Glass Message Board
Glass Identification - Post here for all ID requests => Glass Paperweights => Topic started by: KevinH on November 08, 2008, 02:33:59 AM
-
This is posted for a friend. I was sure I knew where to look for this one but ended up at a total loss! Any ideas on country, let alone possible maker? Click for the big pictures.
-
I've seen a few of these, and they were described as American (folk art, I think?) They usually say "Good Luck", "To a Friend", etc.
-
Hi Kev
I agree with Tzenka. American probably West Virginia area - either the Gentile family or possibly Ed Rithner.
Best regards
Derek
-
Thanks folks, I'll pass on the info.
-
I also agree re: West Virginia....though every Gentile PW I ever had was marked.....(but I assume if an early one....may not be)..
-
Although some weights were signed, most Gentile weights prior to 1975 were not signed.
-
Thanks Janet and Alan. I will pass that info on, too.
-
I have one that says "Relax My Darling" with very nice controlled bubbles. I once read that they were often frigger weights, but definitely American.
-
Hi Kari
Some are frigger weights and generally these will be the ones that have a name or initials.
However the majority of these weights will have been made in large numbers using a die. There are some excellent illustrations of the dies used in Jean Melvins book - "American glass paperweights and their makers" revised edition. Long out of print it is easy to find secondhand however - try abebooks.
Best regards
Derek
-
Another question: When were the Gentile "message weights" made?
Jean Melvin's book (second edition 1970 - in which I have now found the reference (page 71) to the "Good Luck" weights I was originally searching for) gives an excellent coverage of many American makers who are not covered in much depth in other books. However, I find it difficult to understand what type of weights were made at what time by Gentile (and others) as the text on dating is, at best, quite generalised. (Or maybe I need to study the book more closely?)
Were the Gentile "message weights" made by both Peter and John Gentile? If so, it would seem they range from 1920s (or earlier?) through to at least the 1960s. Also, there is a reference to the use of "older dies" by Gentile but no real detail on how old!
-
Thanks! This is a really interesting topic.
When I got "Relax", I had initially been outbid because I was away and hadn't known to snipe. It was quite inexpensive but I really liked the message. The original buyer must have backed out as they offered it to me.
Since then, I have seen 2 others with the same sentiment, but not nearly as well-made. They seemed much more crudely done: the colors not harmonious, no controlled bubbles, as well as the fact that mine is on a cushion as opposed to a mottled color-ground. I had thought the phrase somewhat unique, as I still don't see it as often as the "Home Sweet Home" or "Mother" weights, but the one I own seems to be created in a somewhat different manner.
Any ideas?
-
Hum ! very strange, I posted a reply to Kev's last message at about 5pm and it has disappeared!
Kev
The Melvin book on page 71 states :
"Many of the Gentile motto dies were first used by Peter Gentile at the Fry factory at Rochester"
Peter Gentile was there from 1911 and the factory closed in the "early twenties" (Melvin p61).
Melvin P61 states "Peter bought many of his glass tools moulds and dies with him to Morganstown."
Peter was at Morganstown until 1947 having spent 25 years there which would put the closure of the Fry factory at 1921 or 1922.
So clearly die weights were made by the Gentile family from the earliest days.
Kari
Melvin also states P70/1 that " the more common Gentile weight designs that are sold to jobbers and gift shops through the
USA and Canada today (book revised 1970) have designs of yesteryear including mottos ................."relax my darling" .............
Many of the Gentile motto dies were first used by Peter Gentile at the Fry Factory..........."
Best regards
Derek
-
Well gosh, where does that leave my "Relax"?