr. Dupont although at least one visited the Baccarat factory and asked to meet with him.  The weights stopped appearing in the shop in 1934.

Medium size:  Just under 2 9/16" diameter by 1 5/16" high.  The bottom is ground concave. 
Condition:  Good condition for its age.  As shown in the pictures, this paperweight has some scratches and wear on the surface.  There is a strange wear ring on top as if someone liked to spin the paperweight on its top.  Also, one small (1/16") chip and a small (1/8") impact ring.  While most rock weights have major fractures on the base, the base on this example is free of noticeable fractures.
Signature:  Unsigned, but I guarantee this to be an authentic Baccarat antique paperweight. 

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

Large picture
Top view
View of the base
Side view
Profile
Another view
Still another view
Wear ring on top and 1/16" chip
1/8" impact mark on side
Another view of the base

SOLD.

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

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

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

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

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

Large picture
Base
Side view
Another view of base
Another view
Top view
$395 postage paid in the US.  

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Large Antique Dorflinger Red over White Petaled Lily-Style Paperweight 
2409
Antique Clichy Faceted Concentric Millefiori Paperweight with 11 roses.  circa 1845-1860.  This wonderful antique Clichy concentric millefiori paperweight has a classic arrangement of three concentric rings of complex millefiori around a blue pastry mold cane.  The inner ring has eleven green and white roses.  The second ring consists of fifteen pink pastry mold canes.   The outer ring has an alternating pattern of 24 canes with six purple pastry mold canes and 18 pink and green canes.  The 18 pink and green complex canes resemble the color of pink and green roses.  In all, there are 51 millefiori canes over a clear ground.  The canes are intricate and very colorful.  See the close-up picture for more detail.  There are six side facets and a top facet.  A fantastic paperweight.

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

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

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

Large picture of the paperweight
Close-up view
Profile view
Another close-Up view
Side view
Bottom view
$995 postage paid in the US.        Price reduced (was $1,295) 

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2228
Antique New England Glass Company Sulphide Paperweight of Lajos Kossuth. circa 1851.  Antique Sulphide paperweight featuring Lajos Kossuth, former Governor-President of Hungary.  It is inscribed on the back "EX-GOVERNOR OF HUNGARY SET AT LIBERTY BY THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 1851".

Kossuth was a political reformer who fought for liberty for Hungary and held the office of Governor-President from April 14 to August 11, 1849.  He was appointed to this position after the declaration of Hungarian independence from the Hapsburg Monarchy.  He was widely honored during his lifetime as a freedom fighter and advocate of democracy in Europe.  He demanded parliamentary government for Hungary and constitutional government for the rest of Austria. After abdicating the post of Governor-President he was effectively under house arrest until he was allowed to leave the Ottoman Empire in September 1851 on the American frigate Mississippi.  He then toured Britain and the United States in a futile effort to get support for his cause.  He won favor in New England and souvenirs and other commemorative items were created to celebrate his visit.  This paperweight was probably one of the commemorative objects created around the time of his visit.  Some authors suggest the inscription refers to US support of his cause.  Instead, I think it may refer to his rescue from house arrest by the US. 

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

Most texts attribute this paperweight to the New England Glass Factory.  It is believed that this paperweight may have been made for the 1851 Great Exhibition at the Crystal Palace in London.  However, the attribution is subject to challenge and the precise origin of this sulphide paperweight remains elusive.  The Bergstrom Mahler Museum has an identical paperweight which they attribute to Clichy.  Hawley attributes this to NEGC in his 1997 book The Art of the Paperweight  - The Boston & Sandwich and New England Glass Companies.  However, in his latest 2011 book on NEGC, he states that no firm evidence exists for this attribution, except that the specific gravity and fluorescence match that of NEGC.  Hollister discusses this paperweight in his Encyclopedia of Glass Paperweights and also states that their is no firm evidence tying the paperweight to NEGC or any other factory.  My own opinion is that the glass quality is more typical of NEGC than the French factories.  It may have originated in Europe or at another American factory.

Ignore the glare from the lights.  It was difficult to photograph this paperweight.  The sulphide is white. 

Size:  2 9/16" diameter by 1 11/16" high.  The base is ground concave.
Condition:  Outstanding condition.  No chips, cracks or scratches.  The paperweight has been professionally restored.
Signature:  Unsigned, but I guarantee this to be an authentic antique paperweight, most likely from the New England Glass Company in Cambridge, Massachusetts.  Circa 1851
Execution:  Very good, although there are striations and bubbles in the glass.  Some of the Kossuth Sulphides have the name KOSSUTH on the edge.  It is not visible on this example. 

