Topic: Old Sulfide Paperweight Plaque?

[TanToday]

Trying to nail this one down. So far I'm leaning towards the first to patent the Sulfide cameo inside of glass, paperweights, etc. Apsley Pellatt of Falcon Glassworks, London, circa 1820-30 or thereabouts. The Napoleon sulfide has an almost silver sheen under good light that doesn't show up well in the photographs. Perhaps one of you Euro experts can confirm or correct on this one as here in the USA these old sulfides are rarely seen and fewer know much about them. If indeed it is as old as I have suspected, or a more modern creation...any help will be appreciated.

Size:  2 3/4"tall, 2"wide, 1/2" thick. 69.33mm x 51.2mm x 11.4mm
Weight: 2.95 oz, or 83.9g
Specific Gravity: 3.04 {although this is low because the ratio of sulfide to glass is considerably more than would be in a normal paperweight }

[alpha]

I would have said Apsley Pellatt or French - but in all cases antique 1850 or before.

[tropdevin]

***

Hi.

I agree with alpha about the origins and date.  The shape and size of the plaque suggest to me that this may be a rescued remnant of a damaged original - probably a plaque, but possibly a paperweight.  I have seen a few Apsley Pellat plaques, and they have all had more clear glass around the sulphide giving a piece 4 to 5 inches tall, with fancy frame cutting - see image below.

Alan

[TanToday]

Thanks to those answering.

Alan, it was the "silvery sheen" on the cameo/sufide itself that resembled your comparable. And the relatively poor cutting of the bevels does indeed lend itself to a restoration attempt of a larger plaque that was damaged and recut to hide the damage,  I had never considered that. In any case, I didn't pay an exhorbitant price for the piece, and as a "conversation starter" it will be worth keeping.

Again, thank you both.