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Glass Identification - Post here for all ID requests => Glass Paperweights => Topic started by: cfosterk on October 05, 2006, 10:09:42 PM

Title: first perthshire fish weight
Post by: cfosterk on October 05, 2006, 10:09:42 PM
in bob halls excellent book he illustrates the first fish weight produced by perthsire, but he doesn't indicate the date. the perthshire complete guide then shows the regular issue of the 'aquarium' style arrangement.

i have picked up just such a weight at a local auction (£40) with a date cane of P1979. does anyone think this might be a one-off commission? it doesn't have the usual sea bed/sandy base. Just clear glass, various weed fronds, and three small fish....

Comments would be appreciated
Title: first perthshire fish weight
Post by: glasstrufflehunter on October 06, 2006, 04:57:51 PM
I have The Complete Guide to Perthshire Paperweights by Mahoney and MacClanahan that is supposed to cover most everything made up to 1997 except for one-offs. I didn't see any fish or aquarium weights listed at all in that book.

Do you have a pic of your weight?
Title: Perthshire Fish Paperweight
Post by: daveweight on October 06, 2006, 05:48:43 PM
Yopu couldn't have been looking very hard - this is a 1981 weight shown at the top of page 34 of the McClanahan/Mahoney Book
Title: first perthshire fish weight
Post by: glasstrufflehunter on October 06, 2006, 05:55:18 PM
Meh. I need new bifocals.  :D

The 1981 is at the bottom of the page. The one at top is a 1980.

Since these are both annual collection pieces. perhaps yours is a proof.
Title: just to cohese; and a comment
Post by: wrightoutlook on October 07, 2006, 12:00:03 PM
Just to clarify and cohese the information for those who don't have the book.

The Perthshire known as Fish is also known as 1980 I, and is the ninth paperweight made by Perthshire in its annual collection for 1980. These weights are lettered 1980 A, 1980 B, 1980 C etc.

This weight is described as Fish. "Three tropical fish swimming amidst blue-green seaweed over a seabed. One top facet and twelve side facets. Fish colors and seabed contents and colors vary. Signed with a P1980 cane in the base. Edition size 400/400 made."

The Perthshire known as Aquarium is also known as 1981 C, and is the third of eight paperweights made by Perthshire in its annual collection for 1981. These weights are lettered 1981 A, 1981 B, 1981 C etc.

This specific weight is described as Aquarium. "A seahorse, a crab, a snail and two fish admidst pink seaweed over a grey sand ground. One top facet and twenty-four side facets. Animal colors vary. Signed with a P1981 cane in the base. Edition size 350/237 made.

Now, a comment. If you've got one dated P1979, then you've got a lucky find and probably a test piece. It's also possible that the run was to begin in 1979 and a decision was made not to. Maybe the powers-that-be wanted the design amplified.

And, alas, it's also possible that it is not Perthshire. Chances are it may be an unusual or prototype Perthshire, but the experts here on the GMB and a lot of living Perthshire workers can get a look at it if you'll post some images of your new acquisition. This will help clear up any mysteries.
Title: perthshire FISH paperweight
Post by: cfosterk on October 08, 2006, 11:31:40 AM
Great info Wright....

My apologies, I've mislaid my perthshire complete guide, the weight i have is the one described as fish (and not aquarium).

I have seen the 1981 edition, and this is almost identical except for the base. The signature cane is spot on.

I will take some photo's and post. I like the idea of a test piece (obviously) but does anyone how far in advance perthshire designed their annual collection??
Title: PICTURE : FISH PAPERWEIGHT
Post by: cfosterk on October 14, 2006, 02:33:12 PM
now got a pic - but it's too large!!!! 600kb instead of less than 200!!!

spot on 1979 cane though...
Title: pictures at last....but shocking quality!!!!
Post by: cfosterk on October 14, 2006, 03:11:28 PM
here you go...

a thousand apologies, but will give you all an idea

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l139/cfosterk/DSCF0096.jpg

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l139/cfosterk/DSCF0098.jpg

as I've already said, P 1979 date cane in base.
Title: first perthshire fish weight
Post by: Frank on October 14, 2006, 06:33:08 PM
Move back one foot, 30cm, and it should focus.
Title: pictures!
Post by: cfosterk on October 14, 2006, 06:43:47 PM
I'll do it!

what i keep forgetting is not to get too close!!
Title: newer pics...
Post by: cfosterk on October 15, 2006, 12:38:18 PM
hopefully these are clearer...

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l139/cfosterk/DSCF0122.jpg

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l139/cfosterk/DSCF0125.jpg