Topic: A Caithness LE 'Mariner 2'

[Leni]

At the Cambridge Glass Fair I was lucky enough to snap up this Limited Edition weight at a good price at the end of the day, as the dealer didn't normally 'do' paperweights, and just didn't want to have to take it home with him.  

It's a Caithness LE entitled 'Mariner 2' which was a Colin Terris design from 1984.  This is number 164 of 750.  
http://glassgallery.yobunny.org.uk/albums/userpics/10048/normal_Caithness_Mariner_2.jpg

Here's the base http://glassgallery.yobunny.org.uk/albums/userpics/10048/normal_Caithness_Mariner_2_base.jpg

Now, this is an interesting point, made by youngest son, who's a bit of a 'space buff'.  The weight shows a red planet, with what appear to be - ahem - 'canals' on the surface.  OK.  Do we therefore assume this is Mars?  I did.  

But the Mariner probes were Venus probes!    :shock:

So what gives?  Did Terris make a mistake and think the Mariners were Mars probes?  Or is Mars just 'easier to do' than Venus?  Or what?   :?

BTW, Do you want this one for your Caithness section, Frank?  If so I'll try to do a better pic.

[Frank]

Yes please.

Here is a more recent Caithness interpretation of Venus... link

Artistic license I presume.

[Leni]

Yes please.

OK I'll do another tomorrow in daylight (and preferrably without reflections  :oops: )

Artistic license I presume.

Maybe, but I would have thought that a red planet would suggest Mars to most people   :?  

I still like all the Caithness space 'commemoratives'.  I know the kids these days are a bit blase about space exploration, but I guess those of us who are old enough to have seen 'Sputnik', 'Explorer 1', and 'Telstar' still remember the awe and wonder!    :roll:

(BTW, I did actually see 'Sputnik'!  We were up a tree in my neighbour's garden with his binoculars!   :lol: )

[Frank]

All the current issue Space inspired pieces are up now LINK The Big Bang shows in the printed catalogue as purple which was due to a printing difficulty. All of the current issues are using the original images used for the catalogue but with big size and accurate colour. Some breathtaking pics.

To see all the most recently uploaded select List All Products and then go to the end. Still some (60 ish) Limited editions to be uploaded for 2005/6 issues.