Contemporary American Paperweights for Sale
Contemporary American Paperweights for Sale
The glass paperweights on this page are by contemporary American makers. I am using it to list paperweights were I have only a few examples for sale by the maker. Be sure to check out my other pages for specific makers such as Charles Kaziun , St. Clair, Degenhart , and Gentile Glass.
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aport@paperweights.com
| 6081 | Mayauel Ward Lady Slipper Orchid Flowers
Pedestal Paperweight. dated 1998. This
small paperweight features a three dimensional lady slipper
orchid flower plant with three flowers, stems, variegated green
leaves, and a brown root bundle. The composition is set over a
clear ground and mounted on a black pedestal base. It
is signed and dated "Mayauel Ward 98" on the side of the pedestal
base. This is an absolutely wonderful paperweight.
Mayauel Ward is one of the premier lampwork artists working today. He started with a glass class taught by Stuart Abelman at El Camino College. After completing his studies, he went to work at Correia Glass where he worked with Ken Rosenfeld. In 1979 he joined the Abelman Glass Studio where he started making lampwork designs in 1987. Although he continued to work at Abelman Glass, he also built a studio in his home in Manhattan Beach, CA. His work is uniquely his own although he gets inspiration from the fine lampwork designs of Paul Stankard and Chris Buzzini. There are articles about Mayauel Ward in the 1997 and 2006 issues of the Annual Bulletin of the Paperweight Collectors Association. Size: 2 3/8" diameter by 2 1/2" high. The
black pedestal base is 1 13/16" diameter and is ground
concave. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$435 postage paid in the US. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 5352 | Magnum Victor Trabucco Yellow Morning
Glory Paperweight with buds. circa 1988. This
paperweight consists of a large yellow morning glory flower with
two yellow buds and leaves and stems on a transparent blue
ground. It is signed with Victor Trabucco's "VT" signature
cane on the underside of a leaf. There is also a very faint
scratched signature on the base "Trabucco 1988". A
magnificent paperweight. Victor Trabucco's original career was as a steelworker. He began working with glass in 1974 after seeing a flameworker make a sculpture. He knew this was what he wanted to do for his life's work. Trabucco says that “Glass is the ultimate challenge; it has properties of no other material and offers the artist possibilities that are inspiring for the creative process. His work is often inspired by nature, capturing the beauty and motion of the subject and freezing a moment in time. His work is in the collection of many major museums. Victor set up his first studio in the basement of his house and learned by experimentation. He now works with his sons Jon and David in a large studio in Clarence, NY. Very Large Size: 3 1/4" diameter by 2 3/4"
high. The base is ground slightly concave. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$750 postage paid in the US. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 3705 | Early Magnum Kit Karbler Michael David
Blake Street Glass Art Nouveau Paperweight.
dated 1981. This is a very early art nouveau paperweight
made by Kit Karbler and David Michael of Blake Street Glass in
Denver, Colorado. It features a flowing organic motif in
shades of red. The design is placed near the base and
encased in clear glass. The paperweight is extra
large. It is signed on the base by both artists near the
edge of the base with the "1981" date in the center of the
base. An early example from this studio. Great
execution. Note about Blake Street Glass: This paperweight is a very early work by these outstanding glass artists and differs from their later sculptural work which evolved to a sophisticated process for cutting and faceting. Later works often sell for thousands of dollars. The price for this piece is more modest. Blake Street Glass in Denver, Colorado was started in 1979 by Kit Karbler and Michael David. The two set out to make works that were different with a sophisticated process of cutting and faceting the pieces. Their approach gained them numerous awards and recognition over the years. Their work is on display in many prestigious collections and museums. Kit Karbler received his Bachelors degree in Fine Art from Ohio University and continued his graduate studies in Glass and Design at UCLA where he studied with the internationally renowned glass artist Richard Marquis. Michael David studied Glass and Art at the University of Colorado, Goddard College and Cornell university. The Blake Street Glass Studio closed in 2020. Very large size: 3 11/16" diameter by 3 3/8"
high. The base is polished flat. The paperweight
weighs 2 pounds 5 ounces and will weigh over 3 pounds when
double boxed and packaged for mailing. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$295 postage paid in the US. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 3794 | Colorful Magnum Rollin Karg Three Sided
Paperweight. circa 1983 to 2000. This is an
interesting three sided sculptural paperweight with inner
folds. Primarily blue, most of the surface has colored spots
of pinks, reds, and browns. One side has an area that is
dichroic. It is signed "KARG" on the side near the base.
Extra large. A fun paperweight.