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

Large picture of the paperweight
Close-up View
View of Back
Profile View
SOLD.

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4304 Antique Clichy Millefiori Nosegay Paperweight 1845-1860.  circa 1845-1860.  This antique Clichy nosegay paperweight has an great setup with three nice Clichy complex pastry mold canes (purple, blue, and red & white) plus five well formed leaves and a stem.  It is well centered over a clear ground.  The red and white pastry mold cane is unusual with red on the tip of each lobe and white in between.  Each of the three pastry mold canes has a complex center.  This paperweight does have some flaws and is offered at a reduced price.  There are scratches on the surface, but no cracks or chips.  The paperweight could be restored if desired.  In addition, there are bubbles in the glass including one larger bubble.  And the purple pastry mold cane is deformed.  All in all, it is an interesting addition to any collection of antique paperweights. 

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

Small size:  2 3/16” diameter by 1 1/2” high.  The base is ground concave.
Condition:  Good condition for its age.  There are scratches on the surface, but no cracks or chips.  It also has maker's flaws.  There are bubbles in the glass including one larger bubble.  And the purple pastry mold cane is deformed. 
Signature:   Unsigned but I guarantee this to be an authentic antique Clichy paperweight. 

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

Large picture
Closeup
Profile
Base
SOLD.

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Antique Clichy Millefiori Nosegay Paperweight 1845-1860
2038 Large Antique Czech / Bohemian Faceted Masaryk Picture Paperweight.   c.1900-1937.  Large faceted paperweight with a picture to Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk, the first president of Czechoslovakia.  The picture is placed on a sulphide frame that rests on a multi-colored cushion of glass bits.  The frame has ornamental features on each side of the picture.  The name "T. G. Masaryk" is at the base under the picture, although the initials are obscured by a bubble at the base of the frame.  The paperweight has one large window facet and a fancy four part facet at the top.  The paperweight was made in Northern Bohemia during the period 1900 to 1930.  The glass is heavy crystal and weighs just over 26 ounces.  An important paperweight of historical significance. 

Masaryk was the president of Czechoslovakia from 1918 to 1935.  He died in 1937 at the age of 87.  The picture was taken earlier in his life.  Most likely this paperweight was produced during his presidency or possibly at the time of his death.  It is also possible that it was produced earlier in his life when he was a political activist advocating for the creation of an independent Czechoslovakia. 

Von Brackel discusses this style of paperweight in his book Paperweights - Historicism - Art Nouveau - Art DecoHe shows several examples on pages 102 to 195 with a range of values up to $480.  Unfortunately, the picture in this paperweight is flawed by a defect and bubble covering part of the face.  The price has been reduced to reflect this flaw. 

Large Size: Just over 3" diameter by 3 3/4" high.  The bottom is ground flat. 
Condition:  Good to very good condition for its age.  There are scratches and some nicks on the large window facet, considerable wear on the base, and some nicks where the base meets the sides.  The paperweight displays very well.  The picture of Masaryk is marred by a defect and bubble in one corner of his face.
Signature:  Unsigned, but I guarantee that this is a vintage paperweight from the Bohemia / Czech region and it originates from approximately 1900-1937. 

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

Large picture of the paperweight
Closeup view
Profile view
Back view
Side view
View of Bottom
Some of the scratches and nicks on the face
SOLD

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3066
Large Antique Baccarat Macédoine (Scramble) Millefiori Paperweight.  circa 1845-1860.  This paperweight is made up of multi-colored striped millefiori segments arranged at (mostly) right angles.  This is a antique paperweight made during the classic period of paperweight making (1845-1860).  A great example of this unique style of antique Baccarat paperweight.  Great color.

The Macédoine is a uniquely Baccarat style in which the short sections of latticinio (twists, filigree, lace) are arranged in a quilt-like pattern with many of the sections at right angles to each other.  Usually there are no millefiori present.   This pattern was originally made during the classic period of French paperweights (1845-1860).  A modern version was produced in the 1960s and is similar to but different from the antique version. 

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

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

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

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

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

Large Size:  Just over 2 7/8" diameter by 2" high.   The bottom is ground concave. 
Condition:  Excellent condition with no chips, cracks, or scratches.  This paperweight has been professionally restored.  Some wear was left on the base by the restorer.   
Signature:  Unsigned but I guarantee that this is an antique Baccarat paperweight dating from the classic period (1845-1860).  

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

Large picture
Profile
Closeup
Base
Side view 
SOLD.

