My guess at "20 or 30" refers to the 3D butterflies, most of which look like Dave's example, with the butterfly floating over concentric millefiori around a variable central ground (for example, plain coloured, swirl or polychrome chips).
In 2002 the No 78, April newsletter of the Cambrdige Paperweight Circle (now the PCC) contained an article showing seven [but not including Dave's] out of what was then thought to be "ten known in this country [taken as UK]". The ten were owned between six members of the paperweight club.
Since then, I have been aware of occasional examples in the UK, USA and perhaps continental Europe. So I have increased my own estimate accordingly - although few have appeared in the past couple of years.
As Alan has indicated, prices for the 3D examples can be quite variable. One was sold at Christie's London, Apr 1998, as part of the Parkington collection. It was listed as "An Ysart butterly paperweight ...", as were all the Paul Ysart examples. Perhaps both the high bidder and underbidder thought it was by Paul, or knew it was a "rarer" item by Salvador? It made UK £600 hammer price!
Generally though, UK £300-400 was considered the general retail price for many years. But until another comes up for sale, it's hard to say what they might currently be worth to a collector.
As for the 2D examples, I think it could still be a case of unrecognised items. One example, larger than most I have seen at 3.25 inch (82 mm) diameter, was sold in a Larry Selman auction and listed as probably Chinese (or words to that effect). One of the antennae was melted into the ground and the upper wing canes appeared somewhat "smudgy". But it still made the equivalent of UK £300, as two bidders clearly felt it was worth the money, probably for the "rarity" or "interest" value.
Topic: Salvador Ysart Butterfly Weights. Where are They? (Read 2371 times)
