Glass Message Board
Glass Identification - Post here for all ID requests => Glass Paperweights => Topic started by: karelm on January 06, 2007, 10:22:16 AM
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http://glassgallery.yobunny.org.uk/displayimage.php?pos=-4481
http://glassgallery.yobunny.org.uk/displayimage.php?pos=-4480
(I hope I used the gallery correctly!!)
I bought these two weights today and have a couple of questions that I will appreciate help on:
Are these considered as paperweights or as something else? Edit:They are souvenir paperweights...Should have known that!
Are there people that collect these or a place on the web where more info can be obtainedYes there is a ebay group but little info on Souvenir weights?
Any idea of age, I was told 1920-1930. I could find a photograph on the web that is similar to the larger one and the dating seems about right.
Any idea on value or a reference for values?
For those that may be interested in more information:
Both are German in origin, the smaller one depicts the town of Jugenheim in central Germany and the larger the church “Maria drei Eichen” (I think that translates to “Maria of the three Oaks”. Both have these inscriptions on the photos. The smaller one it is printed on and the larger looks as if may have been written onto the photo.
The pictures have been attached to the base and are not in the glass itself.
They are 5cm and 7cm in diameter and both about 2 cm high.
Kind newbie regards ;D
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Yes, the Gallery images are fine.
Picture, or Souvenir, weights of the type you show range from 19th to early 20th century.
As far as I know, there is no formal literature on these as they are very common and are at the basic level of gift items. It might be fascinating if somebody was to produce a book covering the types of these weights and some of the history about the places or characters depicted, but I doubt that will happen as there are so many and the subjects are so various.
As for value, not a lot. Currently, searching eBay for "souvenir paperweight" (to limit the hits to a manageable number) shows some in the USA with starting or buy it now prices from $5 to $10. Another in UK has a buy it now of £10.
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Perhaps some of them may have more value to people who have a sentimental attachment to the subjects? I guess in that regard, they would be similar to postcards and other souvenirs.
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Perhaps some of them may have more value to people who have a sentimental attachment to the subjects? I guess in that regard, they would be similar to postcards and other souvenirs.
Very true, Cathy. I don't include this sort of weight in my collection, but recently I thought about buying one which came up on ebay with a picture of the Crystal Palace at Sydenham. The only reason I considered it was because my mother actually recalled seeing the Crystal Palace burn when she lived at Sydenham as a child!
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Some years ago I walked into an antiques and collectibles shop hunting for paperweights. When I asked the proprietor if she has any she showed me case after cased filled with 'picture' weights. They weren't even photographs. They were subjects like teddybears, angels and whatnot printed on foil on the backs. She had bought a load of them from someone hoping to appeal the the paperweight collector. I sincerely felt sorry for her.
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Were the foil printed teddies etc even old?
I'm just taking my cue here from 'view ware', which is what they call those souvenirs made from photos stuck to the bottoms of pressed glass dishes. These always do a bit better ($AUD 10-20) if they're of something iconic, like the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Still, not worth much.
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They were brand new. They looked like the 'stuff' I see in souvenir shops all the time. I suppose there are people who collect them. I have never met any.
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Good grief.
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Thanks for the feedback. Having a look around, souvenir weights are actually a good way of starting a collection. My reasoning is that I am going to be paying upwards of $100 for an average paperweight and upward of $1000 for a good one. (for example I saw ebay item no:330069498740 when the bidding was about $135 and said to my wife it is not even worth bidding on that because I'll never be able to reach close to what it is going to go for..it went for $1700..and that was a good value buy I believe!).
Anycase, for a vintage souvenir weight I should be paying under $20. So as a beginner I'll still be looking for a nice Murano or Ysart or any other nice weight that I can build my collection on BUT at the same time I'll be buying a lot more souvenit weights. Comments???
karelm
PS The souvenir weights will NOT include any of Glasstrufflehunter's foil teddies ;D ;D ;D
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If they appeal to you, go for it! Always collect what you like.
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There's nothing wrong with collecting souvenir paperweights. Souvenir ware is just another collecting field and in many ways quite challenging because much of it was cheap and therefore disposable. I have yet to find a good paperweight that I am prepared to afford (keeping a medical student doesn't come cheap). Much of the fun of collecting lies in the hunting. If you never find anything you can afford, there's not much fun to be had. Apparently experiences bring greater pleasure than possessions. Collect souvenir paperweights and have both, but keep your eyes open for that hidden treasure!
BTW When I was talking about hunting/finding I didn't really mean ebay, I meant in the real world. When I started collecting I found a pretty china plate for 20p. After I'd looked it up, I decided to collect this particular make covering the 20s, 30s and 40s. It isn't expensive and it isn't uncommon but although I bought plenty of it on ebay to this day I've only spotted about four pieces/sets worth buying in shops, flea markets or boot sales. It was pretty but there was no fun in the hunt. It's all packed up now waiting to be recycled on you know where
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Someone in the Paperweight Collectors Circle was commenting that young people don't seem to collect paperweights these days. I think it's obvious why not! They can't afford them - I know I can't really afford to buy what I'd like to :( :-[ But if you like Millefiori weights I would recommend collecting Peter McDougall weights. They really are very pretty, and excellent value! John D millefiori weights are cheap and good value for money, too. OK, they probably aren't ever going to rival Baccarat or Clichy, ::) but you could start a pretty little collection with these, at very reasonable prices.
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You can find some really pretty Muranos for under 20. They're so colourful and I love the variety of italian canes. I found a couple with grape cluster canes not long ago. The Italians also make very, very nice crown weights. I especially love the ones with aventurine. I pick up one or two each month as I comb ebay for bargains. I think I am on my way to becoming a serious collector of Italian weights.
I actually prefer McDougall over Clichy and Baccarat. His millefiori is colourful, intricate and astoundingly perfect. His miniatures are jewel-like and very affordable. (I have a bunch of them) JD's general range millefiori are pastel beauties and quite affordable. My newest JD I got with a Christmas bonus. It was erm a little more expensive. It features a glittery midnite blue ground that I could not resist. ;D
The best place for McDougall and JD is http://www.paperweightsplus.com/
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For starters, thanks for all the responses, I appreciate it a lot that more experienced people are prepared to take time to respond to a beginner. THANKS!
I will try to respond to each response … if that makes sense:
Cathy B:
They appeal… but a Millifior is just is so much better. But one cant buy one regularly without seriously running out of beer money >:D
Lustrousstone:….about buying online…and eBay particularly I am posting a separate topic…hopefully I don’t get ditched for posting to much!
I understand what you say about the real world. I am lucky enough to live about 2 streets away from one of the best “flea markets” in Europe, held every Saturday. If you love glass and you are ever in this neck of the woods (Vienna, Austria) please let me know I will be glad to take anybody there!!! There is nothing like seeing something 2 tables away and getting closer and closer and then realizing it is/or isn’t what you thought it was. (And even worse…then buying it and later realizing it is junk!!! That’s why I have an unidentified weigh (dated 1908) sitting right next to a piece that I believe may be a mass manufactured weight that looks like a troll :(… and I am insulting trolls!)
Leni:
I have done a search and had a look at both JD and PM weights and they are really good value. True they may not be an “investment” but if you want one of those you should be buying stocks and bonds or short selling oil. Who knows maybe one day my daughter may say that I made a shrewd investment with that paperweight with the thistle in the centre!
Sorry for the long post ;D