Glass Message Board

Glass Identification - Post here for all ID requests => Glass Paperweights => Topic started by: verfnew on August 19, 2012, 02:06:50 AM

Title: Need help identifying this paper weight
Post by: verfnew on August 19, 2012, 02:06:50 AM
I recently purchased this paperweight. It is domed shaped standing 3 1/2 inches tall and about 3 inches wide. It is black and gold with the gold having a gold fleck. When it is in the light the black turns a very deep blue. It is very stunning.
There are no markings on it anywhere.
I have included 2 images to assist with ID if possible. Hope they post OK.
All help will be very much appreciated.
Thanks.
Vernon
Title: Re: Need help identifying this paper weight
Post by: ahremck on August 19, 2012, 03:18:17 AM
Welcome to the GMB Vernon.  Good to see another Aussie.

I suspect your weight is Chinese in origin - they make some crackers and they are rarely marked.  It would be a help if you posted a clear photo of the base of the weight as the finish often gives a lead as to origin - or more importantly where it is unlikely to be from.

Ross
Title: Re: Need help identifying this paper weight
Post by: verfnew on August 19, 2012, 05:32:05 AM
Thanks Ross
Image of bottom of paperweight taken with a macro lens, realy highlights the imperfections.
Thanks.
Vernon
Title: Re: Need help identifying this paper weight
Post by: SophieB on August 19, 2012, 08:44:47 AM
Hi Vernon,

Nice weight!! Although I am no expert on Murano glass, I would have IDed this weight as Murano rather than Chinese. The very proficient and prolific use of aventurine in this weight tends to point to Murano (IMHO).

However, the Murano experts on this Board will tell you for sure when they come along.

SophieB 
Title: Re: Need help identifying this paper weight
Post by: ahremck on August 19, 2012, 09:00:17 AM
I now agree with SophieB.  The base of chinese weights are often ground flat but quite rough.  Her comments about aventurine(that gold/copper looking) stuff that makes the bands is a common feature in Murano weights.  I would have no idea which maker may be responsible.

Ross
Title: Re: Need help identifying this paper weight
Post by: glasstrufflehunter on August 24, 2012, 07:45:54 AM
Some of the newer Chinese weight have nicely polished bottoms but I have not seen any that were that perfectly circular.

I am 99% sure you have a Ferro and Lazzarini piece there. Their 'egg' weights always have that shape and they did a lot of designs with aventurine. All of the ones I've seen have nice sized copper crystals for a really good sparkle.

The aventurine in Chinese weights is inconsistent and often has places that look more like brown poop instead of glitter. I like Chinese weights but they really need to work on their aventurine.