Allan's Paperweights

www.paperweights.com

Murano Paperweights for Sale


The glass paperweights on this page were made on the Island of Murano in Venice, Italy.  Most were made between 1960 and 2000. 

Venetian glass making dates back centuries and the Venetians are given credit for the earliest millefiori canes and paperweights in 1840s.  More recently, paperweight making was revived in the 1930s and again in the 1960s.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Click on the picture to see a larger image.

Click on the picture to see a larger image
Antique Franchini Type Aventurine Venetian Murine Paperweight Scent Bottle
5242 Magnum Murano Faceted Double Overlay Three Row Concentric Millefiori Paperweight with 1854 Date.  circa 1960-1970.  A wonderful Murano three row concentric millefiori paperweight with a red and white double overlay.  The 1854 date cane is surrounded by three rings of identical white cog canes with turquoise centers.  The "1854" date cane is either a fake date intended to deceive the buyer or perhaps commemorative of a past event.  This paperweight is faceted with one large top facet and five side facets.  The top facet has an unusual cutting as does the base which is polished flat and finished with a fancy star cut.  Probably made in the 1960s by Fratelli Toso.  A classic design.

Murano paperweights with fake dates are an interesting sub-collection.  Some people collect these paperweights with the goal of getting examples of each date.  Some dates correspond dates used in real antique French or American paperweights, but there are no antique paperweights known to have an 1854 date.

This paperweight was made on the island of Murano in Venice, Italy.  Venetian glass making dates back centuries and the Venetians are given credit for the earliest millefiori canes and paperweights in 1840s.  More recently, paperweight making was revived in the 1930s and again in the 1960s.

Fratelli Toso was started in 1854 by six brothers - Angelo Toso, Giovanni Toso, Ferdinando Toso, Carlo Toso, Gregorio Toso and Liberato Toso.  They were joined by Ermanno Toso in 1924 who became artistic director.  The Fratelli Toso company is well known for its use of colorful murrines and millefiori, particularly during the 1950's and earlier.  In 1979, the company suffered a harsh economic crisis, forcing the owners to divide it into Antica Vetreria Fratelli Toso and Fratelli Toso International.  In 1981, Fratelli Toso International filed for bankruptcy and closed its doors for good.  Antica Vetreria Fratelli Toso, led by Arnoldo Toso, continued to operate.

Very large size:   3 3/16" diameter by 2 1/8" high.  The base is polished flat and finished with a fancy star cut.  This paperweight is faceted with one large top facet and five smaller side facets.  The top facet has an unusual cutting. 
Signature:  Unsigned, but I guarantee that this paperweight is from the island of Murano in Venice, Italy.  It was probably made in the 1960s by Fratelli Toso.
Condition:  Excellent condition.  Some light wear on the base.  No other chips, cracks, of scratches found on inspection.

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

Large picture
Closeup
Profile
Star cut base
Side view
Upside down
Base
$145 postage paid in the US.

Click on the picture to see a larger image.

Click on the picture to see a larger image
Magnum Murano Faceted Double Overlay Three Row Concentric Millefiori Paperweight with 1854 Date
5128 Large Murano Scramble Paperweight.   circa 1970.  This fun scramble paperweight is filled with light blue twist canes placed over a ground of white lace or upset muslin.  The blue twists have gold aventurine edges.  Unsigned.

Note:  Please ignore the white areas, they are glare from the lights. This paperweight has a faint scratch on the top of the dome.  I also found a tiny (1/8") area on the side that appears to be debris in the glass.  It cannot be felt and is not a bruise or pinprick.  See the pictures for a closeup. 

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

This paperweight was made on the island of Murano in Venice, Italy.  Venetian glass making dates back centuries and the Venetians are given credit for the earliest millefiori canes and paperweights in 1840s.  More recently, paperweight making was revived in the 1930s and again in the 1960s.

