Topic: Pirelli paperweight

[ChrisH]

Pirelli is one example and lampwork figures are the only product they manufactured.

Hi Frank - excuse my ignorance, I got a Pirelli paperweight in a mixed lot at auction with a bunch of Strathearn weights which I've recently sold on ebay, (and a load I can't attribute myself as they aren't labelled, though they look awfully like Strathearn also) - when you say they were the only products they manufactured, was this before they bought-out Strathearn?

I'm trying to get a handle on whether Pirelli weights are all that collectible, as I haven't bothered listing it yet!

Thanks

ChrisH

[Frank]

Pirelli paperweights are Vasart or Strathearn paperweights with a Pirelli retail label on. As the Pirelli labels are not found that often it can give a slight edge over the exact same weight with a Vasart or Strathearn label.

Pirelli did not buy out Strathearn but the MD of Pirelli was also a director of Vasart from 1956 on. Teachers bought Vasart in 1964 and set up a new glassworks at Crieff with the Strathearn name. It was the same people making the glass and it is virtually impossible to identify if some items were Strathearn or Vasart - these are generally referred to as transitional for the period 1956-1970. The only difference immediately felt was the kilns being fired by Propane gas at Strathearn. Later new colours and designs were introduced.

http://www.ysartglass.com/Indexcat03.htm