Topic: Good Luck weight - American??

[KevinH]

This is posted for a friend. I was sure I knew where to look for this one but ended up at a total loss! Any ideas on country, let alone possible maker? Click for the big pictures.

[tzenka]

I've seen a few of these, and they were described as American (folk art, I think?) They usually say "Good Luck", "To a Friend", etc.

[Derek]

Hi Kev

I agree with Tzenka.  American probably West Virginia area - either the Gentile family or possibly Ed Rithner.

Best regards

Derek

[KevinH]

Thanks folks, I'll pass on the info.

[janettekay]

I also agree re: West Virginia....though every Gentile PW I ever had was marked.....(but I assume if an early one....may not be)..

[paperweights]

Although some weights were signed, most Gentile weights prior to 1975 were not signed. 

[KevinH]

Thanks Janet and Alan. I will pass that info on, too.

[Kari]

I have one that says "Relax My Darling" with very nice controlled bubbles.  I once read that they were often frigger weights, but definitely American.

[Derek]

Hi Kari

Some are frigger weights and generally these will be the ones that have a name or initials.

However the majority of these weights will have been made in large numbers using a  die. There are some excellent illustrations of the dies used in Jean Melvins book - "American glass paperweights and their makers" revised edition. Long out of print it is easy to find secondhand however - try abebooks.

Best regards

Derek
 

[KevinH]

Another question: When were the Gentile "message weights" made?

Jean Melvin's book (second edition 1970 - in which I have now found the reference (page 71) to the "Good Luck" weights I was originally searching for) gives an excellent coverage of many American makers who are not covered in much depth in other books. However, I find it difficult to understand what type of weights were made at what time by Gentile (and others) as the text on dating is, at best, quite generalised. (Or maybe I need to study the book more closely?)

Were the Gentile "message weights" made by both Peter and John Gentile? If so, it would seem they range from 1920s (or earlier?) through to at least the 1960s. Also, there is a reference to the use of "older dies" by Gentile but no real detail on how old!