Large Size:   3" diameter by just under 2 11/16" high.  The base is ground flat. 
Condition:   Good condition.  This paperweight has a faint scratch on the top of the dome.  I also found a tiny (1/8") area on the side that appears to be debris in the glass.  It cannot be felt and is not a bruise or pinprick.  See the pictures for a closeup.  No other flaws found with the exception of some wear on the base. 
Signature:  Unsigned, but I guarantee that this paperweight was made on the island of Murano in Venice, Italy.

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

Large picture of the paperweight
Closeup
Scratch and debris
Top view
Base
Closeup of debris in glass
$65 postage paid in the US.   

Click on the picture to see a larger image.

Click on the picture to see a larger image
Large Murano Scramble Paperweight
5970 Large Murano Carpet Ground Millefiori Paperweight - ALT or 3 Fiori.  circa 1970s-2000.  This paperweight is a great example of a carpet millefiori paperweight from the premier Murano glass studio ALT or its later successor Vetreria 3 Fiori.  The design is closely packed with two types of flower canes.  One type of flower canes sets up a concentric design of two rows around a center cane of the same type.  The other type of flower cane fills in all the spaces to form a uniform carpet and also forms a stave basket on the outside of the design.  The setup is convex when viewed from the side but concave when viewed from the base.  The base is polished flat.  It is unsigned, but certainly originated at either ALT or 3 Fiori.  A wonderful paperweight.

Note on condition:  This paperweight has two small areas with damage on the side.  One is an abrasion or rough area approximately 1/4" across.  The other is an area about the same size low on the side with several pinpricks or tiny chips.  Both are hard to see without magnification.  They are shown in the pictures.  The paperweight displays beautifully but I have chosen to reduce the price to compensate for these flaws.

This paperweight was made either ALT studio or Vetreria 3 Fiori studio on the island of Murano in Venice, ItalyALT was founded in the 1970s and specialized in making paperweights, although they also made other types of glass.  They continued in operation until around 2002.  In the late 1990s two glass workers at ALT left and founded Vetreria 3 Fiori, which came to be recognized as the best millefiori paperweight maker in Murano.  This studio was in operation for only five years from about 2000 to 2005.  Subsequently, two of the workers at 3 Fiori opened a new studio called The Millefiori Factory but it appears that that has also closed. 

Venetian glass making dates back centuries and the Venetians are given credit for the earliest millefiori canes and paperweights in 1840s.  More recently, paperweight making was revived in the 1930s and again in the 1960s.  

Large Size:   3 1/16" diameter by 1 15/16" high with a flat polished base. 
Condition:   Very good condition.  This paperweight has two small areas with damage on the side.  One is an abrasion or rough area approximately 1/4" across.  The other is an area about the same size low on the side with several pinpricks or tiny chips.  Both are hard to see without magnification.  They are shown in the pictures.  The paperweight displays beautifully.  No chips, cracks, or scratches on the dome.  
Signature:  This paperweight unsigned, but I guarantee it was made on the island of Murano in Venice, Italy.  The most likely maker is either ALT or Vetreria 3 Fiori.

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

Large picture
Side view
Closeup
Profile
Abrasion or rub mark on side (1/4")
Pinpricks on side (1/4")
Base
$75 postage paid in the US.

Click on the picture to see a larger image.

Click on the picture to see a larger image
Large Murano Carpet Ground Millefiori Paperweight - ALT or 3 Fiori
5304 Large Murano Spaced Millefiori on Lace Paperweight with Rare Signature Cane and KB Label - Probably by Fratelli Toso.   dated 1969.  This paperweight is a good example of a Murano spaced millefiori paperweight with eight bright colored millefiori canes plus a rare signature cane placed on a lace ground.  The signature cane reads "M.B 69" in blue letters on a white background.  This signature cane has been previously recorded and a variation appears in Andrew Dohan's Dictionary of Paperweight Signature Canes", revised edition.  At this time, the precise meaning of the signature cane is unknown.  In addition, it has a worn and faded silver foil label from KB (Koscherak Brothers) stating that it is "AN ORIGINAL CREATION BY KB.  MADE IN ITALY". 

This paperweight was made on the island of Murano in Venice, Italy.  Venetian glass making dates back centuries and the Venetians are given credit for the earliest millefiori canes and paperweights in 1840s.  More recently, paperweight making was revived in the 1930s and again in the 1960s.

