Topic: An unusual black glass paperweight

[ahremck]

Any ideas as to maker and/or vintage?

Ross

[tropdevin]

***

Hi.  I think this is an old 'linen smoother' rather than a paperweight.  These were made in many glass factories, often as friggers, and have even been found in Viking graves.  They appear in many materials. Try Googling 'linen smoother' for more info.

Alan

[ahremck]

An interesting suggestion, Alan.  However, two thoughts that immediately arose were (1) Why is the base not smooth? & (2) Why has the number not worn off due to rubbing?

Ross

[KevinH]

I may be mistaken, but it seems that there may be a name above the "161" - perhaps starting with "Gerbe..".

If this item was used as a linen press, or even as a paperweight, and not subjected to any hard surface, then perhaps it would be unlikely to have much wear to the base. Is the base perfectly flat?

[ahremck]

The base is flat but not polished.  There are as you can see spiral scratches evident.  Closer inspection shows a series of concentric groves(very shallow).  No lettering of any kind shows.

Ross

[flying free]

This is really odd - I have seen two more of these, but both with gilded bands and both have the number 161 enamelled on them as well.

Mine has nothing on it.

And from some research on a labelled version the same shape but in malachite pattern glazed pottery apparently, it appears that label (Perry & co) would have been the company name up until 1876 when they became Perry & Co Ltd.


m

[flying free]

I'm not sure if this has anything to do with the marking but I came across these 19th century glass bottles two of which are also marked with coloured enamel numbers codes on the base - they originate from All Souls College Oxford.

http://www.aaawt.com/html/ceramic_gallery5.html

And whilst the photo might make the base look slightly different in this one, and the seller has listed it as pottery,  I'm pretty sure it's the same as Ross's weight.  It also has the same 161 enamelled on the base of it.

http://www.xupes.com/Antiques-Fine-Art/Product-Details/2972/POTTERY-ENAMELLED-PAPERWEIGHT/Rare-Antique-Pottery-Black-Enamelled-Paperweight-Early-19th-C.html
m