Glass Message Board

Glass Identification - Post here for all ID requests => Glass Paperweights => Topic started by: BJB on January 13, 2007, 03:10:51 PM

Title: My new (old) paperweight .
Post by: BJB on January 13, 2007, 03:10:51 PM

Well, went to a very small carboot today, but came away with this lovely old paperweight.

Its just a very simple red/white/blue swirl, but the glass dome is very fine, and the base has a rough pontil mark and loads of wear.

It measures approx 3" by 3".

http://i11.tinypic.com/2vsq5wg.jpg (top)


http://i11.tinypic.com/2ce6ds5.jpg  (base)

I think English, husband thinks French, so will both be wrong  :)

Barbara

Title: Re: My new (old) paperweight .
Post by: KevinH on January 13, 2007, 03:45:07 PM

I'd be very surprised to learn that it is English. I think Belgian is more likely but French is a possibility.

Long twist canes are usually used as a torsade around another design or sometimes as a handle for a "basket of flowers". A spiral as the only decorative motif is unusual.

I have never seen another weight like it.

Title: Re: My new (old) paperweight .
Post by: BJB on January 13, 2007, 05:16:45 PM

Hi Kev,

Well seems I am wrong again  ::)

I presume its an old one though maybe pre 1900?

Barbara

Title: Re: My new (old) paperweight .
Post by: KevinH on January 13, 2007, 05:29:18 PM

I could only comment with standard auctioneer speak: "Base shows some age".

Meaning ... "I have no idea". :)

Title: Re: My new (old) paperweight .
Post by: BJB on January 13, 2007, 07:26:53 PM

 Thanks Kev,  I did wonder if it was an end of day piece with an unused swirly bit inside rather than the more common bubbles? And I wasn't sure if English makers used these swirly bits. Then I think I remembered from somewhere that there was no end of day things so I am confused yet again  ???

Barbara

Title: Re: My new (old) paperweight .
Post by: wrightoutlook on January 15, 2007, 05:25:20 PM

The ribbon is similar in design, color, and structure to the ribbon style in classic and highly collectible 19th-century Val St. Lambert (Belgium) paperweights. It's possible it's a very early Val St. Lambert. Very early. Perhaps even a prototype.

Title: Re: My new (old) paperweight .
Post by: KevinH on January 15, 2007, 05:42:55 PM

Yes, or maybe it's "just" a Frigger.

Title: Re: My new (old) paperweight .
Post by: Frank on January 20, 2007, 04:58:03 AM

Previously discussed

http://www.glassmessages.com/index.php/topic,5232.msg43840.html#msg43840

Title: Re: My new (old) paperweight .
Post by: KevinH on January 20, 2007, 08:40:38 PM

Yes, the previous discussion is of interest in connection with Barbara's weight.

But note that not just the French and Belgians have used red, white, blue twist canes. And the canes in Barbara's are flattened, with the colours layed out in strips, and then twisted whereas the other one has solid cylindrical sections with the colours applied around the rod. Not that this proves or disproves anything, but details like that can sometimes lead in a particular direction.

Title: Re: My new (old) paperweight .
Post by: BJB on January 21, 2007, 11:27:35 AM

Hi Kev H

I will take a photo from the side to show how the cane lookes in profile so to speak. Maybe that may help.

Many thanks for all your help so far,

Barbara