Koscherak Brothers (KB) were importers of Murano glass and Italian pottery from the 1950s until the late 1970s .  At the time, they had a showroom at 225 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY.  Some writers have observed that most of the Italian Glass imported under the KB Label was made by Fratelli Toso, but others have noted that KB labels appear on other good Italian glass including Barovier-Toso, Seguso, and others.  KB is believed to have stopped importing Italian glass about 1977, but continued to exist in New York City until at least 1993.

Large Size:   2 15/16" diameter by 2 5/8" high.  The base is ground flat. 
Condition:   Excellent condition with no cracks,  chips, or scratches.  Minor wear on the base.  There is some debris in the glass (shown in the pictures). 
Signature:  This paperweight has a signature cane that reads " foil label that reads "M.B 69" in blue letters on a white background.  It also has a worn foil label that reads "AN ORIGINAL CREATION BY KB.  MADE IN ITALY".  I believe the maker was the firm of Fratelli Toso.  I guarantee that this paperweight was made on the island of Murano in Venice, Italy. 

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

Large picture
Signature cane
Side view
Closeup
Label
Top view
Base
$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 Murano Spaced Millefiori on Lace Paperweight with Rare Signature Cane and KB Label - Probably by Fratelli Toso
5640 Large Murano Crown Hollow Blown Paperweight - Probably Fratelli Toso.   circa 1950-1970.  Colorful Murano crown crown paperweight.  The weight is formed from 16 alternating strands of pink , red, and lavender twists.  This crown paperweight is unusual in that it is hollow blown with a large bubble in the center in the style of antique crown paperweights. Most modern crown paperweights are solid in the center.  A great example for any collector of paperweights or Murano glass.  Probably made by Fratelli Toso. 

Crown weights are considered by some to be the most exciting of all millefiori designs.  They are extremely difficult to make.  Hollow blown crown weights are even more difficult to make and are hard to find. 

A similar hollow crown paperweight appears on page 51 of the book Paperweights by Sibylle Jargstorf and is attributed to Fratelli Toso.

This paperweight was made on the island of Murano in Venice, Italy.  Venetian glass making dates back centuries and the Venetians are given credit for the earliest millefiori canes and paperweights in 1840s.  More recently, paperweight making was revived in the 1930s and again in the 1960s.

Fratelli Toso was started in 1854 by six brothers - Angelo Toso, Giovanni Toso, Ferdinando Toso, Carlo Toso, Gregorio Toso and Liberato Toso.  They were joined by Ermanno Toso in 1924 who became artistic director.  The Fratelli Toso company is well known for its use of colorful murrines and millefiori, particularly during the 1950's and earlier.  In 1979, the company suffered a harsh economic crisis, forcing the owners to divide it into Antica Vetreria Fratelli Toso and Fratelli Toso International.  In 1981, Fratelli Toso International filed for bankruptcy and closed its doors for good.  Antica Vetreria Fratelli Toso, led by Arnoldo Toso, continued to operate.

Large Size:   Just under 2 15/16" diameter by 2 3/8" high.  The bottom is polished flat. 
Condition:  Excellent condition.  No chips, cracks, or scratches found on inspection. 
Signature:  Unsigned, but I guarantee that this is a paperweight from the island of Murano in Venice, Italy.  It was probably made by Fratelli Toso.

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

Large picture
Top view
Closeup
Side view
Base
$135 postage paid in the US.

Click on the picture to see a larger image.

Click on the picture to see a larger image
Large Murano Crown Hollow Blown Paperweight - Probably Fratelli Toso
5971 Magnum Murano Six Row Concentric Millefiori Paperweight - Likely by Barovier & Toso.  circa 1970.  This paperweight is a good example of an extra large Murano concentric millefiori paperweight.  It has six tight rows of large cogged millefiori canes in alternating colors (red, white, and blue) around a center cane.  Each cane is built up of multiple layers of cogged design.  The red and blue canes are cased with extra color on the outside.  The design is placed over a clear ground.  This paperweight is unsigned but I believe it was made by the firm of Barovier & Toso based on similar examples found with labels.  A large colorful addition to any collection of millefiori paperweights.

