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Glass Identification - Post here for all ID requests => Glass Paperweights => Topic started by: SimonD on August 27, 2012, 05:16:26 PM

Title: Pinchbeck Paperweight conundrum
Post by: SimonD on August 27, 2012, 05:16:26 PM
This 'pinchbeck' paperweight typically depicts a scene (anyone like to guess at a literary connection?) but untypically has a metal plaque of two highly lustred metals. Does anyone know what the two metals are? Is the base metal 'silver' with 'gold' highlights, or the other way around?
Title: Re: Pinchbeck Paperweight conundrum
Post by: keith on August 27, 2012, 05:19:07 PM
Can't help with the metals but is that a camel and are those palm trees,it might help with the story ;D
Title: Re: Pinchbeck Paperweight conundrum
Post by: SimonD on August 27, 2012, 06:44:25 PM
Yes, it's a camel. The scene seems to depict someone being sold as a slave. One of the group of men on the left is being paid by a man in a turban. Another man in a tuban is leading a hunched man away. A third tubanned man is standing by the camel under the palm tree.
Title: Re: Pinchbeck Paperweight conundrum
Post by: keith on August 27, 2012, 07:31:13 PM
Maybe a story from scripture?
Title: Re: Pinchbeck Paperweight conundrum
Post by: tropdevin on August 27, 2012, 09:08:06 PM
Hi

It is a well know Pinchbeck design - I have had a couple the same, though in plain gold colour.  Regarding the metals, if you Google Pinchbeck alloy you can get the basic information on the composition of the alloy. I think what you have here is a Pinchbeck metal substrate that someone has 'silver plated' for greater contrast and interest. 

Alan