Click on the picture to see a larger image.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Large picture of the paperweight
Closeup
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Base
Side view
Another view
$1,250 postage paid in the US.                         US sales only for this paperweight.  Delivery will require a signature.

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Antique Baccarat Miniature Spaced Concentric Millefiori Paperweight with Four Gridel Canes on a Lace Ground
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. 
Condition:  Good condition.  Under enlargement the pictures show considerable wear, but no major chips and no cracks.  I don't recommend refinishing this paperweight.  It displays beautifully.
Signature:  Unsigned but I guarantee this to be an authentic antique Clichy paperweight. 

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

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Closeup
Profile
Closeup of wear on surface
Side view
Base
Another side view
SOLD.

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Antique Clichy Miniature Faceted Concentric Millefiori on Lace Paperweight with Rose
5125 Large Antique Dorflinger Paneled Lily-Style Paperweight.  circa 1895-1920This paperweight has four sections or panels, each with a center stripe of pink or green flanked on both sides with a white border.  The panels are pleated with a large bubble and second smaller bubble between each pleat.  There is also a larger center bubble.  The pleats are created by pushing the top of the design down with a crimp.  When viewed from the bottom, the paperweight gives the the appearance of an umbrella with four white panels and four ribs.  The paperweight is confirmed to have been made at Dorflinger Glass.  An interesting paperweight worthy of further study.

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

Special thanks to a Dorflinger collector who confirmed the Dorflinger attribution and drew my attention to a group of similar paperweights found in the Dorflinger Glass Museum in White Mills, PA. 

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

Large Size :  3 1/4” diameter by 2 1/2" high.  The base is ground slightly concave.
Signature :  Unsigned, but I will guarantee that this was made at the Dorflinger Glass Company during the period 1895-1920. 
Condition :  Very good condition with some minor wear on the base and a few faint scratches on the body.  There is some debris in the glass.

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

Large picture of the paperweight
View of base showing umbrella and ribs
Profile view
Side view
Another view of base
$195 postage paid in the US.                            Description updated 5/24/2020.    

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

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

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

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

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

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$895 postage paid in the US.

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Antique Baccarat Roundels or Circlets Millefiori Paperweight
2178 Antique St. Mandé Miniature Closepack Millefiori Paperweight.  circa 1841 - 1857.  This is an antique St. Mandé closepack millefiori paperweight.  I'm describing this as a closepack because the canes are all upright, not tipped over.  However there are some open areas.  There are many different and interesting canes in this paperweight.  The bright yellow cane is something rarely found except in St. Mandé paperweights.  The glass has a very slight grayish tint and has a lot of bubbles.  The design is set high in the dome.  And there is a a characteristic groove low down on the side.  The condition is very good to excellent with a few scuffed areas on the dome, but there is plenty of glass and it could be restored .  I wouldn't do so because polishing might remove the St. Mandé characteristic groove on the side.  A rare example for the advanced collector.

Very 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.

Very Small Size:  Just over 1 7/8" diameter by just under 1 1/2" high.  The base is ground concave. 
Condition:  Very good to excellent condition with a few scuffed areas on the dome.  There is plenty of glass and it could be restored.  I wouldn't do so because polishing might remove the characteristic groove on the side.  The glass has a lot of bubbles.
Signature:  Unsigned, but  I guarantee this to be an authentic antique paperweight from St. Mandé.  I have consulted with other experts and they agree with this attribution. 

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

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Closeup
Profile
Base
Side view
Another closeup
And another
SOLD.  

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Antique St. Mandé Miniature Closepack Millefiori Paperweight
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.
Condition: Good condition.  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.  Please review the pictures.  There is also a piece of black debris inside the well of the inkwell.  In addition there are some minor scratches and scuffs, mostly on the stopper.
Signature:  Unsigned but I guarantee that this is an old English paperweight from approximately 1920-1941.  The maker is most likely Arculus.  The 1848 date is a false date.

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

Large picture
False "1848" date
Top of stopper showing
Tip of stopper (with chip)
Side view
Another view
Debris in bowl
Repair on neck - picture 1
Repair on neck - picture 2
Repair on neck - picture 3
Base
Another view of base
SOLD.

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Vintage Magnum Arculus  Concentric Paperweight Inkwell with false date 1848 - with damage
3454 Antique Clichy Sulphide Paperweight of Victoria and Albert. circa 1851.  Clichy Sulphide paperweight featuring Queen Victoria (1819-1901) and Prince Albert (1819-1861).  The sulphide is fairly high in the dome of the paperweight and is over a clear ground.  It is believed that this paperweight may have been made for the 1851 Great Exhibition at the Crystal Palace in London.  Prince Albert conceived of the exhibition which was considered the first world's fair.  The exhibition was intended to advance the arts and sciences.  A wonderful example.