Rollin Karg spent the first part of his career as an industrial engineer, photographer, potter and woodworker before becoming a full time glass artist in 1983. He studied hot glass at Emporia State University (Kansas) and built his first glassblowing furnace there. Today he owns a studio and gallery in Kechi, Kansas. Very large size: Three sided shape. 3 1/2"
at the widest by 2 13/16" tall. The base is ground
flat. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large pictureSOLD. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 5278 | Very Early Francis Whittemore Miniature
Paperweight with White and Blue Millefiori Flowers on a Pink
Ground. circa 1962 - 1969. This very early
paperweight by Francis Whittemore features five small white
millefiori flowers with blue star centers. There is also a
stem and two green leaves. The design is placed on a powdery
pink ground. This paperweight is signed in the design with
an early Whittemore signature cane, a black "W" on a yellow
background. This is an important early example of
Francis Whittemore's work and worthy of any collection of
Whittemore paperweights. Note: This paperweight is almost the same as the examples offered in Larry Selman's first two editions of "CATALOGUE OF COLLECTORS' PAPERWEIGHTS". See the 1970 Catalog (robins egg blue cover) or the 1971 Catalog (olive green cover). Francis Dyer Whittemore, Jr. is considered one of the pioneers of the modern paperweight renaissance. He started working in glass in 1938, but did not start making paperweights until 1962. His studio was in Lansdale, Pennsylvania. Like many other early glass artists, Francis started his career as a scientific glass blower and then later taught glass as an instructor. For five years, he spent one month a year consulting at Baccarat to help them refine their lampwork paperweight art. Some sources have this consulting work from 1971 to 1976. Other sources have it starting later. The signature cane used on this paperweight was one he developed prior to working at Baccarat. Most of his paperweights are miniature to medium in size. You can read about Francis Whittemore in the book American Glass Paperweights and Their Makers by Jean Melvin (1970). Size: 2 3/8" diameter by 1 1/8" high. This paperweight has a very low profile. The base is flat with a concave center.Signature: Signed in the design with an early Whittemore signature cane. The cane has a black "W" on a yellow background. Condition: Excellent condition. No chips, cracks, or scratches found on inspection. There are many bubbles in the ground and a few striations in the glass. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$165 postage paid in the US. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 6050 | David Salazar Marbrie Paperweight with
Millefiori Star Crown. dated 1985. This
paperweight features a multi-colored surface decorated marbrie
design. At the top is a complex millefiori cane with a
concentric pattern of white stars on a black background. The
design is placed on the surface of the paperweight with an opaque
white ground. It is signed on the base "D. P. Salazar
12/85". An early example from the period when David Salazar
was establishing his own studio. Great execution. David P. Salazar was born in Del Rio, Texas. His fascination with glass started in college, when he began making scientific glassware. In 1972, he started working as an apprentice at Lundberg Studios, and quickly moved into the more creative aspects of designing and torchwork. After 10 years in the studio environment, he decided to strike out on his own in order to develop new designs and techniques. Initially he rented space from Zephyr Studios in Santa Cruz, CA, staying there from 1982 to 1985. When Zephyr went out of business, Salazar took over the building and started his own studio. Medium size: Just over 2 1/2" diameter
by just under 1 7/8" high. The base is polished
flat. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$165 postage paid in the US. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 6079 | Super Magnum Victor Trabucco Swallowtail
Butterfly Paperweight with Blueberries, Flower, and Bud. dated1996.
This extra big paperweight consists of a large yellow swallowtail
butterfly hovering near a blueberry plant. The plant ha a
pale pink flower and bud and five ripe blueberries. There
are also green leaves and brown stems. It is signed on the
side near the base "Trabucco 1996". It is meant to stand
upright and has a slightly concave base and back. A
magnificent paperweight. Victor Trabucco's original career was as a steelworker. He began working with glass in 1974 after seeing a flameworker make a sculpture. He knew this was what he wanted to do for his life's work. Trabucco says that “Glass is the ultimate challenge; it has properties of no other material and offers the artist possibilities that are inspiring for the creative process. His work is often inspired by nature, capturing the beauty and motion of the subject and freezing a moment in time. His work is in the collection of many major museums. Victor set up his first studio in the basement of his house and learned by experimentation. He now works with his sons Jon and David in a large studio in Clarence, NY. Very Large Size: 4 1/8" wide by 3 15/16"
high by 2 5/8" thick. The base and back are polished
slightly concave. This paperweight weighs 2 pounds 7
ounces. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large pictureSOLD. US Sales only, no international shipping. Delivery will require a signature. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 2187 | Miniature Red Crimp Rose Paperweight -
Unknown American Maker. This paperweight features a
tiny fifteen petal red crimp rose. The crimp pattern is
4+4+4+3 for a total of 15 petals. There are four green
leaves underneath. It is unsigned and I don't know who made
it. Three of the outer petals are missing some of the red
color and the underlying white shows instead. Two of the
green leaves are also missing some of their color. The
design is off center. There are bubbles in the glass.
