Allan's Paperweights

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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.

There is no shopping cart on this website.  If you would like to purchase any of these paperweights or need more information, please send an email to: 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. 
Signature:  Signed and dated "Mayauel Ward 98" on the side of the black pedestal base. 
Condition:  Excellent condition with no cracks, chips, or scratches found on inspection.

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

Large picture
Closeup
Profile
Signature
Side view
Base
$435 postage paid in the US.

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Mayauel Ward Lady Slipper Orchid Flowers Pedestal Paperweight
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. 
Signature:  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".
Condition:  Outstanding condition with no scratches, chips or cracks.

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

Large picture
Closeup
Top view
Side view
Signature cane
Another view of signature cane
Base
Faint scratched signature on base
$750 postage paid in the US.

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Magnum Victor Trabucco Yellow Morning Glory Paperweight with buds
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. 
Signature: Signed in script on the base "Kit Karbler 1981 Michael David" 
Condition:  Excellent condition. No chips, cracks, or scratches found on inspection.  There are some striations in the glass (not damage).

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

Large picture
Signature on base
Top view
Side view
Closeup
Profile
Base
$295 postage paid in the US.

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Early Magnum Kit Karbler Michael David Blake Street Glass Art Nouveau Paperweight
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. 
Condition:  Excellent condition with no scratches, chips or cracks found on inspection.
Signature:  Engraved "KARG" on the side near the base. 

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

Large picture
Top view
Profile
Signature
Base
Another view
$79 postage paid in the US.

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Colorful Magnum Rollin Karg Three Sided Paperweight
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
Closeup
Profile
Signature Cane
Base
Side view (out of focus)
$165 postage paid in the US.

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Very Early Francis Whittemore Miniature Paperweight with White and Blue Millefiori Flowers on a Pink Ground
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. 
Signature: Signed on the base "D. P. Salazar 12/85" 
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
Signature on base
Top view
Side view
Closeup
Another side view
Base
$165 postage paid in the US.

Click on the picture to see a larger image.

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David Salazar Marbrie Paperweight with Millefiori Star Crown
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. 
Signature:  It is signed on the side near the base "Trabucco 1996".
Condition:  Outstanding condition with no scratches, chips or cracks.

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

Large picture
Signature
Closeup
Profile
Angle view
View from base
View of back
Base
SOLD    US Sales only, no international shipping.      Delivery will require a signature.

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Super Magnum Victor Trabucco Swallowtail Butterfly Paperweight with Blueberries, Flower, and Bud
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.    
Condition:  Good condition.  There are some scratches on the body and also some pinpricks near the base.  The edge of the polished base has tiny chips.  There are bubbles in the glass and the design is off center.  Three of the outer petals and two of the leaves are missing some of their color and show the underlying white instead. 
Signature:  Unsigned.  I guarantee this paperweight to be of American origin, but do not know the maker.    

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

Large picture
Side view
Another side view
Back view
Base
$195 postage paid in the US.

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Miniature Red Crimp Rose Paperweight - Unknown American Maker
6056 Ken Rosenfeld 1987 Vegetables Bouquet Paperweight.  dated 1987This 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. 
Signature:  It is signed on the side with Ken Rosenfeld's "R" signature cane and engraved signature "KEN ROSENFELD '87".
Condition:  Excellent condition.  No cracks, chips, or scratches found on inspection.   

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

Large picture
Signature
Side view
Closeup
Profile
Another side view
Base
$365 postage paid in the US.

Click on the picture to see a larger image.

Click on the picture to see a larger image
Ken Rosenfeld 1987 Vegetables Bouquet Paperweight
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. 
Signature:    Signed in script on the bottom "Orient & Flume GQT3". 
Condition:  Excellent condition.  No chips or cracks or scratches found on inspection. 

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

Large picture
Back view
Signature on base
Another view
Base
$75 postage paid in the US.

Click on the picture to see a larger image.

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Orient & Flume Iridescent Figural Pear Paperweight
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. 
Signature: Signed on the base "Terry Crider 1979 P.I.C.C. 120 / 250". 
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,

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

Large picture
Signature
Top view
Closeup
Profile
Side view
Base
$75 postage paid in the US.

Click on the picture to see a larger image.

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Large Terry Crider Four Leaf Clover with Threading Iridescent Limited Edition Paperweight
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. 
Signature:   Signed “Ayotte M-55  '95" on the side just below the middle of the paperweight.
Condition:  Excellent condition with no scratches, chips, or cracks found in inspection.

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

Large picture
Top view
Profile view
Signature
Another view of signature
Another view
Side view
Base
$495 postage paid in the US.

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Rick Ayotte 1995 Miniature Pond Slider Turtle Paperweight
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:

Miniature size:  1 7/16" diameter by just over 2 1/16" high.  The pedestal base has a diameter of 1 3/4".
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
Closeup
Side View
Another side view
Gold foil K signature on underside of ground
Signature viewed through base
Horizontal view
Base
$375 postage paid in the US.

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Charles Kaziun Jr. Miniature Pink Sandwich Rose Tilted Pedestal Paperweight with Torsade
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. 
Signature:    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. 
Condition:  Very good to excellent condition.  I found two faint 1/8" long scratches on the side (see picture) and some other scratches on the base.  No chips or cracks.  The label is worn.

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

Large picture
Signature
Label
Closeup
Profile
Side view
Another side view
Faint scratches on side (1/8" each)
Another view
Base
Base with Signature and Label
$195 postage paid in the US.

Click on the picture to see a larger image.