Note:  This was a difficult paperweight to photograph due to the clear glass and white sulphide.  Some of the pictures look darker but you can rest assured that the glass is clear crystal, although some striations (sugaring) are visible. 

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

The Clichy factory was founded at Billancourt near Paris in 1837.  Shortly after that it moved to Clichy-la-Garenne, which gave the factory its best known name.  They stayed in operation until about the 1870s. 

Most authors agree that this is a Clichy paperweight, but there are some older books that attribute it to Baccarat in France or even to New England Glass Company in Cambridge, Massachusetts.  The Bergstrom Mahler Museum has an identical paperweight which they attribute to Clichy.  The Art Institute of Chicago has a version in which the sulphide was colored before being encased.  This paperweight, attributed to Clichy, was included in the 1978 Corning Museum of Glass "Paperweights - Flowers which clothe the meadows" exhibition.  The Jokelson Collection had a variation with an uncolored (white) sulphide over a green ground.  The Jokelson paperweight is also attributed to Clichy.

Size:  Just over 2 1/2" diameter by 1 13/16" high.  The base is ground concave. 
Condition:  Outstanding condition.  No chips, cracks or scratches.  The paperweight has been professionally restored.  There are some striations (sugaring) and bubbles in the glass from when it was made.   
Signature:   Unsigned, but I guarantee this to be an authentic antique paperweight, most likely from Clichy in France.  Circa 1851.

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

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Closeup
Side view
Profile
Base
SOLD

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Antique Clichy Sulphide Paperweight of Victoria and Albert
5127 Antique Baccarat Type III Pansy Paperweight with Star Cut Base.   circa 1900-1920.  Baccarat Pansy paperweight with leaves and stem.  The base is finished with a Baccarat star cut.  It is probably from Baccarat's Dupont period.  This style of pansy is called a type III pansy.  It consists of two large velvet purple petals above over three lower petals.  The lower petals are amber yellow over a white base which can be seen from the back.  Each lower petal has a purple tip and three dark lines radiating from the central cane consisting of star canes with a red whorl center.  A wonderful paperweight in great shape.

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

  • 1845-1860 - Classic period
  • 1920-1934 - Dupont period
  • 1953-2002 - Modern period
This classification is definitely an over simplification.  The best millefiori and lampwork paperweights were made during the classic period (1845-1860).   Baccarat continued to make paperweights after the classic period, but little is known about the extent of the product line or who made the paperweights.  What is known is that by 1910, the offering in the catalog had dwindled to pansy paperweights, simple open concentric paperweights, and rock paperweights.  Popular lore attributes 1920-1934 Baccarat paperweights to a Mr. Dupont, who supposedly was the last worker at Baccarat to know the secrets of paperweight making.  These paperweights were sold at a Baccarat retail shop in Paris. No collector or scholar ever met Mr. Dupont although at least one visited the Baccarat factory and asked to meet with him.  The weights stopped appearing in the shop in 1934.

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

Size:  Just over 2 1/4" diameter by 1 1/2" high.  The bottom is ground slightly concave and finished with a Baccarat star cut base.
Condition: Excellent condition.  This paperweight has been professionally restored.  There are no chips, cracks, or scratches.  Minor wear remains on the base. 
Signature:  Made by Baccarat in France.  Unsigned, but I guarantee that this is an antique Baccarat paperweight, probably from the Dupont period. 

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

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Closeup
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Side view
Another large picture

$495 postage paid in the US.

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

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

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

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

Large picture
Closeup
Profile
Side view
Base
Another closeup
$995 postage paid in the US.                   US Sales only, no international shipping.  Delivery will require a signature.

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

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

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

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

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End View
Closeup
$235 postage paid in the US.

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

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

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

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

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Antique Green and White Jasper Ground Paperweight
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 1888You can read about paperweights from the New England Glass Company in the book by John Hawley.  The Art of the Paperweight  - The Boston & Sandwich and New England Glass Companies covers both B&S and NEGC. 

Size:  3 3/8" wide by 2 5/16" deep by 1 7/16" high.   
Condition:  Excellent condition.  No chips, cracks or scratches found on inspection. 
Signature:  Impressed with the name Providence Inkstand Company.   

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

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Top view
Another view
Base with writing mostly legible
Signature - Providence Inkstand Co 1876
Back view
SOLD.

