Topic: Help ID this paperweight, possible Mdina?

[Mactonex]

Hi,

if anyone could help ID this paperweight I would be very grateful.

It has no signature or sticker and I know nothing about it's history or origins. It is about 9cm in height.

Someone has suggested it may be Mdina.

Thanks,

Tony

[chopin-liszt]

I'm afraid not. This is a fairly contemporary Chinese weight, but often mistaken for being Mdina.
Welcome to the board.

[Mactonex]

Hi,

thanks for that. For my own edification (and not because I don't believe you) how do you know? Is it through experience or are there tell-tale signs that I could be looking out for when I go for paperweight number two in my collection? :-)

Tony

[chopin-liszt]

I keep an eye out for what is being sold in the Heart Foundation shops. They sell a lot of contemporary chinese weights, you get to recognise them. 
The colours used are not the same colours as were used at Mdina. Mdina often used silver chloride to colour the glass - so each piece is unique. Silver will turn bule glass green or clear glass various shades between yellow and deep ochre, depending on the concentration.

[Mactonex]

That's useful to know, thank you.

What sort of prices would you expect to pay for something like this? I bought it at auction on a whim for £4, and was (and still am) very happy with that cos I think it's lovely.

Tony

[chopin-liszt]

   They were £4.99, new.

[Mactonex]

I GOT A BARGAIN!

:-)

Thanks for your help with this.

Tony

[chopin-liszt]

You're welcome.
Stick around the board a bit if you like glass, you'll learn loads and discover all sorts of fascinating things.
It's kind of addictive... and quite friendly too.