My Secret Drawer. About ten to twenty years ago, during the peak of my glass paperweight accumulation, I started to put a few extra special Murano weights in a drawer in my study. These were for me, and I never before have offered any of them for sale. Once the drawer was full, I more or less forgot about it. I just decided it was time. The weights were under a thick layer of dust. It is a joy to visit with them again. The best Murano weights are as good as any made anywhere.
PW1543. Murano AVEM concentric closepack. Excellent collector weight from my secret drawer. Condition is excellent. 3 1/8 inch diameter; 2 7/8 inches tall; one pound and four ounces. $130
PW2047. Murano concentric closepack. Excellent collector weight from my secret drawer. This is one of the best Murano weights I have seen, in my opinion. The color combination of the canes is fantastic. Note that only one of the canes is different. The yellow really pops, but the base outshines with a killer combination of colors including gold aventurine – similar to tutti frutti. Condition is perfect, as if brand new. 3 1/8 inch diameter; 2 7/8 inches tall; one pound and four ounces. $250
PW3244. Murano AVEM concentric closepack. Excellent collector weight from my secret drawer. This is one of the best weights I have owned, in my opinion.. The color combinations are strictly stunning, including the colorful glass bits that comprise the base. Condition is excellent. It has been well taken care of. 3 1/16 inch diameter; 2 5/8 inches tall; one pound and five ounces. $300
Importer label KB (“An Original Creation by KB Made in Italy”) silver and blue foil sticker is the sticker of the importer, Koscherak Brothers of New York and dates a paperweight to 1960s- 1970s. I did a little research based on the sticker on the base from Miss Robertson’s Shop in the Menger Hotel in San Antonio. The Menger Hotel was established in 1859, right next to The Alamo. The list of famous guests is impressive. Originally a two-story hotel, the Menger quickly became the social and political hub of the region, hosting some of history’s most legendary figures. They hosted numerous famous figures, including U.S. Presidents (Taft, McKinley, Teddy Roosevelt, Truman, Nixon, Eisenhower, and Clinton), military leaders Sam Houston and Robert E. Lee, Babe Ruth, Mae West, Sarah Bernhardt, Buffalo Bill, and Annie Oakley. Its history as a social hub attracted historical figures, artists, and politicians, making it a landmark for famous guests and ghost stories alike. I will note here that I also stayed at Menger. It was around 1990, and I was there for a legal training on prosecuting crimes against children. This paperweight sold there in the 60s or 70s. That fact illustrates the importance of Murano weights of the time as beautiful works of glass art that were compatible to be sold along with antiques and sterling silver gifts.
PW3169. Murano orange sea urchin. I have no idea how this was made, but it’s an interesting and usual piece. Stunning collector weight from my secret drawer. Flat polished top and base. Condition is excellent with a few small scratches or rubs. 3 7/16 inch diameter; 2 3/8 inches tall; one pound and ten ounces. $140