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Antique New England Glass Company (NEGC) Plymouth Rock Pressed Glass Paperweight
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. 
Condition:  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.  The glass has a very slight grayish tint and, some bubbles, and also some black debris in it.
Signature:  Unsigned, but  I guarantee this to be an authentic antique paperweight from St. Mandé.  I have consulted with other experts and most agree with this attribution.  One collector felt it might be something rarer. 

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

Large picture
Closeup
Profile
Base
Side view
Another side view
Impact mark on dome
SOLD

Click on the picture to see a larger image.

Click on the picture to see a larger image
Antique St. Mandé Miniature Millefiori Scramble Paperweight
4486 Antique Pairpoint Bubble Paperweight Doorknob on Marble Stand.  Circa 1890-1930.  This is an antique Pairpoint bubble doorknob mounted on a marble veneered stand.  It has the brass mounting hardware and setscrew.  The bubble pattern is made up of carefully placed concentric rings of controlled bubbles with a slight spiral in the arrangement.  There is a single bubble in the center, nine bubbles in the first ring, 18 bubbles in the next ring, and increasing numbers in each subsequent ring until the pattern reverses.  The doorknob is firmly fastened to the stand and won't come off, even if the setscrew is removed.  The base of the stand is covered with felt.  This type of doorknob was once a common fixture in New England homes built up until about 1930.  There were other variations offered, including plain glass knobs.  

Note on marble veneered stand:  The marble stand is heavy, but it is not solid marble.  It appears to be a veneer and you can see this by the way the faces come together at the edges.

Note on provenance:  This doorknob came from an old Boston family collection that also had many other pieces of Pairpoint glass.

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 (2022) although under new owners. 

Size:  2 1/8" diameter by 4 3/16" high including the stand.  The stand is 3" by 3" by 1 1/4".  The bottom of the stand is covered with felt.  It weighs 30 ounces.
Condition:  The doorknob is in excellent condition with no cracks, chips, or noticeable scratches.  The brass hardware has signs of aging, but no damage.  The marble stand has a small but noticeable chip on one corner and tiny chips in the other three corners.  It also has a larger chip at the base next to the felt (see pictures).  As mentioned above the stand is a marble veneer, not solid marble.  The felt on the base is worn.    
Signature:  Unsigned, but I believe this was made at Pairpoint in New Bedford, Massachusetts.

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

Large picture
Top view
Side view
Another view
And another
Chipped corner on base
Felt covered base
SOLD.

Click on the picture to see a larger image.

Click on the picture to see a larger image
Antique Pairpoint Bubble Paperweight Doorknob on Marble Stand
3051 Antique New England Glass Company (NEGC) Concentric Millefiori Paperweight on Spiral Latticino Ground.  circa 1860 - 1888.  This is an antique New England Glass Company (NEGC) concentric millefiori paperweight on a spiral latticinio ground.  There are two rings of complex canes around a larger complex millefiori center cane.  The inner ring consists of nine identical white and green canes.  The outer ring consists of eight blue, red, and white complex canes.  The spiral latticinio ground is almost perfect, no very few bubbles and no messes.  The canes float nicely above the ground and they are nicely spaced, although not perfectly.  The paperweight appears to have been restored leaving some wear on the base.  Great color.  An excellent example of a NEGC concentric millefiori paperweight.

Note on execution:  It is rare to find a NEGC millefiori design with a perfect execution.  Often there are tipped canes, missing canes, uneven spacing, or worse.  The spiral latticinio grounds often have bubbles and are twisted or have other flaws.  The paperweight shown here is relatively free of major flaws.     

Note:  The type of ground in this paperweight has been given different names by different authors, including double latticinio, spiral latticinio, and spiral filigree.  Some authors insist that despite the extensive usage, there is no such word as latticinio and revert to latticino or filigree.  The literature is full of variations, including authors who choose to distinguish between thick and thin latticinio.  I have wavered in my choice between the first two choices, double latticinio and spiral latticinio.  More importantly, in 1986, paperweight collector Jerry Gard observed that spiral latticinio made in 19th century American factories contain 32 rods while those made in 19th century French factories contain 36 rods. 

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 9/16” diameter by 1 7/16" high.  The bottom is ground concave.  The profile is relatively flat.
Signature:  This paperweight is not signed, but I guarantee it to be an authentic antique New England Glass Company paperweight. 
Condition:  Very good condition.  The paperweight may have been restored.  There are no chips, cracks or scratches on the dome, but some scratches remain on the base.

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

Large picture
Closeup
Profile
Back view
Side view
Base
SOLD.

Click on the picture to see a larger image

Click on the picture to see a larger image
Antique New England Glass Company (NEGC) Concentric Millefiori Paperweight on Spiral Latticino Ground



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