paperweights: United Kingdom

England and Scotland have interesting histories when it comes to paperweight manufacture. For English weights, more information see the book Old English Paperweights by Robert Hall. There are several books on Scottish weights.

PW2584. Whitefriars 1977 Museum piece. Six-row concentric closepack from Whitefriars in England Embedded with the canes is a signature/date cane with the Whitefriars monk and the year 1977, which is when Whitefriars weights were still being made in England (before they sold the name to a Scottish company – after 1980 so-called Whitefriars weights were made by Caithness). The label on the side reads: “Whitefriars Full Lead Crystal Made in England.” The condition is excellent. 1 13/16 inches tall; 3 3/16 inches diameter; one pound and four ounces.  Comes with one of the old-style hat box boxes which is also in fine condition. $150

PW3135. Perthshire Limited Edition Annual Collection 1973A Swan on the Pond (250 made). This was Perthshire’s first hollow weight, seemingly influenced by antique Baccarat hollow weights. An antique Baccarat weight features a single white swan inside a hollow faceted weight with a star cut base, same as this. There’s just enough green to give the hint of a pond. The swan is alluring.  3 1/8 inch diameter; 2 9/16 inches tall; fifteen ounces.  Condition is excellent/perfect.   $375

PW2841. Whitefriars 1970 Museum piece. Seven Row Closepack Concentric. Embedded with the canes is a signature/date cane with the Whitefriars monk and the year 1970, which is when Whitefriars weights were still being made in England (before they sold the name to a Scottish company – after 1980 so-called Whitefriars weights were made by Caithness). The condition is excellent, like new. 2 1/16 inches tall; 3 1/16 inches diameter; one pound and five ounces.  $125

PW401. Strathearn Closepack Millefiori Museum Piece. 1960s-1970s. Large concentric closepack with many especially complex canes that sit on a deep blue translucent base. Condition is remarkably perfect for such an aged weight – nearly invisible shelfwear is all that separates it from perfection. 3 1 /16 inch diameter; 2 3/8 inches tall; one pound and three ounces. $85

PW765. Strathearn Closepack Millefiori Museum Piece. 1960s-1970s. Large perfectly executed concentric closepack with crisp canes of many colors sitting on a medium blue base. Condition practically unbelievable – almost perfect and it even has its original label. 3 inch diameter; 2 3/8 inches tall; one pound and two ounces. $70