Note on condition:  The paperweight has several very faint scratches and scuffs.  The longest is about 1/2" long and is on top.  The other scuffs and scratches are smaller and located on the side.  The paperweight displays beautifully.  The glass has some striations.

This paperweight was made on the island of Murano in Venice, Italy.  Venetian glass making dates back centuries and the Venetians are given credit for the earliest millefiori canes and paperweights in 1840s.  More recently, paperweight making was revived in the 1930s and again in the 1960s.

Barovier & Toso was started in 1877 by Antonio Salviati (1816-1890), Giovanni Barovier (1839-1908), and cousins.  Originally known as Artisti Barovier, the firm merged in 1936 with Artemio and Decio Toso (owners of Ferro Toso) to form Ferro-Toso-Barovier which became Barovier & Toso in 1942.  The firm continues to operate in 21st Century and has its own museum and a Czech Republic subsidiary.  It is directed by Angelo Barovier, his son Jacopo Barovier, and Giovani Toso.

Very large size:   Just over 3 5/8" diameter by 2 15/16" high.  It weighs two pounds two ounces (three pounds when packaged).  The base is polished flat.
Condition:   The paperweight has several very faint scratches and scuffs.  The longest is about 1/2" long and is on top.  The other scuffs and scratches are smaller and located on the side.  The paperweight displays beautifully.  The glass has some striations.
Signature:  This paperweight is unsigned but I believe it was made by the firm of Barovier & Toso based on similar examples found with labels.  I guarantee that this paperweight was made on the island of Murano in Venice, Italy. 

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

Large picture
Closeup
Profile
Side view
Another side view
Base
SOLD.

Click on the picture to see a larger image.

Click on the picture to see a larger image
Magnum Murano Six Row Concentric Millefiori Paperweight - Likely by Barovier & Toso
5972 Large Fratelli Toso Murano Scramble Paperweight with Millefiori Canes.   circa  1950-1970.  This scramble paperweight is filled with multi-colored twist canes and three millefiori.  The three complete millefiori canes are turquoise, yellow, and brown.  A couple of glass fragments inside the paperweight have internal fractures, so I am selling this for a reduced price.  It is unsigned, but I guarantee this is a genuine Fratelli Toso paperweight.  A fun paperweight with great color.

Note on internal fractures:  Scrambles like this frequently contain scrap pieces of glass that may fracture when encased.  I spotted two small pieces, one yellow piece at the base and one white piece near the yellow cane, that have fractures.  There is a picture of the white fractured piece - the fracture is about 3/8" long. 

This paperweight was made on the island of Murano in Venice, Italy.  Venetian glass making dates back centuries and the Venetians are given credit for the earliest millefiori canes and paperweights in 1840s.  More recently, paperweight making was revived in the 1930s and again in the 1960s.

Fratelli Toso was started in 1854 by six brothers - Angelo Toso, Giovanni Toso, Ferdinando Toso, Carlo Toso, Gregorio Toso and Liberato Toso.  They were joined by Ermanno Toso in 1924 who became artistic director.  The Fratelli Toso company is well known for its use of colorful murrines and millefiori, particularly during the 1950's and earlier.  In 1979, the company suffered a harsh economic crisis, forcing the owners to divide it into Antica Vetreria Fratelli Toso and Fratelli Toso International.  In 1981, Fratelli Toso International filed for bankruptcy and closed its doors for good.  Antica Vetreria Fratelli Toso, led by Arnoldo Toso, continued to operate.

Large size:  3" diameter by 2 3/4" high.  The base is polished and slightly concave. 
Condition:   This scramble paperweight has two small pieces of glass with internal fractures.  There is also one tool mark on the surface.  Otherwise in excellent condition.
Signature:  Unsigned, but I guarantee this is a genuine Fratelli Toso paperweight.

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

Large picture
Side view
Top view
Closeup
Base
Closeup of fractured white glass
Another side view
SOLD.

