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Glass Identification - Post here for all ID requests => Glass Paperweights => Topic started by: David555 on September 05, 2005, 01:10:51 AM

Title: We Came In Peace ....
Post by: David555 on September 05, 2005, 01:10:51 AM
Hi all

http://tinypic.com/ddhrfc.jpg  <---- Mod: Link dead

Link is picture of reputed 1st ever Caithness paperweight, a hollow cone shape with an engraved spaceman 'We Came in Peace'

Under pic is Colin Terris email after I contacted him - its a good bit of info - I lost the email but later he told me it was the first ever paperweight and had an edition of 1000 - all seemed to go to Harrods

Strange then that when I last put it on eBay at £500.00 (proxy sale) there was not one taker

If only it had been in the book LOL

Any comments welcome

Adam D555

actually it was 'We Came in Peace For all Mankind' with date

http://tinypic.com/ddhwty.jpg  <---- Mod: Link dead
Title: We Came In Peace ....
Post by: Simone on March 05, 2006, 12:45:25 PM
Adam, that's a really nice paperweight, and so unusual. Some of the Caithness weights can be way ahead of their time when it comes to design, so hold onto it and it'll just increase in value, both monetarily and historically.
Title: We Came In Peace ....
Post by: Riki on March 05, 2006, 01:53:40 PM
I was lucky enough to get one of these recently and emailed the factory for any info  :D
 
Big zen bunch of flowers to the most helpful Michelle of sales admin at Caithness Glass who sent me a photocopy of an article with pictures, written by Colin Terris entitled "Is this the first  by Colin Terris, the "Father" of modern paperweights"

Roughly condensed as follows,

He ( Colin Terris ) was working on Planet set 1 + Moonflower in 1969 when Harrods suggested he design a piece to commemorate the first landing on the moon by the USA.
Trial samples were produced and approved by Harrods and the initial plan was to produce a limited edition of only 250 but interest in the moon mission was increasing daily, so much so that by the date of blast-off the edition size had risen to 1000.
 Caithness took a risk and pre made the complete edition of 1000 prior to the launch, engraved the them with the astronaut,leaving only the inscription and date to be added when the landing was actually achieved.
Fortunatly, as most of us will remember, they landed successfully on July 21st 1969

Working flat out and with extensive overtime, the first 50 nose cones were completed and shipped overnight to Harrods on the 23rd july to enable a display to be set up to sell from and take orders.  The remainder were shipped within a fortnight and sold out in the same period.
 So great was the interest at the time that Caithness created a second edition which was produced and sold only through the factory shop at Wick.
 This piece, also a nose cone was produced in clear crystal engraved with an astronaut holding a Stars & Stripes flag and the inscription was "The First Landing by Man on the Moon's surface July 21st 1969"
 There are unfortunatly no records of the numbers produced in this version.
 
 In 1994 a small collection was produced to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the landing which included an updated version of the nose cone engraved with a much more detailed spaceman and inscribed to the front face rather than round the base with "To mark the 25th Anniversary of the first landind by Man on the Moon's surface 1969 - 1994"

It's one of these weights that grow on you  :D  The more you study it the better it becomes

 Riki
Title: We Came In Peace ....
Post by: Leni on March 05, 2006, 02:59:49 PM
Gosh!  Thanks for sharing that, Riki!  :shock:  :D

And yes, many thanks also to Michelle  at Caithness   :D
Title: We Came In Peace ....
Post by: David555 on March 08, 2006, 01:24:02 AM
Thank you Riki indeed

I was awaiting Colin to get back to me but your information is excellent and shows that this is indeed the first Caithness paperweight.

I thought this thread was dead - I am amazed and delighted that it has been opened back up.

Colin mentions the second version in his email (see link).

I was always amazed that there was so little response to my post - I think lack of published information and it not being in the Caithness book have caused lack of interest.

Alas Simone - I sold the paperweight on a while back, while keeping lots of detailed photos - I was eBaying then and the price of £500.00 would not budge this rare item - eventually I did get a lot more than that privately - a collector who knew the whole story (as much as we have uncovered) at least.

Only time will tell (when photos are published in books) if this will become the most collectable Caithness - along with the second edition Riki and Colin mention (see link to his email).

Well done Riki on getting one, it seems vulgar to mention values but I feel your weight is into four figures - based on what I sold mine for many months ago.

Thanks


Adam P
Title: We Came In Peace ....
Post by: Simone on March 08, 2006, 02:06:41 AM
Adam, now that you have this messageboard to post to, we can advise you not to sell those unique items, that really are little pieces of glass history... but you've learnt.
Title: We Came In Peace ....
Post by: David555 on March 08, 2006, 02:36:45 AM
Very true Simone

There are some pieces I will sell soon (money? nooo my house is like a antique shop!) and others that are just for keeping, that  was one - but who knows what the future holds  :wink:

Thanks

Adam
Title: We Came In Peace ....
Post by: Simone on March 08, 2006, 02:41:05 AM
Quote from: "David555"
Very true Simone

There are some pieces I will sell soon (money? nooo my house is like a antique shop!) and others that are just for keeping, that  was one - but who knows what the future holds  :wink:

Thanks

Adam


Hi Adam,

Some of the special lampwork weights will make history at some point in time - so keep them. Also some of the finer millefiori weights will be remembrances too...