Please read the description of condition below. The base is
polished flat so it appears that the maker must have thought it
was worth keeping even with its flaws. An important early
example for the collector of crimp rose paperweights. Crimp roses represent the ultimate challenge for paperweight makers. You can read about the crimps and their use in making crimp roses in the book American Glass Paperweights and Their Makers by Jean Melvin (1970). Note: Francis Whittemore, Robert Grablow, Charles Kaziun II, and others made similar crimp roses and used a 4+4+4+3 crimp pattern. Possibly it is an early Kaziun piece but I don't know for sure. It was found in Massachusetts. Miniature size: Just over 1 3/4" diameter by 1
9/16" high. The base is polished
flat. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$195 postage paid in the US. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 6056 | Ken Rosenfeld 1987 Vegetables Bouquet
Paperweight. dated 1987. This
paperweight consists of vegetable bouquet of radishes, carrots,
asparagus spears, and turnips (or beets). There are seven
red radishes with leafy tops, six tapered orange carrots, three
asparagus spears and two purple turnips. The design is
placed on a clear ground. It is signed on the side with Ken
Rosenfeld's "R" cane and engraved signature "KEN ROSENFELD
'87". It is a beautiful paperweight with its unusual
composition of vegetables. An early paperweight from Ken
Rosenfeld. Note: This paperweight has a relatively flat profile. The low profile allows Ken to fill the paperweight with details and avoid optical distortion, but it also made it difficult eliminate all the glare from the lights when taking pictures. Ken Rosenfeld works at his own studio, Ken Rosenfeld Glass, in Milwaukie, Oregon. Ken's paperweight expertise arose from a formal art education and a technical background. He has a Bachelor's degree in art from the University of California and a Master's of Fine Arts degree from Southern Illinois University. His technical experience in scientific glasswork and his studio glass experience contributed to his superb ability as a glass artist. Ken has been a paperweight artist since the mid 1980s. He started at Correia Glass, leaving after five years to set up his own studio in 1983. This 1987 vegetable bouquet is an early paperweight made by Ken. Large size: Just under 3" diameter by just
over 1 1/2" high. It has a low, relatively flat profile
which allowed Ken to fill the paperweight with vegetables and
avoid optical distortion. The base is polished
concave. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$365 postage paid in the US. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 4064 | Orient & Flume Iridescent Figural
Pear Paperweight. circa 2003. Wonderful hand
crafted Orient & Flume pear paperweight having a stem and
leaf. The surface is has a light green iridescent
sheen. Signed on the base "Orient & Flume GQT3". A
wonderful example.
Orient & Flume was started in 1972 in Chico, California by Douglas Boyd and David Hopper. It studio took its name from its initial location which was at the corner of Orient & Flume. Their early weights adopted a style that has become known as the California style of iridescent paperweights with surface torchworked art nouveau motifs on the outside surface of the weight. Later work involved interior lampworked designs. Every Orient & Flume piece has a registration number which usually includes a date code. In this case, I believe the "G" is for 2003. Size: 2 9/16" diameter by just over 4 7/16" high
including the stem. The bottom has been ground flat.
For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$75 postage paid in the US. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 5701 | Large Terry Crider Four Leaf Clover with
Threading Iridescent Limited Edition Paperweight. dated
1979. Unusual paperweight with a delicate layer of
glass threading over an iridescent blue surface. There is a
large surface decorated four leaf clover at the top. Signed
on the base "Terry Crider 1979 P.I.C.C. 120 / 250". This
paperweight was issued in a limited edition of 250 paperweights of
which this is edition 120. An early example of Terry
Crider's work. Note on condition: There are two tiny breaks or interruptions in the threading on the side. I don't know if these are flaws in the making or damage. Some wear on the base. Otherwise in excellent condition, Terry Crider is a self taught glass artist who started a small glass studio, Crider Art Glass, in Wapakoneta, OH in 1976. He worked in glass on and off until at least 2006. He made a variety of different styles of art glass and paperweights. Large Size: 2 7/8" diameter by 2 1/2" high.
