For clarification regarding my earlier post and my comment about Glass Newbie's weight being Chinese ...
The attached photos show Top and Base of two examples weights I have had for nearly 20 years.
One is a small (approx 2 1/4 diameter x 2 inch height) crimp flower with white petals over three green "leaves" and a thin central red/yellow "pistil". The other is a larger example (approx 3 1/4 inch diameter x 3 inch height) crimp flower with white over green petals / "leaves", a central "pistil" made of yellow rods and a lampwork butterfly floating above.
These two weights show the typical design of masses of Chinese "crimp flower" weights made from the earlier 20th century to the present day:
a) a few rows of crimped petals
b) three fairly well spaced green "leaves" to the underside of the petals
c) a central "pistil" using a single cane or multiple canes
d) with or without an insect or other animal somewhere in the design
The base of my two examples show the same type of finishing - an uneven rough / matte central area that feels as if it is somewhere between "fire polished" and "ground".
Weights like these can often be found as parts of mixed lots in auctions or as single offerings on eBay etc.
What seems strange, given the numbers I believe were made, is that on the internet, it is not easy to find exact matches to some weights of this type. But there are plenty of matches when we look carefully for the individual elements. Sadly, so many web pages and auction listings never provide a photo of the base of weights.
If I could take the central "pistil" out of my larger weight and place it in my smaller one (with relevant proportions), then I would have a weight that is a very close match to Glass Newbie's example. It is only the base that really differs.
It seems to me that the one with the Maltese Cross has had the base heated by torch (which is probably how the "ripples" have occurred) and, while still hot, the Cross was impressed. And that would fit with my belief - Made in China but base stamp added later, or perhaps the stamp was added in China as part of an order.
I find it had to believe that the Maltese workers could produce a weight that has so many common features to those made in China.
As for the actual connections between the Maltese companies and Chinese businessmen, and what was made where and by whom, I leave that to those studying such things.