Also, don't forget the greatness of some of the wonderful glass artists - and when they're gone, their work goes with them. So hold onto what you can of the most memorable ones you know. Each time you hold a weight, you're holding a little piece of energy and inspiration of the artist who made it.

Keep the ones dearest to your heart for your children and grandchildren to enjoy.
Title: We Came In Peace ....
Post by: David555 on March 08, 2006, 02:50:51 AM
Children :shock:

I am only 38 LOL

No you are right, I will always keep my 1/1 weights - I have a few by A Scott (Borders Fine Art), Venini, and other makers

And there are those things given, sometimes they are not worth a great deal but I will always remember the person through them.

Thanks
Title: We Came In Peace ....
Post by: Simone on March 08, 2006, 02:58:02 AM
Quote from: "David555"
Children :shock:

I am only 38 LOL

No you are right, I will always keep my 1/1 weights - I have a few by A Scott (Borders Fine Art), Venini, and other makers

And there are those things given, sometimes they are not worth a great deal but I will always remember the person through them.

Thanks


LOLOLOL only 38! You're still young enough to have an heir or heiress.  :lol:

You're 100% correct as far as the 1/1 weights go, but also for small limited editions, as well as a few of the popular but well made weights.

I agree with you about weights given to me and remembering the person who gave them... I've got a few like those and the wonderful memories to go with them. Irreplaceable.
Title: We Came In Peace ....
Post by: Anne on March 08, 2006, 05:06:20 PM
Quote from: "David555"

Only time will tell (when photos are published in books) if this will become the most collectable Caithness - along with the second edition Riki and Colin mention (see link to his email).


Adam, did I not read elsewhere on the board of the untimely death recently of Colin Terris?
Title: We Came In Peace ....
Post by: David555 on March 08, 2006, 05:53:57 PM
I did not know, no wonder he did not get back to me  :oops:

My mistake, it's just his site was still up and running last time I looked - that was his own little site http://www.glass.co.nz/terris.htm - I have just had a look on main Caithness page and it is the first news item (no date or obituary?)

Sweetbriar are about the only site giving it a mention, everyone else is selling on his name like mad, when it sinks in no doubt there will be a rush to capitalise - ahh life

At least I can say I spoke to the great man by telephone and email on a few occasions and he was an utter gentleman with great humility.

My respects to one of the greatest glass artists who ushered in a whole new era of abstract glass design.

Adam P
Title: We Came in Peace for all Mankind
Post by: thomas_clifford on March 09, 2006, 08:57:53 PM
I was only 'chatting' with Colin in January about this very same paperweight, such a warm, talented and helpful man, I'm actually quite upset still  :(

This is what he sent me about this weight .... very simillar to what Riki has said ...

Quote
Hello Karen,
I know the piece well.When I designed the nose cone in 1969 we sold it as
Engraving! We didn't have a paperweight dept. then,  that,s why it is not in
any of the pwt books.We had part engraved the design before the actual
landing in the hope all was going to go well and when it did, we added the
We came in Peace inscription..We worked in 12 hour shifts to complete the
order for Harrods, and the sold the piece out within 2 weeks. Over the years
I have heard values from £150 - £350, some even higher. If I can track down
a recent valuation I will get in touch.
Cheers,
Colin

I found mine in the USA and got it for a relatively low price complete with the paperwork, I don't think it was realised there what an important piece it was. I was very lucky.
Title: We Came In Peace ....
Post by: David555 on March 09, 2006, 09:37:44 PM
Well said

As a tribute I post the pictures I took - with flash to bring out the engraved detail (causes dark patch at top of dome) - note the spaceman and the craters are etched (carved?) either side to create a little optical illusion

(http://img343.imageshack.us/img343/9789/caith17qj.th.jpg) (http://img343.imageshack.us/my.php?image=caith17qj.jpg)

Detail of moon, etc.

(http://img424.imageshack.us/img424/5272/caiths29lf.th.jpg) (http://img424.imageshack.us/my.php?image=caiths29lf.jpg)


Thanks

Adam P

Mod: Links to images  dead
Title: We Came In Peace ....
Post by: Riki on October 02, 2006, 09:02:04 PM
Hi Again Everybody,

I just had to add to my previous posting as I now have two of these  stunning weights.  :D  :D

The first is numbered under 100 and the colour of the glass under the dome is a sort of smoke grey with a slight greenish tint.
 
The second is numbered up in the 700s and the glass under the dome is now made in a deep blue colour.

I will hopefully post pictures tomorrow.


Frank. Hi, I have a Caithness scarf ring and perhaps other bits and bobs not yet on your site, do you want photos  ?

