After looking over all the weights, there are differences between every weight of the same range. This shows, that it´s probably not possible, even for one of the best glass artists, to create one weight 2times totaly equal.
I also agree to your oppion about the seconds of Jim Hart and other artists.
Mostly the weights are not really a second.
Real seconds are very often the CIIG-signed weights from Caithness in which you see the imperfection at first sight. Often the canes are distorsed, something in the setup is wrong or the quality of glass is not the best. I´ve had a CIIG “Luckenbooth” and a first quality “Luckenbooth” at the same time last year. The difference between this weights was so visible, that even people who are not common with paperweights, did see, that the CIIG must be a second.
I think when we spoke from seconds today, then mostly we do it at dealers, to get a better price. When I like a weight and want to buy it, because of it´s beauty then it doesn´t matter if it is a second or not. Real seconds today are rare.
You all know this weight:
http://web888.can13.de/webbrowser/dip.jpgWould somebody say it´s a second because one of the ducks did not match to the ducks in the book from Paul Jokelson? Never.
It´s a unique piece of artwork and one of the “100 most important paperweights” from Paul Jokelson´s fantastic book.
Nobody would spent more than 6.000 GBP for a “second” and if, then he never would say that he or she bought a second.
Most collectors buy paperweights, because of they like them as they are. No matter what others say, no matter what the artist say. If you like it – buy it and enjoy it!
Just my 2cents, now its time to go on holiday :lol:
Enjoy your weights!
Nadine