Topic: Selkirk super magnums

[SophieB]

Hi there,

I am writing a short piece for the PCC newsletter that illustrates a few Selkirk Super magnums (over 12cm diameter). Does anyone know what was the first limited edition super magnum ever produced by Selkirk. The first one I know of is a lovely abstract weight called Hawkwind issued in 1990 (see picture below) but there may well have been an earlier one/ones. Any info, anyone?

Wuff or Ian - does either of you know?

SophieB

[Wuff]

Does anyone know what was the first limited edition super magnum ever produced by Selkirk. The first one I know of is a lovely abstract weight called Hawkwind issued in 1990 (see picture below) but there may well have been an earlier one/ones.

The problem is (for me) that "super magnums" are not identified in the catalogues - e.g. the 1990 catalogue lists as "magnums" (images all same size): Monarch (also first issued 1990), Sapphire (1990), Hawkwind, Paradise (first issued 1989).
In earlier catalogues I find ("magnum" - no exact dimensions given):
1988 Jester (image attached)
1987 Fantasy (image attached)

[SophieB]

Hi Wuff,

Yes, this is my problem too. The catalogues do not make a distinction between magnums and super magnums. In my experience, Selkirk produced quite a lot of magnums but fewer super magnums, hence my interest...

Also, these super magnums are all quite special...

SophieB

[Wuff]

Searching the internet I came across a Fantasy weight on worthpoint: height: 11 cm, width: 13 cm, weight 2600 g - so this fits your definition of a "super magnum".

Worthpoint mentions 1989 as year of issue - which is not correct: years engraved on the base of Selkirk weights are year of manufacture of the individual weight (in this case 387/500) - not year of (first) issue. Fantasy shows up first in the 1987 catalogue and is explicitly marked "new design 1987". I don't have a UK price list for this year - just Farfalla (Germany) for 235 Mark - then equivalent to about £ 80. Fantasy is no longer in the 1988 catalogue - where Jester is the new "magnum" for $ 48 (UK price list).

[Wuff]

Again on worthpoint - a Mistral magnum weight: approx. 3 1/2" inches tall ... so this likely will be a "simple magnum". Again - 1983 will be year of manufacture - first issued in 1982.

The person trying to read the signature calls it "Mister" - likely someone who has never been to the Provence .

[SophieB]

Hi Wuff,

Many, many thanks for this. I have added the information to my draft article.

SophieB

[pooleandpaperweights]

My only super magnum, as they are really quite rare, is 1990 and measures 4.5 inches wide and 4 inches high.

[SophieB]

Hi Ian,

Many thanks for this.

Do you know what limited edition/name it is?

Do you have a picture?

SophieB

[SophieB]

Oups!! Sorry everybody, I just realised I made a mistake in my first post. I assume super magnums to be 10 cm and over (and not 12cm as I stated), i.e. to be 4 inch and over. I am more a metric kind of person and got confused (as you might imagine, I am not very numerate either...). I apologise again...

SophieB

[Wuff]

Again on worthpoint - a Mistral magnum weight: approx. 3 1/2" inches tall ... so this likely will be a "simple magnum". Again - 1983 will be year of manufacture - first issued in 1982.

Attached is a side view of "Mistral": if this weight is actually 3 1/2" tall, it doesn't look like being wider than 4".