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Glass Identification - Post here for all ID requests => Glass Paperweights => Topic started by: casalibre on July 21, 2013, 10:09:03 PM

Title: can anybody id this antique french paperweight?
Post by: casalibre on July 21, 2013, 10:09:03 PM

on ebay germany runs an antique french paperweight:
http://www.ebay.de/itm/Briefbeschwerer-Paperweight-FRANKREICH-ANTIK-Starfish-Millefiori-Canes-/380681212002?pt=Glas_Kristall&hash=item58a25e5062
I am interested but con not ID the weight.
Any opinions?!

Title: Re: can anybody id this antique french paperweight?
Post by: tropdevin on July 22, 2013, 11:40:06 AM

***

Hi.

I originally thought this was one of the group of 'starfish cane' paperweights of unknown make that I have written about in the PCC Newsletter, and which formed part of my talk at the PCA Convention in New Orleans.  I have several from this factory, and know of around 20 weights that use these canes. Some are spaced concentrics, some are colour grounds, one is sodden snow, some are harlequins, some use aventurine.

I first saw images of this paperweight several months ago.  Now, with these better close-up images, I am not so sure. I cannot spot the characteristic 'starfish' shape canes with 5 arms around a central circle - just some 5 point stars. Whether this paperweight definitely belongs in that group, I am no longer certain.

The 'starfish cane' paperweights have - so far - been found mainly in the UK, France, and the USA - which does not help much. A couple have been found in Austria, a couple in Germany, one in Spain.  I suspect that they were made in the later part of the 19th Century, and were based on classic French / Alsace / Belgian designs.  My hunch is that they were made either in France or Belgium. 

Alan

Title: Re: can anybody id this antique french paperweight?
Post by: paperweights on July 22, 2013, 03:11:44 PM

Just a thought.  When I look at the ground, it says "Scottish" to me, even if the canes do not. 

Title: Re: can anybody id this antique french paperweight?
Post by: casalibre on July 22, 2013, 04:56:13 PM

Thank you both for responding.
Allan: I know your knowledge about paperweights really appreciate it very much, but more than a subjective impression your comments but really can not be. It is certainly not a serious option.
Alan: Thank you for your extensive and thoughtful comment.
Safety does not seem to be here.
If you would let speak your feeling:
would be Europe (except Scotland) leading your intention?
My guess is: west of the German river Rhine.