Glass Message Board
Glass Identification - Post here for all ID requests => Glass Paperweights => Topic started by: BAINSY on May 25, 2009, 05:22:01 PM
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Can anyone tell me what this paperweight is. It measures 55mm high by 75mm wide and is very heavy??? It has a bouquet of flowers with a pink rose in the middle with 2 milliefiori canes either side of it. has a white lattice design in the base with a star cut in to the base???It has a main circular window at the top, with 8 circles below that, with 10 below that, then finally 10 on the bottom.
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I would say antique St. Louis, and quite valuable!
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Hi Kari, thankyou for replying, much appreciated. Still trying to get my head around these paperweights. It was a toss up between Clichy and St Louis but didnt want to put words in to any one's head. What do you reckon to the age of it, and How much do you reckon on price as i am thinking of selling it at a later stage? Is anyone else of the same opinion that this is St Louis? Many thanks to you all.
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Setting a price is more homework than I'm up to on my slow laptop!
Do a Google search, and put in the terms "antique St. Louis paperweight/upright bouquet", or some variations. You should also be able to find similar pieces through the L H Selman website: search his completed auctions and use those terms in your search.
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Hi, I found some that look like your weight being sold on roslynroseantiques.com
under St. Louis paperweights. Looks like they sell for $3000 to $4500.
You have a very beautiful weight.
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I think that sometimes Roslynn Rose is overly optimistic - especially in these times. although antique French paperweights are always in demand due to their limited nature, I still think it would be good to get into the Selman site. You would have a better idea of what one would actually sell for as opposed to what the dealer would like to get. Even Selman manages to sell for more than the usual Ebay transaction, but the site would be a good resource for you: it's called The Paperweight Connection, or again, just google his name.
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Thanks everyone. I definately think it's St Louis now. I have looked at those websites, shocked to see the prices, good shock. There are 3 chips on the top window and an internal bruise on the base. Do you think i should get this restored or sell it with chips? The biggest chip is 5mm. What do you all think of that, restore or leave? It must halve its value??? Thanks by the way for all your valueable input. :thup:
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Hi
Chips the size you mention would certainly reduce the sale price - and so would having it polished and reducing the size. But on balance, I would go for the slightly smaller but good condition piece.
Alan
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Thanks Alan. Now does anyone know a good reliable paperweight restorer. I live near Heathrow airport?
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Good question! It is not easy to find someone who does good restoration including facetting. There is a Scottish cutter called Gordy Taylor (ex Perthshire) who does a very good job, but it can take a long time (ie count in months rather than weeks...or even in years). I can give you his contact details if you send me a PM.
Alan
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If you are planning on selling it may not be cost effective for you to have it restored, you may want to ask a few auction houses
what the difference is in value.
I don't know how the really serious collectors prefer their weights - original with chips they can get fixed themselves or restored.
Larry Selman's site is at http://www.theglassgallery.com/
A weight similar to this but less elaborate sold spring 2008 for $2700 through Selman.
Keep in mind that spring '08 was a financial meltdown ago.
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Thanks Alan. I need someone near me though, just for my own piece of mind. :)
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I doubt you will find anyone local - there are very few good restorers in the world, let alone the UK. There are quite a few bad ones, of course... ;D.
Alan
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Thanks Alexander, im going to ring around a few top auction houses in London to see what they think. I reckon the collectors will want original with chips???
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A buyer can always have the weight re-ground and polished if they want it that way. But you cannot un-restore the weight. I would vote for leaving it as is.
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I agree on selling it as is, Sach put it well. So now I think we all deserve the story of how you came to have this weight in your possession...please tell!
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Thanks everyone, you've all been a tremendous help. I feel bad saying it but i picked it up at a local car boot. Thats what i do, go round car boot's, charity shops etc collecting glass. I also collect Whitefriars, and just started collecting their crystal range's. Also a few nice Scandinavian pieces and a few Murano pieces. I really have found this forum a wonderful resource. Thanks again. :)