Topic: An atypical Whitefriars

[petern00]

This is an uncommon 'design'; as is the ground colour (albeit used extensively in other forms of Whitefriars glass).  An 'experimental' piece perhaps?

[incazzatonero]

which one?

[petern00]

Lothar.  I'm not sure what your question refers to but perhaps a fuller explanation on my part will help us both. 

The weight shown is not one of the Whitefriars production lines that I've seen previously (I stand to be corrected by those more knowledgable.).  The usual standard for precise layout is absent here: Instead we have what appears to be little more that a few canes thrown onto a ground without any care for placement or design.  [Roy Brown - whom I suspect will read this thread sooner or later ~) - might be able to confirm for us whether or not the canes are Whitefriars' stock.]

I'm speculating that this weight has been an experimental or practice piece made by one of the glassblowers for whatever reason. The absence of any facetting - a production step that would usually be applied to a weight destined for market - would be consistent with this notion. The date cane tells us that is was made during or after 1977, although before stocks reached Caithness [As far as I know the typical 'encased button' structure was never used at Caithness(?)].   

Does anyone have any other thoughts on this one?

[jamalpa36]

Hi Peter and Lothar

To start I think Lothar's query was which weight were you talking about as the reference "this" in blue was not as obvious as usual.

With reference to the weight I agree, very unusual both in ground and poor layout. I have had a quick check and find I do not have that colour ground .The more usual ground for the spaced millefiori is Blue or Green. I have found most of the canes in my weight collection so I would agree that this appears to be a trial weight made in or after 1977 .

When I first saw it I did not realise the colour was unusual so I think I have seen others but have never managed to buy one.

Just for info Peter, I have 20 unfaceted Whitefriars so they were not always faceted.  Often I prefer the unfaceted versions

Roy

[petern00]

Thanks, Roy.

The unfaceted weights are particualry attractive. Their relative simplicity appeals to me; being able to appreciate the layout without the visual distraction that comes with facets.  They appear, however, to be far less common that their faceted siblings; although perhpas not particularly under-represented when considered against the variety of cut patterns that were available.  A brochure from the mid/late '70 shows that only 5 of 36 patterns on offer were uncut.

BTW That same brochure lists 'ruby' as one of only four alternative background colours available.  So perhaps the colour wasn't as unusual as we thought, although I haven't noticed many around.

Best wishes.

[johnphilip]

It sold far too cheap and i missed it , damn .

[aurora]

....don't worry Mr Hobbs, it went to a really good home :chky:

[johnphilip]

Yes i know old Hawkeye the glass ferret got it , well done Rich . :hiclp: :thup: