Topic: Did Baccarat actually make a weight like this?

[RescoCCC]

Or, is it a nicely done vintage Chinese? I've never seen a Baccarat with the yellow center on the flower, but that could just be lack of experience.

http://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/29148996_baccarat-floral-paperweight

[paperweights]

The Chinese were copying a Boston & Sandwich Glass Company (Massachusetts) Red Poinsettia when they made that paperweight.

[RescoCCC]

Thanks, Alan. I'll send a message to the seller.

[tropdevin]

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Hi.  There is a picture of a similar one with 'Made in China' label on the older Chinese paperweights page of my website: http://www.pwts.co.uk/pages/Chinese%20older%20paperweights.htm

Alan

[paperweights]

Alan - I believe your example on your web page is actually later, probably post WWII.  It is different from the style shown in the auction listing.  The earlier weights kept the double poinsettia setup of the original B&S weights.   

But that is only my opinion.

Here is an one that I sold a few years ago.

[RescoCCC]

They changed it to "Baccarat style" and removed the language attributed to Baccarat. I told them specifically that it was a Chinese copy of Boston and Sandwich, but I guess this is progress.

[tropdevin]

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Hi.  I had already given them the same advice...so I guess your second shot convinced them - well done. We may save a few new or inexperienced collectors from spending their hard earned money unwisely.

Every week I think I try to correct 2 or 3 auction houses which have made major errors; most respond positively, but not all do. The percentage is lower with eBay sellers (though a good number are grateful for informed advice);  I find the most unresponsive are a few in California who offer new Chinese weights as 'vintage Murano' at eye watering prices, or advertise the most basic Old English from Walsh Walsh as 'rare Bacchus'. No names, no pack drill...just caveat emptor from that area.

Alan

[RescoCCC]

I also find that the responses from various sellers are a mixed bag, and you're right about eBay. It's chock full of "experts". Like this one:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/171416071099

I told him it was Chinese, and I even gave him a link to your site when he asked for evidence. His response was that he didn't see one exactly like it and, besides, his mom owned it for 25 to 30 years. Surprisingly, I hear similar to that last part from sellers quite frequently. Like how long it's been owned has anything to do with it.

[tropdevin]

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Hi. I told the guy it was Chinese, and got the reply 'Refrain from commenting. I am reporting you to eBay' ! Quite how he proposes to do the latter I have no idea...but by his comment he confirms he does not care about the accuracy of his listing.

Alan

[RescoCCC]

Yeah, I got "you WILL BE REMOVED from eBay I wiill make s ure that happens." 

(His spelling)