The base has been ground flat. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large pictureSOLD. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 6075 | Rick Ayotte 1995 Miniature Pond Slider
Turtle Paperweight. dated 1995. This miniature
paperweight depicts an adorable pond slider turtle on a moss
ground. The turtle has yellow markings on its head and
legs. It is signed "Ayotte M-55 '95" on the side just
below the middle of the paperweight. A precious paperweight
in excellent condition. This paperweight appears in the book Songs without Words: The Art of the Paperweight - Rick Ayotte. This paperweight is a miniature and is shown on page 144. The turtle also appears in a full size compound paperweight Walden Pond (A265) shown on page 127. A similar miniature example appears in Bonhams Skinner's 20th Century Design Auction starting June 10, 2024 (see lot 55 with a pre-auction estimate of $800-$1,200). The paperweight in this listing is being offered at a lower price. Note about pictures: I apologize for the poor pictures. The turtle is dark colored and is on a dark ground. I made several attempts to get better pictures but outcome was either too dark or had too many reflections. It also made it difficult eliminate all the reflections showing my hands holding the camera. I need a different setup. Roland "Rick" Ayotte specializes in paperweights with themes from nature, including lampworked bird and other animals, flowers, fruits, and berries. His paperweights range in size from miniatures to super magnums. He also produces other wonderful glass art objects. He lives and works in New Boston, New Hampshire and has been making glass paperweights since 1978. Miniature size: Just under 2" diameter by 1 9/16”
high. The base is polished concave. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$495 postage paid in the US. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 4693 | Charles Kaziun
Jr. Miniature Pink Sandwich Rose Tilted Pedestal Paperweight
with Torsade. circa 1960-1980. This is a
marvelous miniature tilted pedestal paperweight with pink sandwich
rose and an outer white twist torsade. The rose has three
sepals, two longer leaves and a green stem. At the base of
the stem is bit of aventurine, perhaps intended as a ribbon.
The design is set on an opaque aqua ground. The paperweight
is tilted at a 45 degree angle so it displays beautifully.
Signed on the underside of the ground with a gold foil K. A
great addition to any collection of Kaziun paperweights. Kaziun called this style of rose a Sandwich rose. He was inspired by the tiny roses found in antique basket of roses paperweights made by the Boston & Sandwich Glass Company. It is also called a rope rose. The rose is made with a tiny molten glass rod. Note: Please note that this is slightly larger
than the typical Kaziun #1. I have been referring to this
size as a #2. Charles Kaziun Jr. was one of the most famous of the American paperweight artists. He is often credited with contributing to the rebirth of interest in paperweight making. He made paperweights from the 1940s until his death in 1992. His weights are usually signed with a gold K or a special millefiori cane containing a K. You can read about him in many books, including: Signature: Signed on the underside of the aqua ground with Kaziun's gold K. Condition: Excellent condition with no chips or cracks. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$375 postage paid in the US. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 6061 | Large Early 1979 Orient & Flume
Flowers with Complex Millefiori Centers Paperweight.
dated 1979. This wonderful paperweight features a complex
construction with three large white and orange five petaled
flowers each with a complex green millefiori center. There
are green and brown vines and stems. The flowers are surface
decorated on an inner layer of glass. The lower part of the
design has an art nouveau style feather pulled design with
stylized outlines of leaves incorporated in the design and wrap
around to the base. The design has an inner opaque black
core (ground) with an iridescent surface that sparkles. The
flowers and stems float above this dark ground and have an outer
encasement of clear glass. It is signed on the base "Orient
& Flume C36 CG 1979". It also has a worn Orient
& Flume paper label "ORIENT & FLUME CHICO, CALIF." on the
base. A great early paperweight from Orient & Flume. Orient & Flume was started in
1972 in Chico, California by Douglas Boyd and David
Hopper. It studio took its name from its initial
location which was at the corner of Orient & Flume.
Their early weights adopted a style that has become known as
the California style of iridescent paperweights with
surface torchworked art nouveau motifs on the outside surface
of the weight. Later work involved interior lampworked
designs. Every Orient & Flume piece has a
registration number which usually includes a date code.