Riki
Title: We Came In Peace ....
Post by: Frank on October 02, 2006, 10:14:04 PM
Yes please, extra shots of this weight would be good too. Thanks.

Interesting that even with the catalogue shots is the variations between items in the same edition. Some quite major variations show up as I add second photos to many of the designs - as it grows it might even show a development of weights and glassware that were in production for a long period.
Title: ebay not arbiter
Post by: wrightoutlook on October 03, 2006, 06:28:38 AM
Lesson well-learned about eBay. It will always flatten values. For serious collectors of rare and quality items, eBay must not be seen as the essential arbiter of resale and/or collectible value.
Title: We Came In Peace ....
Post by: Riki on October 03, 2006, 03:52:13 PM
These weights are REALLY hard to photograph well, as you can see I've failed miserably but the colour difference shows quite clearly,  these are the best from about 20 photos.

http://www.yobunny.org.uk/glassgallery/displayimage.php?pos=-3508

http://www.yobunny.org.uk/glassgallery/displayimage.php?pos=-3506

http://www.yobunny.org.uk/glassgallery/displayimage.php?pos=-3507


There is one on Ebay just now from an American auction house which has the original box & Harrods leaflet.

 Item number: 270034751177   

If anyone on the board bids for and wins this would they please post scans or photos of the leaflet, thanks.


So much nice glass, so little spending cash. :cry:
Riki
Title: Re: ebay not arbiter
Post by: josordoni on October 03, 2006, 04:24:14 PM
Quote from: "wrightoutlook"
Lesson well-learned about eBay. It will always flatten values. For serious collectors of rare and quality items, eBay must not be seen as the essential arbiter of resale and/or collectible value.


You are being very purist here. Ultimately, the market will set the resale/collectable value, and this will vary according to the market that you sell/buy in.  Ebay has the enormous value of being convenient for a lot of people, but has the enormous drawback of netting so many pieces from around the world that values may be lower if the rarity value is less.  However for the seller this may be offset by the fact that an item will sell comparitively quickly.  For a very rare item, the value may in fact be higher, as the number of buyers competing for the item will be higher.

If a traditional land auction is chosen, then the price achieved will be lower for middle end items, as they are likely to be bought by a dealer who wishes to add his profit margin.  Rarities will sell highly provided the auction house catalogues and advertises the piece well.

Alternatively, a seller can sell in a traditional retail environment, as many buyers do not like to buy remotely, but prefer to handle the goods and chat to the seller in person.  The buyer has less choice as they have only the goods in their immediate vicinity, and so may choose to pay a premium price to get an item they want if it comes up close to home.  For the seller, his fixed costs will impinge on his profit margin, and he may have to hold on to the item for some time (perhaps years) until the right buyer comes along.  This obviously has also to be reflected in the price.

None of these differing price structures is wrong or right, they are each relative to their individual selling environment.
Title: We Came In Peace ....
Post by: Frank on October 12, 2006, 06:22:12 PM
Riki's picture adjusted a bit. I had not been aware from the first images that the weight was hollow!

http://www.scotlandsglass.co.uk/cms/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&page=shop.view_images&product_id=136&image_id=290&Itemid=27
Title: Re: We Came In Peace ....Again
Post by: Riki on May 09, 2007, 09:35:24 PM
 Hi again all,

Hands up everyone who thought we had finished with this topic,  ;D >:D

I now have a collection of three of these "Historic" ? weights, all slightly different.
Here are a couple of photos of the new one,

http://www.yobunny.org.uk/glassgallery/displayimage.php?pos=-6883

http://www.yobunny.org.uk/glassgallery/displayimage.php?pos=-6882

The inscription on this new one reads, Tranquility Base : Eagle Has Landed 20 - 7 -69 *,
It has a small air bubble above the inblown moon surface which is not on the Perth factory ones and is marked to the rim, CG 19/500. The glass is twice as thick as on my other two Moon Landing weights both of which are from the factory at Perth and are of a limited edition of 1000.
It's also of a different colour again, this time being a smokey brown.

I believe this weight to be from the Caithness factory at Wick, but as usual I would welcome others opinions and comments.

Riki

Title: Re: We Came In Peace ....
Post by: Frank on May 09, 2007, 09:55:20 PM
Here is the other on Scotland's Glass (http://www.scotlandsglass.co.uk/cms/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=shop.flypage&product_id=136&category_id=78&manufacturer_id=0&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=27)

Interesting find, would you like to include in the catalogue? Should it be separate entry (I think so.)? I can link it back to here if we don't get a quick answer.

Nothing is ever completely finished  ::)
Title: Re: We Came In Peace ....
Post by: Riki on May 09, 2007, 10:16:41 PM
Hi Frank,
Happy for you to include it in the catalogue, I will see if I can get better photos and send them on to you.
Is there any size restriction on photos ?

Riki
Title: Re: We Came In Peace ....
Post by: Frank on May 09, 2007, 10:17:23 PM
Thanks Riki, no size restrictions.