Click on the picture to see a larger image.

Click on the picture to see a larger image
Large Fratelli Toso Murano Scramble Paperweight with Millefiori Canes
58
Vintage Murano Concentric Paperweight with 1869 Date.   circa 1930-1960.  Vintage concentric design with pedestal base and fake 1869 date.  It has five rings of cog and floral canes around the 1869 date cane.  This is a hard to find example of an early Murano weight that was intended to fool collectors. 

A similar paperweight is shown in Figures 69 & 71, page 42 of Selman's first book Paperweights for Collectors

Size:   3"” diameter by 3 1/8” high.  The bottom is fire finished. 
Condition:  Very good condition for its age.  It has one small nick on the top and a couple of minor scratches on the top, but no significant cracks or chips. 
Signature:  Unsigned, but I guarantee that this is a paperweight from the island of Murano in Venice, Italy.

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

Large picture of the paperweight
Top down picture
Profile View
$195 postage paid in the US.

Click on the picture to see a larger image.

Click on the picture to see a larger image
4079
Murano Trumpet Flower Paperweight with Label, possibly by Ferro and Lazzarini.  Circa 1970.  Murano trumpet or icepick flower paperweight with seven flowers and a center bubble cushion ground.  The flowers are loosely arranged around a center flower.  Each flower is made from a colored millefiori slice that has been pushed down to the bubble cushion ground.  There is a planned bubble in the center of each flower.  This paperweight has its original but worn red and gold foil label identifying it as "MADE IN MURANO ITALY".  The maker is possibly Ferro and Lazzarini.  A very nice elegant example of this style of paperweight. 

This style is also called an icepick flower because of the sharp tool used to push each flower down to the base.  In this case the tool is pushed through a millefiori glass slice.  Some authors call these morning glory flowers.

This paperweight was made on the island of Murano in Venice, Italy.  Venetian glass making dates back centuries and the Venetians are given credit for the earliest millefiori canes and paperweights in 1840s.  More recently, paperweight making was revived in the 1930s and again in the 1960s.

Size:  Just over 3" diameter by 2 7/8" high.  The bottom is polished flat.
Condition:  Very good condition.  No chips or cracks, but a few tiny scratches and one surface bubble were found on inspection.
Signature :  Unsigned, by I guarantee that this is a vintage paperweight from the Island of Murano in Venice, Italy.  It was possibly made by Ferro and Lazzarini.  It has its original worn red and gold foil label identifying it as "MADE IN MURANO ITALY".  

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

Large picture
Side view
Top view
Label
Base
SOLD.

Click on the picture to see a larger image.

Click on the picture to see a larger image
Murano Trumpet Flower Paperweight with Label, possibly by Ferro and Lazzarini
5638 Unusual Magnum Murano Paperweight with Floral Decoration on Blue Plaque.  circa 1960 - 1980.  This unusual paperweight features floral decoration painted in enamel on a blue plaque.  The painting is signed "M. Allin".  The paperweight does not have a label but I am certain it was made on the island of Murano in Venice. 

This paperweight was made on the island of Murano in Venice, Italy.  Venetian glass making dates back centuries and the Venetians are given credit for the earliest millefiori canes and paperweights in 1840s.  More recently, paperweight making was revived in the 1930s and again in the 1960s.

Very large size:  3 3/16" diameter by 2 3/4" high.  The base has been polished flat.  This paperweight has a high profile typical of Murano paperweights.
Condition:   Very good condition.  I found a small scuffed area on the side and some light scratches on the base.  No chips or cracks.    
Signature:  Unsigned, but I guarantee that this paperweight was made on the island of Murano in Venice, Italy.     

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

Large picture
Closeup
Signature
Profile
Base
Side view
SOLD.

Click on the picture to see a larger image.

Click on the picture to see a larger image
Unusual Magnum Murano Paperweight with Floral Decoration on Blue Plaque
4038 Colorful Murano Figural Bird Paperweight - Made From Twist Canes.   circa 1960s - 1970s.  This paperweight is a good example of a Murano figural paperweight.  The bird is formed from seven colored twist canes and seven alternating white latticinio twist canes with eyes and beak added.  The pink, green, blue, and yellow colored twist canes have aventurine edges.  Bright and colorful.  A fun paperweight.