Douglas Boyd passed away in 2018. David Hopper and his
wife Shari retired to nearby Paradise California. They
survived the wildfire that destroyed most of Paradise in
2018. Orient & Flume continues in Chico with new
owners Bruce Sillars and Ronda Davis. Bruce was one of
the original Orient and Flume artists and Ronda has spent the
last 30 years at the studio handling sales and other
responsibilities. They are joined by another early
O&F artist Scott Beyers. Large Size: 3 1/16" diameter by just over 2 5/8"
high. The base has been polished flat. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$195 postage paid in the US. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 5916 | Randy Strong 2003 Abstract Flat Top
Iridescent Millefiori Paperweight. dated
2003. Contemporary abstract millefiori style paperweight
created by Randy Strong of Berkeley, California. The paperweight
has an unusual shape with the a large top and small base. It
has white and pink millefiori and an outer "garland" of white
latticinio twists. Iridescent pieces of blue and copper
color fill in the empty spaces. There is also a controlled
pattern of tiny bubbles in the clear glass edge. The
underlying ground color is black. It is signed "R. Strong
2003". A fun paperweight with great color. Note: This paperweight has an unusual shape with the flat top considerably larger then the base. It is not a typical dome shaped object. Randy Strong has studied at the California College of Arts and Crafts, Oakland, CA and has a Bachelor of Fine Arts 1971 from the Osaka University of the Arts, Osaka, Japan. He has been blowing glass and running his own studio in Northern California for over 40 years. His work has been collected and displayed throughout the world in such places as The Corning Museum of Glass (New York), The Louvre, the Osaka Museum of Art, The San Francisco Museum of Art, The Ludwig Schaffrath Collection (Germany), The John D. Rockefeller Collection, the IBM Collection (USA) and at the American Crafts exhibitions at Baltimore, West Springfield and Rhinebeck. Size: Just under 3" diameter at the top by 1 1/4"
high. The base has a diameter of 1". The top has a
flat profile. The base is ground flat. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large pictureSOLD. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 5383 | Rare Harold J. Hacker Snake
Paperweight. circa 1966 - 1980. This
wonderful Harold Hacker lampwork snake paperweight. The long
brown snake with two white eyes and a long slender tongue has a
yellow stripe down its back. It blends perfectly with the
copper colored frit ground. It is engraved "HJH" on the
base. A very similar example is shown on page 172 of
Melvin's book American Glass Paperweights and their Makers
(Revised 1970). A desirable example of Hacker's work. Harold James Hacker (1906 - 1989)
was born in Weston, West Virginia and, at the age of thirteen,
took a job at the Weston Glass Plant. Later he worked at
the West Virginia Specialty Glass Company and learned some of
the rudiments of blowing glass. In 1936 he moved to
California and worked at the Technical Glass Company in Los
Angeles. After service in the armed services during
world war II, he obtained a concession at the Knott's Berry
Farm making miniature glass objects, built on a hobby of
lampworking that started back in West Virginia. In 1966
Hacker and a friend from West Virginia, A. F. Carpenter,
started experimenting with glass paperweights at a small
studio near Hacker's home in Buena Park, CA. In the
beginning they made more traditional lampwork floral
arrangements and millefiori paperweights, but then focused on
lampwork snakes, reptiles, turtles, and other animals.
Their output was low and, even with two helpers, never
exceeded 200 paperweights a year. All were signed with
variations of Hacker's signature, "Hacker", "Harold Hacker",
"Harold J Hacker", or just the initials "HJH". It is not
possible to specifically identify which lampwork animals were
made by A. F. Carpenter, but it is believed that Carpenter was
the better lampwork artist and Hacker did some of the simpler
designs. Hacker also did the encasement. Their
work was considered good enough to earn an entry in
Dunlop's Dictionary of Glass Paperweights. Both
men are included in Jean Melvin's book American Glass
Paperweights and their Makers (revised edition 1970) and
Hacker has a page in Larry Selman's All About Paperweights.
Harold Hacker wrote an article "The Art of Paperweights"
for the 1968 Annual Bulletin of the Paperweight Collectors'
Association. Size: 2 3/4" diameter by 1 1/16" high. The
base is ground flat. Note the low profile. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$165 postage paid in the US. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 4382 | Robert Banford Blue Double
Clematis with Buds Double Overlay Faceted Paperweight with Fancy
Base Cutting. circa 1987. This
paperweight features a wonderful dark blue double clematis with a
yellow center and two companion buds, one open and the other still
closed. It is has many green leaves and a stem. The
design is set on a clear ground and encased with a brilliant red
and white double overlay. It is faceted with a large top
facet and six side facets. In addition there is a fancy
cutting on the lower portion below the facets. The
paperweight is signed with Bob Banfords “B” signature cane at the
tip of the stem. I believe this is part of Bob Banford's
1987 Collection and the cutting is by Ed Poore. A very
desirable addition to any collection of contemporary American
paperweights.
Note on condition: There is a 1/8" nick or tool mark just above the fancy cutting. It is barely visible, but I mention this for completeness and provide a much magnified picture. No other flaws found on inspection. Robert Banford worked in Hammonton, NJ. He started making paperweights in 1971 along with his father, Ray Banford. Bob continued to make paperweights until 2006. Bob and Ray did not date their paperweights, but it is sometimes possible to get an idea of when a paperweight was made by the progression of styles and the type of glass used. Bob Banford used a signature cane with a red "B" and a blue surround. Ray Banford used a different signature cane with a black B. Ray passed away in 2003.
