Topic: Whitefriars trial weight PR400 (Actually a PR402 non-trial)

[boxed]

Hi guys
im trying to find out if this whitefriars trial weight was made in a limited number ive looked in the catalogue but no mention of how many pieces were made
if anyone can help that be fantastic it has the p2 style facets and is on a light green base
 Cheers
boxed
(Joe)

[johnphilip]

Hi Joe you need to ask Tony Graham he has fully researched the Whitefriars weights with the help of Ray Annenberg and Brian Slingsby . cheers jp

[boxed]

Hi jp thanks for pointing me in the right direction this is the weight in question
cheers
joe

[johnphilip]

Hi Joe i saw one of those at the weekend in Auction  but it had an S engraved on the base that means a second , i could see nothing  wrong with it but Whitefriars were very strict on their better quality weights  .

[boxed]

This is the same one pj i did ask the auction they say its in good condition and its a no5 rather then an s
i did think that myself but wasnt sure if whitefriars fid seconds so took the risk knowing my luck it will be an s for second
cheers joe

[johnphilip]

Joe its a nice weight and quite rare with that colour base  if i were still collecting i would have bid , two years ago you would have had to pay a lot more for it , Tony will let you know more , in my opinion you got it at a reasonable price . some Auction houses are a tad Cavalier with their information . cheers  jp .

[boxed]

I think your right about auction houses and what they describe
thanks for your comments jp
cheers
joe

[tropdevin]

Hi.

My understanding from Brian Slingsby (ex Whitefriars Technical Director)  is that the 'S' stood for shop - ie pieces sold through the factory shop.  Some of these were seconds quality, but other were just trial pieces or unsold stock.  It is not unknown for unscrupulous sellers to add other numbers to pretend that the 'S' is a five - it still looks like an 'S' though!

Alan

[boxed]

Hi alan
 your right it is an s i did try to convince myself overwise
thanks for your input as always
joe

[daveweight]

Hi Joe
I have seen several of these weights with either a green or blue base and I thought the canes in these were called "Florets". I have never heard of the S mark standing for shop, I always thought it was for Second as if Whitefriars sold pristine pieces in their shop at reduced prices cheaper than their retailers it could have caused problems so they were marked with an S to avoid this problem. Here is a picture of my copy of this weight with fancy cutting
Dave