Note:  Although this paperweight is beautifully made, there is some debris in the glass and there is some roughness at the end of the tail feathers - left by the tools used to snip the glass.   

This paperweight was made on the island of Murano in Venice, Italy.  Venetian glass making dates back centuries and the Venetians are given credit for the earliest millefiori canes and paperweights in 1840s.  More recently, paperweight making was revived in the 1930s and again in the 1960s.

Size:   Just under 3" long (beak to tail) by diameter by 1 3/4" wide.  The small base is polished flat. 
Condition:   Excellent condition with no cracks,  chips, or scratches.  There is some debris in the glass and there is some roughness at the end of the tail feathers - left by the tools used to snip the glass.
Signature:  This paperweight is unsigned, but I guarantee that this paperweight was made on the island of Murano in Venice, Italy. 

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

Large picture
Other side
Closeup
Back
Top view
Base
Another closeup
Rough area on tail feathers left by tools
SOLD.

Click on the picture to see a larger image.


Click on the picture to see a larger image
Colorful Murano Figural Bird Paperweight - Made From Twist Canes

4075 Small Fratelli Toso Murano Scramble Paperweight.   circa  1950-1970.  This fun scramble paperweight is filled with light blue and pink twist canes.  There is an illegible silver foil label, but I guarantee this is a genuine Fratelli Toso paperweight.

Note:  This paperweight started off with a legible Fratelli Toso silver foil label which had a conjoined "ft" and "MADE IN ITALY MURANO GLASS", but the ink came off when I cleaned the paperweight.  The label is now illegible and I am selling it for a reduced price.  If you look hard, you can see the imprint of the conjoined "ft" on the left side. 

This paperweight was made on the island of Murano in Venice, Italy.  Venetian glass making dates back centuries and the Venetians are given credit for the earliest millefiori canes and paperweights in 1840s.  More recently, paperweight making was revived in the 1930s and again in the 1960s.

Fratelli Toso was started in 1854 by six brothers - Angelo Toso, Giovanni Toso, Ferdinando Toso, Carlo Toso, Gregorio Toso and Liberato Toso.  They were joined by Ermanno Toso in 1924 who became artistic director.  The Fratelli Toso company is well known for its use of colorful murrines and millefiori, particularly during the 1950's and earlier.  In 1979, the company suffered a harsh economic crisis, forcing the owners to divide it into Antica Vetreria Fratelli Toso and Fratelli Toso International.  In 1981, Fratelli Toso International filed for bankruptcy and closed its doors for good.  Antica Vetreria Fratelli Toso, led by Arnoldo Toso, continued to operate.

Small size:   Just under 2 1/4" diameter by 2" high.  The base is polished flat. 
Condition:   Excellent condition although the label is worn and illegible. 
Signature:  This paperweight started off with a legible Fratelli Toso silver foil label which had a conjoined "ft" and "MADE IN ITALY MURANO GLASS", but the ink came off when I cleaned the paperweight.  The label is now illegible and I am selling it for a reduced price.

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

Large picture
Side view
Top view
Base
Closeup of illegible silver foil label
$39 postage paid in the US.

Click on the picture to see a larger image.

Click on the picture to see a larger image
Small Fratelli Toso Murano Scramble Paperweight
4445 Large Murano Pear Paperweight.   circa 1950-1980.  This pear paperweight is made in the style of the antique New England Glass Company pear paperweights with a variegated pear set on a clear slightly oval cookie base.  It appears to be hollow blown just like those from NEGC.  An excellent example of this style. 

This paperweight was made on the island of Murano in Venice, Italy.  Venetian glass making dates back centuries and the Venetians are given credit for the earliest millefiori canes and paperweights in 1840s.  More recently, paperweight making was revived in the 1930s and again in the 1960s. 