Size: 2 15/16" diameter by just over 2 1/8"
high. The bottom is ground slightly concave. It is
faceted with a large top facet and six side facets. In
addition there is a fancy cutting on the lower portion below the
facets. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$950 postage paid in the US. US Sales only, no international shipping. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 5362 | Robert Banford Blue Clematis with
Buds and Dragonfly Paperweight. circa 1980.
This compound paperweight features a wonderful large dragonfly
hovering above a striped blue clematis. The clematis has a
yellow center and two buds in various states of opening.
There are many green leaves and a stem. The design is set in
clear crystal with an opaque white ground at the base of the
paperweight. The paperweight is compound with the two levels
above the ground layer. The flower floats in the middle
layer and the dragonfly hovers above the flower. The
paperweight is signed with Bob Banford's “B” signature cane at the
tip of the stem. A very desirable addition to any collection
of contemporary American paperweights. Note: The bright light used to take the pictures exaggerate the refractive lines where the layers of glass are joined. This is normal in compound paperweights that use high quality glass. Note 2: There is a 3/16" flaw near the base of this of the paperweight. I'm not sure what caused this. It is not a chip or crack. Robert Banford worked in Hammonton, NJ. He started making paperweights in 1971 along with his father, Ray Banford. Bob continued to make paperweights until 2006. Bob and Ray did not date their paperweights, but it is sometimes possible to get an idea of when a paperweight was made by the progression of styles and the type of glass used. Bob Banford used a signature cane with a red "B" and a blue surround. Ray Banford used a different signature cane with a black B. Ray passed away in 2003.
Large size: 2 3/4" diameter by just over 2 5/16"
high. The white base is polished flat. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$345 postage paid in the US. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 3529 | Early Kenyon Brown 1990 Multi-Color
Swirl Paperweight. dated 1990. This paperweight
features a blue, white, green, and brown swirl design with the
swirl winding from the base up to a tight point on top. The
ground is clear. It is signed with an engraved "Ken Brown
'90" on the fire finished base. One of Ken Brown's earliest
paperweights. A rare item. Kenyon Brown was originally an auctioneer in Buckingham, PA. After his retirement he developed an interest in glass and volunteered at Wheaton Village (now WheatonArts) in Millville, NJ. He experimented for more than a decade making paperweights. While he did some of the setups at his home in Lahaska, PA, he would do the encasement in the hot shop at Wheaton Village. Ken passed away in 2017 at the age of 94. Large Size: 2 13/16” diameter by 2 1/4"
high. The base is fire finished. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture of the paperweightSOLD. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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| 5227 | Charles Kaziun Jr. Miniature Tilted
Pedestal White Spider Lily Paperweight with Cobalt Blue
Aventurine Ground. circa 1960-1980. This is a
miniature pedestal paperweight with a white spider lily and four
green leaves on an opaque cobalt blue aventurine ground. The
flower has a six sided yellow millefiori center with a red flare
over each petal. Each leaf is a double leaf - two leaves
with a clear layer joining them so a bit of the ground shows
through. This makes it look like each leaf has an aventurine
stripe down the center. The aventurine ground is set on a
cobalt blue under-layer. The paperweight is tilted at a 45
degree angle so it displays beautifully. Signed on the white
underside of the ground with a gold K. A great addition to
any collection of Kaziun paperweights. Note: Please note that the base on this
paperweight is slightly larger than the typical Kaziun #1. Charles Kaziun Jr. was one of the most famous of the American paperweight artists. He is often credited with contributing to the rebirth of interest in paperweight making. He made paperweights from the 1940s until his death in 1992. His weights are usually signed with a gold K or a special millefiori cane containing a K. You can read about him in many books, including:
Signature: Signed on the underside of the blue ground with Kaziun's gold K. Condition: Excellent condition with no chips, cracks, or scratches found on inspection. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$295 postage paid in the US. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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on the picture to see a larger image |
| 5277 | Very Early Francis Whittemore Miniature
Yellow Lampwork Flower with Pink Ground Paperweight.
