Glass Message Board
Glass Identification - Post here for all ID requests => Glass Paperweights => Topic started by: glasstrufflehunter on February 14, 2007, 06:47:21 AM
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How many weights were in the editon and who sculpted the sulphide inserts? I know there were ten weights in sets of two with one American and one French in each.
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There were ten weights in the set along with biographical information on each weight and the American and French leaders and patriots depicted. Five were American and five were French. The sulphide portraits were sculpted by Gilbert Poillerat, George Simon, Albert David, M Renard and other great sculptors on the staff of Baccarat and Crystal d' Albret. This link is to additional information on the bicentennial set.
http://www.rstreasures.com/Franklin_Mint.htm Hope this helps you with your question.
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I've gotten a few of these in the last couple of weeks and I really like the detail in them. Sulphides are a new category for me.
I did happen across your page the other day and found the information very helpful. The one bit I have not be able to find anywhere is exactly how many of each weight was made. A typical Baccarat issue was 2000 pieces.
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Have you researched Baccarat paperweights? I am trying to get some data on one they made in the 1920's.
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I've done some research. I'm sure there someone around who knows a lot more than I do.
From what I've dug up, Baccarat had long ceased to make paperweights by 1920. They started making them again in the 50s at Paul Jokelson's instigation. They had to 'reinvent the wheel' because the secrets of making them in the mid 1800s had been lost. The first weight in the 50s was a sulphide of Eisenhower.
Do you have a piccy of your weight?
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I have a Baccarat documentation of a weight made in 1925 and a drawing of a weight made in the 1930's. Waiting on more information first. Still trying to persuade Baccarat to discuss the matter but I have no contact there and they are a bit aloof at the front door (read brick wall).
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I'd be very interested in any info you are able to find on that. Interest in paperweight collecting was revived in the 20s. Wonder if Baccarat made a couple weights in response to demand.
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Just a few extra thoughts thrown in ...
I know the item that Frank is referring to. It is not a regular paperweight in the sense of what know as millefiori or lampwork enclosed in a magnifying dome.
And, although there was a gap in paperweight poduction after the 1880s, the evidence of "Old English" items, believed to be from the 1910/20 period, shows that the techniques of, at least, millefiori had not entirely been lost.
Also, there are the so-called "Baccarat Dupont" weights from the 1930s period that are very much like the antique ones. [By the way, a French paperweight collector told me that "Dupont" is a name that is used like "Smith" or "Jones" in the UK and may not necessarily refer to an actual individual.]
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I just got a hold of Hollister's Encyclopedia of Paperweights. It describes the Dupont weights as being millefiori garland and pansy weights. Hollister knew a lady who used to buy the weights from one shop. When she asked if she could meet Mr. Dupont the factory manager refused saying her was an irascible fellow.
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Baccarat responded, the paperweight "La Vague" was inspired by an inkwell designed in crystal and gilt bronze for the International Fair of Nancy, 1909. The inkwell is in Baccarat's collection and is quite a stunner. As the weight got to retailers there must be some in circulation.
Here is a line drawing from a 1930's Baccarat retailers catalogue, courtesy the Glass-Study. At some point the photograph from 1925 will be scanned too.