Size:   2 3/4" diameter by 3 15/16" long by 2 15/16" high.  The base 2 13/16" by 2 11/16" and is fire finished. 
Condition:   Excellent condition with no chips, cracks, or scratches found on inspection.
Signature:  This paperweight is unsigned.

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

Large picture
Side view
Top view
End view
Base
Another side view
$69 postage paid in the US.

Click on the picture to see a larger image.

Click on the picture to see a larger image
Large Murano Pear Paperweight
4975 Miniature Murano Three Ring Millefiori Paperweight.   circa 1960-1980.  Colorful miniature millefiori paperweight from Murano with a red white and blue theme.  This paperweight has three rings of cogged millefiori around a nice center cane.  It is in excellent condition.  The paperweight is unsigned.  A fun item.

This paperweight was made on the island of Murano in Venice, Italy.  Venetian glass making dates back centuries and the Venetians are given credit for the earliest millefiori canes and paperweights in 1840s.  More recently, paperweight making was revived in the 1930s and again in the 1960s.

Miniature size:  Just over 1 13/16" diameter by just under 1 1/2" high.  The base is polished flat.
Condition:   Excellent condition.  No chips, cracks or scratches found on inspection.  There are some small bubbles in the glass. 
Signature:  Unsigned but I guarantee that this paperweight was made on the island of Murano in Venice, Italy.

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

Large picture
Side view
Closeup
Profile
Base
SOLD.

Click on the picture to see a larger image.

Click on the picture to see a larger image
Miniature Murano Three Ring Millefiori Paperweight
5639 Large Fratelli Toso Murano Block Shaped Millefiori Paperweight with Handle.  circa 1960-1979.  Colorful Fratelli Toso millefiori paperweight with a knob or handle on top.  The green inner core has a variety of cogged millefiori canes on the surface of the green layer.  A controlled pattern of bubbles surrounds the inner core.  This paperweight has a worn Fratelli Toso silver foil label with a conjoined "ft" and "MADE IN ITALY MURANO GLASS".  The center of the green core is hollow and the paperweight has an irregular 5/8" by 1 1/2" hole in the base.  The knob on the top is a fun addition.

The technique used to produce the inner core with millefiori canes on the surface is sometimes called a cane roll-up.  The Murano firms of Fratelli Toso and Barovier & Toso produced objects with this technique. 

This paperweight was made on the island of Murano in Venice, Italy.  Venetian glass making dates back centuries and the Venetians are given credit for the earliest millefiori canes and paperweights in 1840s.  More recently, paperweight making was revived in the 1930s and again in the 1960s.

Fratelli Toso was started in 1854 by six brothers - Angelo Toso, Giovanni Toso, Ferdinando Toso, Carlo Toso, Gregorio Toso and Liberato Toso.  They were joined by Ermanno Toso in 1924 who became artistic director.  The Fratelli Toso company is well known for its use of colorful murrines and millefiori, particularly during the 1950's and earlier.  In 1979, the company suffered a harsh economic crisis, forcing the owners to divide it into Antica Vetreria Fratelli Toso and Fratelli Toso International.  In 1981, Fratelli Toso International filed for bankruptcy and closed its doors for good.  Antica Vetreria Fratelli Toso, led by Arnoldo Toso, continued to operate. 

Size:  2 9/16" square at the widest.  The base is 2 1/8" square.  4 5/8" high including the knob.  The base is polished flat with a beveled edge. The center of the green core is hollow and the paperweight has an irregular 5/8" by 1 1/2" hole in the base.
Condition:   Very good condition. Some small scratches.  One nick on the side of the knob.  No cracks.
Signature:  Signed with a worn Fratelli Toso silver foil label with a conjoined "ft" and "MADE IN ITALY MURANO GLASS". 

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

Large picture
Label
Another view
Base - note hole
Another view with label
Still another view
$59 postage paid in the US.

Click on the picture to see a larger image.

Click on the picture to see a larger image
Large Fratelli Toso Murano Block Shaped Millefiori Paperweight with Handle

Back to Allan's Paperweights (www.paperweights.com)

Revised 3/16/2023  EI9