circa 1962 - 1969. This very early paperweight by Francis
Whittemore features a six petal yellow flower with two green
leaves and a stem. It is signed in the design with an early
Whittemore signature cane. The cane has a black "W" on a
yellow background. The design is placed on a pink
ground. It is an important early example of Francis
Whittemore's work and worthy of any collection of Whittemore
paperweights. Note: This lampwork flower paperweight is similar to the millefiori type examples with the same frit ground offered in Larry Selman's first two editions of "CATALOGUE OF COLLECTORS' PAPERWEIGHTS". See the 1970 Catalog (robins egg blue cover) or the 1971 Catalog (olive green cover). Francis Dyer Whittemore, Jr. is considered one of the pioneers of the modern paperweight renaissance. He started working in glass in 1938, but did not start making paperweights until 1962. His studio was in Lansdale, Pennsylvania. Like many other early glass artists, Francis started his career as a scientific glass blower and then later taught glass as an instructor. For five years, he spent one month a year consulting at Baccarat to help them refine their lampwork paperweight art. Some sources have this consulting work from 1971 to 1976. Other sources have it starting later. The signature cane used on this paperweight was one he developed prior to working at Baccarat. Most of his paperweights are miniature to medium in size. You can read about Francis Whittemore in the book American Glass Paperweights and Their Makers by Jean Melvin (1970). Size: 2 5/16" diameter by 1 3/16" high. This paperweight has a very low profile. The base is polished concave.Signature: Signed in the design with an early Whittemore signature cane. The cane has a black "W" on a yellow background. Condition: Excellent condition. No chips, cracks, or scratches found on inspection. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$195 postage paid in the US. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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on the picture to see a larger image |
| 5159 | Robert Eickholt 1993 Magnum Blue
Iridescent Abstract Paperweight. dated
1993. This paperweight has an abstract design with a
deceptive three dimensional design. Unlike other works where
the peaks and valleys are physical, in this paperweight the peaks
and valleys are created using the veiling technique. The
dark blue inner core has a mostly smooth surface with only a few
depressions to anchor the larger bubbles. Additional texture
and depth are the result of adding transparent and translucent
layers to blanket the core. Two large bubbles and an arc of
smaller bubbles add to the magic. The iridescent colors
progress in layers in shades of light to dark blue. It is
signed "Eickholt 1993 EMAS" on the base. An excellent large
example of Eickholt's work. Note: Please ignore the white areas, they are glare from the light. Robert Eickholt has been making glass paperweights since 1978 when he founded Eickholt Glass in Columbus, Ohio. His designs often make use of precious metals such as gold and silver, and rare oxides such as cobalt and copper. In later paperweights by Eickholt the design moved to the interior and veiling techniques began to appear. He retired in 2013. Very Large Size: 5 9/16" tall by 3 3/16"
diameter. The base has been ground flat. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$195 postage paid in the US. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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on the picture to see a larger image |
| 600 | Early Mark Matthews 1981 Experimental
Spiral Paperweight. dated 1981. This is an early
Mark Matthews Translucent Swirl Paperweight. It features a
precise gold swirl applied to a dark brown or dark red
surface. It was made in 1981 before Mark started his studio
in 1985, so it may have been made during his student days. I
have labeled this as an experimental piece because there are many
surface "flaws". These flaws don't appear to be damage but
rather the result of an unfinished or experimental process.
Marble collectors are familiar with this amazing artist but he
made relatively few paperweights. His focus is spheres and
some of them sell for thousands of dollars. This is a chance
to own an early Mark Matthews work. Mark Matthews started working in glass in 1974 while he was still an undergraduate at glorious Kent State University and continued his studies at Ohio University, receiving an MFA. Since 1985 he as worked full time in glass as an independent glass artist with his studio located within the Sauder Village in Archbold, Ohio. Matthews has become internationally recognized for his mastery of the glass sphere. His stated goal is to explore the ways radically different designs and techniques can be used within a well-defined category such as spheres. Mark Matthews work has been published in many books and is held in museums such as the Victoria & Albert Museum in London, England, the Corning Museum of Glass in New York, the Toledo Museum of Art in Ohio and the National Museum of American Art, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C. Large Size: Just under 3 1/16" diameter by 2 7/16"
high. The base is unfinished with a broken pontil
scar. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$395 postage paid in the US. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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on the picture to see a larger image |
| 4646 | Magnum Victor Trabucco Pink Clematis
Paperweight with Buds on Trellis. dated 1983.
This Victor Trabucco paperweight consists of a large pink clematis
with two buds and leaves and stems on a white trellis. The
clematis flower has five textured petals with dark bushy stamens
in the center. One bud is about to open. There are ten
veined leaves. The design is set on a clear ground. It
is signed on the side near the base "Trabucco 1983". There
is also a "VT" signature cane on the underside of a leaf. A
beautiful paperweight.
