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Glass Identification - Post here for all ID requests => Glass Paperweights => Topic started by: Beth on October 27, 2007, 04:57:55 PM

Title: Signed Paperweight, where was it made? Thank you! :)
Post by: Beth on October 27, 2007, 04:57:55 PM

Hello, I was wondering if anyone kknows where this weight may have been made or who made it? Thank you for any help!

http://auctionhealth.com/pub/1434.jpg
http://auctionhealth.com/pub/1435.jpg
http://auctionhealth.com/pub/1436.jpg

Title: Re: Signed Paperweight, where was it made? Thank you! :)
Post by: josordoni on October 27, 2007, 05:58:53 PM

The signature looks to say M Harris, Mdina to my eyes, but I don't know if it is right for Michael Harris's signature, there are quite a few faked ones about.  I'm sure one of the more experienced Mdina collectors will be along shortly to have a look.

Title: Re: Signed Paperweight, where was it made? Thank you! :)
Post by: Lustrousstone on October 27, 2007, 06:13:51 PM

That's not Michael's signature, he used a lower case script style. I wonder whether the signature was added post-purchase, looks very crude. The weight also looks more Isle of Wight or Mtarfa than Mdina

Title: Re: Signed Paperweight, where was it made? Thank you! :)
Post by: Martyn K on October 27, 2007, 06:51:31 PM

Does'nt it say '86' at the bottom?? which would be an odd date for a faker to pick!..looks more like 'MSHA?? VINE 86' or something along those lines to me...

Title: Re: Signed Paperweight, where was it made? Thank you! :)
Post by: RAY on October 27, 2007, 06:55:53 PM

 Mount St Helens ash " MSH ASH", design would be vine's and dated 86

Title: Re: Signed Paperweight, where was it made? Thank you! :)
Post by: m1asmithw8s on October 27, 2007, 07:25:07 PM

Good call, Ray. I believe the artist is Roger Vines who now works in his own studio in OR., USA.

Title: Re: Signed Paperweight, where was it made? Thank you! :)
Post by: Derek on October 27, 2007, 07:29:44 PM

Hi Beth

Just to confirm Christines comment - definitely NOT Michael Harris - he was a skilled engraver and his signature is very small, tidy and in script.  Also Michael was only involved with Mdina from 1968 until 1972.

I think that this weight is American and made from the ash of the Mount St. Helens volcano. I read the first line as MSH ASH
and the second lines as VINES  

There are several glass studios in the area trading on the fact that they use ash from the volcano in the glass mix including Glass Eye Studios (GES) and  Mount St. Helens Volcanic Ash Glass company  The GES weights are normally engraved around the lower edge of the dome. Having checked out the latter company they appear to be geared very much to the tourist souvenier trade so I suspect the weight is one of theirs. Looking at the weight it could represent grape vines so suspect VINES is the design name or else the maker.

Hope this helps

Best regards

Derek

Title: Re: Signed Paperweight, where was it made? Thank you! :)
Post by: Beth on October 27, 2007, 08:24:42 PM

Thank you all so much for your help.  :hiclp: 

Beth

Title: Re: Signed Paperweight, where was it made? Thank you! :)
Post by: Beth on October 27, 2007, 08:38:02 PM

Hello again.  There is an artist named Roger Vines who makes numerous pieces from Mt St Helens ash and he does work in the Pacific Northwest. 

Thank you again,
Beth

Title: Re: Signed Paperweight, where was it made? Thank you! :)
Post by: josordoni on October 27, 2007, 08:58:22 PM

Quote from: josordoni on October 27, 2007, 05:58:53 PM

The signature looks to say M Harris, Mdina to my eyes, but I don't know if it is right for Michael Harris's signature, there are quite a few faked ones about.  I'm sure one of the more experienced Mdina collectors will be along shortly to have a look.

Of course it helps if you don't include the mauve reflections in the signature.... LOL

Glad you got it pegged Beth.

Title: Re: Signed Paperweight, where was it made? Thank you! :)
Post by: Lustrousstone on October 27, 2007, 09:31:55 PM

Pretty obvious once you know, isn't it  :-[

Title: Re: Signed Paperweight, where was it made? Thank you! :)
Post by: josordoni on October 27, 2007, 09:36:35 PM

I like to think it proves I have a vivid imagination Christine! 

And anyway ask AA about my wonderful skill with signatures.... ::)

Title: Re: Signed Paperweight, where was it made? Thank you! :)
Post by: Lustrousstone on October 27, 2007, 09:45:38 PM

LOL @ Lynne It gives him something to do  >:D

Title: Re: Signed Paperweight, where was it made? Thank you! :)
Post by: Beth on October 29, 2007, 02:15:13 PM

Thank you everyoone for your help!  :clap:  This is a GREAT board! ;D
Beth