Click on the picture to see a larger image
Large Early 1979 Orient & Flume Flowers with Complex Millefiori Centers Paperweight
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.
Condition:  Excellent condition.  No chips, cracks or scratches.   
Signature:  It is signed "R. Strong 2003" on the edge just above the base.

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

Large picture
Profile view
Side view
Signature
Closeup
Base
SOLD.

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Randy Strong 2003 Abstract Flat Top Iridescent Millefiori Paperweight
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.
Condition:  Very good condition.  There are some scuff marks on the widest part of the paperweight.  No other chips, cracks, or scratches found on inspection.
Signature:  Engraved "HJH" on the base. 

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

Large picture
Closeup
Signature on base
View of back
Side view
Another view
Profile
$165 postage paid in the US.

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Rare Harold J. Hacker Snake Paperweight
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.  
Signature:  Signed with Robert Banford's signature "B" 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.
Condition:  Very good 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.

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

Large picture
Closeup
Profile
Signature cane
View from the base showing fancy cutting
Tool mark or nick (1/8")
Side view
Base
$950 postage paid in the US.           US Sales only, no international shipping.

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Robert Banford Blue Double Clematis with Buds Double Overlay Faceted Paperweight with Fancy Base Cutting
 
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.
Signature:  Signed with Robert Banford's signature "B" cane at the tip of the stem.
Condition:  Very good condition.  There is some wear on the base.  I found one faint (1/16") scratch on the side.  And a small indent or tool mark also on the side.  There is also a 3/16" flaw near the base of this of the paperweight.  It is not a chip or crack.  There are some bubbles in the glass.  No other flaws found on inspection.

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

Large picture
Closeup
Profile
Signature cane
Another closeup
Side view
Flaw near base (3/16")
Base
$345 postage paid in the US.

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Robert Banford Blue Clematis with Buds and Dragonfly Paperweight
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.
Signature:  Engraved "Ken Brown '90" on the base.
Condition:  Excellent condition with no chips, cracks or scratches.  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
Signature on base
Top view
Side view
SOLD.  

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Early Kenyon Brown 1990 Multi-Color Swirl Paperweight
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:

  • Magic in the Glass - The Paperweight Artistry of Charles Kaziun, Jr. by Bernard A. Drabeck
  • American Glass Paperweights and Their Makers by Jean Melvin (1970) :
Miniature size:  1 3/8" diameter by just over 2" high.  The pedestal base has a diameter of 1 7/8".
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
Closeup
Side View
Another side view
Gold foil K signature on underside of ground
Signature viewed through base
Horizontal view
Base
$295 postage paid in the US.

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Charles Kaziun Jr. Miniature Tilted Pedestal White Spider Lily Paperweight with Cobalt Blue Aventurine Ground
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
Closeup
Profile
Signature Cane
Base
Side view
$195 postage paid in the US.

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Very Early Francis Whittemore Miniature Yellow Lampwork Flower with Pink Ground Paperweight
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. 
Signature:  Signed "Eickholt 1993 EMAS" on the base. 
Condition:  Excellent condition.  No damage found on inspection.  Minor wear on the base.

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

Large picture
Closeup
Another view
Signature
Base
$195 postage paid in the US. 

Click on the picture to see a larger image.

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Robert Eickholt 1993 Magnum Blue Iridescent Abstract Paperweight
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. 
Signature: It is signed in script on the base "Mark Matthews 1981".
Condition:  Good condition.  There are many surface flaws and this appears to be an experimental piece or prototype.  No cracks or chips.  

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

Large picture
Signature on base
Closeup
Top view
Side view
Another view
$395 postage paid in the US.  

Click on the picture to see a larger image.

Click on the picture to see a larger image
Early Mark Matthews 1981 Experimental Spiral Paperweight
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. 
Signature:  Signed "Trabucco 1983" on the side near the base. There is also a "VT" signature cane on the underside of a leaf. 
Condition:  Excellent condition with no scratches, chips or cracks found on inspection.  One tiny imperfection found on the side that appears to be a very tiny bubble at the surface.  

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

Large picture
Closeup
Side view
Profile
Signature on side near base
Signature cane on underside of leaf - signature is also visible
Another side view
New Price $450 (was $675) postage paid in the US.

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Magnum Victor Trabucco Pink Clematis Paperweight with Buds on Trellis
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.
Signature:  Signed in the design with a Whittemore "W" complex signature cane.  The one used in this paperweight has a white W on a blue background surrounded by a ring of white stars.  It helps to date the paperweight to after 1971 when he started working with Baccarat. 
Condition:  Excellent condition.  No chips, cracks, or scratches.

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

Large picture
Closeup
Profile
Signature Cane
Base
Side view
Another view
$375 postage paid in the US.

Click on the picture to see a larger image.

Click on the picture to see a larger image
Francis Whittemore Miniature Yellow Pears with Leaves and Seed Pod Paperweight
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. 
Signature: Signed "R. Eickholt 1981" on the base. 
Condition:  Excellent condition with no cracks or chips.  The surface shows some variation in color, which I believe was deliberate.   

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

Large picture
Signature on base
Profile
Back
Side view
Closeup
Base
$125 postage paid in the US.

Click on the picture to see a larger image.

Click on the picture to see a larger image
Great Early Robert Eickholt Translucent Double Hearts Paperweight
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
Top view
Signature cane viewed through base
Another view
Profile
Side view
Horizontal view
Base
$395 postage paid in the US.

Click on the picture to see a larger image.

Click on the picture to see a larger image
Francis Whittemore Miniature Faceted Pink Crimp Rose Upright Pedestal Paperweight

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Revised 9/6/2024     ei9