Victor Trabucco's original career
was as a steelworker. He began working with glass in
1974 after seeing a flameworker make a sculpture. He knew this
was what he wanted to do for his life's work. Trabucco says
that “Glass is the ultimate challenge; it has properties of no
other material and offers the artist possibilities that are
inspiring for the creative process. His work is often inspired
by nature, capturing the beauty and motion of the subject and
freezing a moment in time. His work is in the collection of
many major museums. Victor set up his first studio in
the basement of his house and learned by
experimentation. He now works with his sons Jon and
David in a large studio in Clarence, NY. Very Large Size: Just over 3 1/8" diameter
by 2 1/2" high. The base is ground concave. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large pictureNew Price $450 (was $675) postage paid in the US. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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on the picture to see a larger image |
| 5265 | Francis Whittemore Miniature Yellow
Pears with Leaves and Seed Pod Paperweight. circa 1971
- 1980. This paperweight features two yellow pears along
with three green leaves, and a seed pod. It is signed in the
design with a fancy Whittemore "W" compound signature cane.
The signature cane is a white "W" on a blue background surrounded
by a ring of white stars. The design is placed on a
translucent green ground. Whittemore revisited this theme
several times during his career as a paperweight maker. A
beautiful example. Note: This was a difficult paperweight to photograph. The highly reflective surface even picked up a reflection of my hand and my camera. If you need more pictures please let me know. Francis Dyer Whittemore, Jr. is considered one of the pioneers of the modern paperweight renaissance. He started working in glass in 1938, but did not start making paperweights until 1962. His studio was in Lansdale, Pennsylvania. Like many other early glass artists, Francis started his career as a scientific glass blower and then later taught glass as an instructor. For five years, he spent one month a year consulting at Baccarat to help them refine their lampwork paperweight art. Some sources have this consulting work from 1971 to 1976. Other sources have it starting later. The signature cane used on this paperweight was one he developed during the period that he was consulting at Baccarat. Most of his paperweights are miniature to medium in size. You can read about Francis Whittemore in the book American Glass Paperweights and Their Makers by Jean Melvin (1970). Miniature size: Just under 2 1/16"
diameter by 1 11/16" high. The bottom is ground concave. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$375 postage paid in the US. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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on the picture to see a larger image |
| 5690 | Great Early Robert Eickholt Translucent
Double Hearts Paperweight. Circa 1981. This
surface decorated paperweight consists of a hearts and vines
design with two hearts on the surface of a translucent gold
colored paperweight. This is an early Robert Eickholt
paperweight and is signed on the bottom "R. Eickholt 1981".
Eickholt called this design "Double Hearts." Robert Eickholt has been making glass paperweights since 1978 when he founded Eickholt Glass in Columbus, Ohio. His designs often make use of precious metals such as gold and silver, and rare oxides such as cobalt and copper. This is an early example of the use of gold color. In later paperweights by Eickholt the design moved to the interior and veiling techniques began to appear. He retired in 2013. Large Size: 3 1/8" diameter by 2 15/16"
high. The base is polished flat. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$125 postage paid in the US. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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on the picture to see a larger image |
| 5968 | Francis Whittemore Miniature Faceted
Pink Crimp Rose Upright Pedestal Paperweight. circa
1970. This miniature upright pedestal paperweight features a
magnificent pink crimp rose with twelve variegated pink petals and
four upturned green sepals. The petals are arranged in
Whittemore's 3+3+3+3 crimp pattern. It is signed on the
underside of the rose with an early Whittemore signature
cane. The signature cane has a black "W" on a yellow
background. The design is set on a clear ground and
supported by a pedestal base. It is faceted with one large
top facet and five side facets. A fantastic addition to any
collection of glass paperweights. Francis Dyer Whittemore, Jr. is considered one of the pioneers of the modern paperweight renaissance. He started working in glass in 1938, originally as a scientific glass maker and instructor in South Jersey. He did not start making paperweights until 1962 when he set up a studio in Lansdale, Pennsylvania. For five years, he spent one month a year consulting at Baccarat to help them refine their lampwork paperweight art. Some sources have this consulting work from 1971 to 1976. Other sources have it starting later. The signature cane used on this paperweight was one he developed prior to working at Baccarat. Most of his paperweights are miniature to medium in size. You can read about Francis Whittemore in the book American Glass Paperweights and Their Makers by Jean Melvin (1970). Miniature size: 1 5/8" diameter by 2 3/16" high. The base of the pedestal has a 1 5/8" diameter. The bottom is ground slightly concave.Signature: Signed on the underside of the rose with an early Whittemore signature cane. The cane has a black "W" on a yellow background. Condition: Excellent condition. No chips, cracks, or scratches found on inspection. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture$395 postage paid in the US. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
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on the picture to see a larger image |
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Revised 9/6/2024 ei9
