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.

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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
5547	Small Murano Latticinio and Twist Crown Paperweight.   circa 1970.  Wonderful example of a Murano crown paperweight formed from 24 colorful twists alternating in color.  Every other twist is a white latticinio twist.  Alternating colors are blue, dark blue, green, and pink.  A fun paperweight with good color. Technically a crown weight should have a crown millefiori or group of millefiori on top.  This weight does not.  Crown weights are considered by some to be the most exciting of all millefiori designs.  They are extremely difficult to make.  Pedestal crowns are the most desirable. 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. Small size:  Just under 2 1/4" diameter by just under 1 9/16" high.  The base is polished flat.  Condition:  Excellent condition.  No scratches, chips, or cracks found on inspection.  Signature:  Unsigned, but I guarantee this is from the island of Murano circa 1970. For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links:  Large picture Top view Side view Upside down view Another side view Base $39 postage paid in the US. Click on the picture to see a larger image.	Click on the picture to see a larger image
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
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
5637	Medium Murano Spaced Millefiori on Twists Paperweight - Probably by Fratelli Toso.   circa 1960s - 1970s.  This paperweight is a good example of a Murano spaced millefiori paperweight with a twist ground.  There are three large bright colored millefiori canes near the surface of the paperweight.  The underlying ground is made up of an assortment of colored twists and white latticino twists.  Bright and colorful.  A fun paperweight. Note:  This is sometimes called a scrambled millefiori paperweight, but that would be technically incorrect because the millefiori slices are all placed on top of the twist ground rather than mixed throughout.  This paperweight was made on the island of Murano in Venice, Italy.  Venetian glass making dates back centuries and the Venetians are given credit for the earliest millefiori canes and paperweights in 1840s.  More recently, paperweight making was revived in the 1930s and again in the 1960s. Medium size:   2 7/16" diameter by 2 1/4" high.  The base is polished  flat.  Condition:   Very good condition with no cracks or chips, but it does have an abraded area on the side.  There are many bubbles in the glass. Signature:  This paperweight is unsigned, but 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 Top view Closeup Another view Base Abrasions on side $39 postage paid in the US. Click on the picture to see a larger image.	Click on the picture to see a larger image
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
4007	Murano Trumpet Flower Paperweight with Label.  Circa 1970.  Murano trumpet or icepick flower paperweight with seven flowers and a center bubble cushion ground.  The flowers are arranged in two circles of three around a center flower.  Each flower is made from a red, white, and blue millefiori slice that has been pushed down to the bubble cushion ground.  There is a planned bubble in the center of each flower.  This paperweight has its original red and silver foil label identifying it as "MADE IN MURANO ITALY".  A very nice example of this style of paperweight.  This style is also called an icepick flower because of the sharp tool used to push each flower down to the base.  In this case the tool is pushed through a millefiori glass slice.  Some authors call these morning glory flowers. This paperweight was made on the island of Murano in Venice, Italy.  Venetian glass making dates back centuries and the Venetians are given credit for the earliest millefiori canes and paperweights in 1840s.  More recently, paperweight making was revived in the 1930s and again in the 1960s. Size:  Just under 2 3/4" diameter by just under 2 9/16" high.  The bottom is ground flat.  Condition:  Excellent condition.  No chips, cracks, or scratches found on inspection. Signature :  Unsigned, by I guarantee that this is a vintage paperweight from the Island of Murano in Venice, Italy.  It has its original red and silver 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 Top view Base Profile view Label $49 postage paid in the US. Click on the picture to see a larger image.	Click on the picture to see a larger image
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 $69 postage paid in the US. Click on the picture to see a larger image.	Click on the picture to see a larger image
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 $85 postage paid in the US. Click on the picture to see a larger image.	Click on the picture to see a larger image
2262	Large Murano Millville Style Pink Pedestal Crimp Rose Paperweight.   circa 1960s - 1970s.  This upright pedestal paperweight features a magnificent pink crimp rose with twelve variegated pink petals, six transparent green sepals, and a green stem.  Although the pedestal is upright, the composition is set at a tilt within the clear sphere.  The petals are arranged in a 5+5+2 crimp pattern.  This pedestal crimp rose paperweight is an unusual example of a Murano product that was created to mimic a style that originated in the Millville New Jersey area.   This design was originally commissioned by the Arthur Gorham Paperweight Shoppe Crimp at Wheaton Village in Millville, NJ.  The intent was not to deceive but rather to provide affordable examples for the public to buy.  It may have originally had a label, but this example does not and the name of the Murano artist is not known.  A fantastic addition to any collection of glass paperweights. This paperweight was made on the island of Murano in Venice, Italy.  Venetian glass making dates back centuries and the Venetians are given credit for the earliest millefiori canes and paperweights in 1840s.  More recently, paperweight making was revived in the 1930s and again in the 1960s. Very large size:   4 7/8" tall by 3 5/8" diameter.  The pedestal base is just under 3 3/4" diameter.  The base is polished flat.  This paperweight weighs just under three pounds (47 ounces).  Condition:   Excellent condition with no cracks and no chips.  Although I didn't find any scratches on inspection, there may be a few faint scratches. 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 Front view Closeup Back Facing right Base Side view SOLD. Click on the picture to see a larger image.	Click on the picture to see a larger image
5641	Large Fratelli Toso Basket of Flowers Millefiori Paperweight.  circa 1970-1980.  Colorful Fratelli Toso (Murano) paperweight with a great assortment of colorful millefiori flower canes set in a latticework basket ground.  The glass has a slight bluish tint as shown in the pictures.  A colorful addition to any collection of millefiori paperweights. Note on condition:  On close inspection, I found a couple of short scratches each about 1/16" long.  No other damage was found.  The paperweight displays beautifully. 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 1/16" diameter by 2 3/4" high.  The base is polished flat. Condition:   Very good to excellent condition.  On close inspection, I found a couple of short scratches each about 1/16" long.  No other damage was found.  The paperweight displays beautifully.     Signature:  This paperweight is unsigned.  I guarantee that this paperweight was made by Fratelli Toso 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 Top view Another view Still another view 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
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 $34 postage paid in the US. Click on the picture to see a larger image.	Click on the picture to see a larger image
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

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Revised 7/19/2022  EI