Topic: Paul Ysart 1981 Paperweight

[Roger H]

     Hi all, bought this recently and although it isn't signed I have good reason to believe it was made by Paul whilst he was asked to showcase his skills at Caithness for a period of time in 1981. Each of the apprentices were presented with a paperweight at the end of this time.

[alpha]

What's that little white spot at the left of the bottom of the stem? Looks almost like a Caithness era/Whitefriars monk cane.

[Roger H]

    Hi ,I noticed that myself ,on the weight it is only a bubble but as a photo I guess it may have the reflection of a cane in it. Regards Roger.

[KevinH]

I have been looking for my information on two similar weights that I bought in August 2008, but so far cannot find the details. I do know, however, that the eBay listing was titled, "A Pair of Paul Ysart paperweight 1980". So I am now wondering ... were these 1980 or 1981?

When I bought my examples, another buyer also bought two. There may have been a few others available at the time from the same seller. I have since seen at least two on eBay again in more recent times, so perhaps some of the first items sold were put out for sale again?

Anyway, they are very good weights and most (or all?) had a mix of Paul Ysart lampwork with Caithness millefiori canes and a Caithness "Peat" ground. My examples are not faceted.

[Roger H]

 Hi Kevin, bought a couple of these weights in september last year and sold one of them recently as I only keep a selection for my collection,the rest I sell on eventually. The guy I bought them off was one of the apprentices at the time,although it stated circa 1981 on the email from him that I received after the auction.
    About a week previously there were two other weights similar but I did not like the faceting at all. I really do like this one a lot, it isn't signed of course so I guess thats why it wasn't too expensive. Regards Roger.