is this a Paul Ysart Harlequin PW. ID = Probably German or Bohemian

[RAY]

i just found this in my dads garage hidden with a load of junk, this is huge just under 4" across and 3.25" high and very heavy, but its in a bad state with alot of chips also it has 3 layers of Harlequin


(http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid141/p08b353d5d76fbe4fb98a11f5bc7797a2/f6d16eeb.jpg)
(http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid141/p6bacd9dd9e85095ea6602f66ede7f3c3/f6d16eea.jpg)
(http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid141/p5e9a4c1e055d6e82b76897b7cdfc082b/f6d16ee9.jpg)

[KevinH]

Hi Ray,

Looks probably ok for a Paul Ysart to me. Compare with my example (that I am now 99% confident was by Paul):
http://www.btinternet.com/~kevh.glass/pages/paul-ysart/unsigned/RareHarlequin.htm

Also, Colin Terris shows a triple Harlequin that Paul made as one of three during his Caithness years. Go to the page below, then select "Paul Ysart" and see the one top left in the page:
http://glassmaker.mysite.wanadoo-members.co.uk/
Or for a slightly larger image, with description, select "Patience Rewarded" from the page:
http://ysartweights.mysite.wanadoo-members.co.uk/

Each shows a structure with four outer "legs" around a central "column" and the upper "legs" positioned between the lower ones (probably for stability of the design).

At almost 4 inch diameter, it certainly is a large example - but I have seen a few Ysart weights that are even bigger, with the largest nearly 5 inch diameter. All would appear to be from the 1930s/40s period.

If you could send me an email (see my profile) with larger images attached I would be happy to consider it further.

[KevinH]

As well as sending extra photos and details, Ray has very kindly allowed me to examine this weight personally.

And now I am confused   - but in a nice sort of way!

This may be the first European "Triple Harlequin" I have had my hands on. (Althouh in the main reference book for this type of weight  they are simply called "bubble weights" - or something similar.)

Hmmm. More later.

[Frank]

Hmmm. More later.

 :D  :arrow:    :arrow:    :arrow:    :arrow:  :wink:

[KevinH]

ok ... ok ... later is now ...

The weight fluoresced just like most "soda" glass items I have checked (in the clear dome, that is). That means under UV it is not possible to separate it from pre-Caithness Paul Ysart pieces, or most other 20s / 30s / 40s / 50s "soda" glass for that matter.

The colouring and working of the frit pieces were not, in my opinion, like Paul Ysart work that I have seen. The main point being that, apart from the various Badge weights attributed to Paul (some of which might even be Belgian!), all frit work of his that I have seen has been in neater, more rounded pieces and set on a thin white ground.

Also the finish to the base was reasonably consistent with other magnum sized weights I have seen which were most likely of German or Bohemian origin.

So I believe the weight is European, not by Paul Ysart.