French Paperweights by Clichy. The Clichy-la-Garenne Glassworks began to produce glass paperweights in the outskirts of Paris in the 1840s and continued until about 1870. No paperweights more beautiful than these have ever been made.
PW2059. Clichy Checker Museum Piece (circa 1850). Completely original Clichy checker. Only Clichy made checker weights during the Classical Period. The canes are separated by short lengths of delicate filigree twists and are placed over a muslin ground. In addition to a central Clichy rose, this one has eighteen all different complex Clichy canes in a nice variety of color and style, all well-spaced and expertly built. The filigree double twists on the bottom are beautifully lacy, parallel, and uniform with no breaks or cuts. The condition is remarkable. Although it has surface scratches and a small chip, it’s all original. It must be in the top 5% of remaining original condition Clichys. It could be restored to perfection, but in such rare condition, I wouldn’t alter it. 2 15/16 inch diameter; 2 1/4 inches tall (a nice high dome); one pound and four ounces. $2200
PW1542. Clichy Museum Piece 1845-1860. Elegant dark, cobalt blue color ground. Dunlop discusses Clichy color grounds: “Not only did they make the most, they made the best! The colors are well chosen. The weights are bright and cheerful.” I could not agree more. Fantastic canes arranged 3-4-5-4-3 for a total of 19. The condition is excellent. The base is original and shows appropriate mild basal rim wear. 2 15/16 of an inch diameter; 2 inches tall; one pound two ounces. $2000
PW1650. Clichy Spaced on Crystal Ground Museum Piece (circa 1850). The Clichy canes are arranged 4-5-6-7-6-5-4 for total of 37 stellar canes. The canes are unusually tightly packed, almost a closepack.
The condition is rare and remarkable because it is 100% original and has never been restored, yet it has only a few tiny nicks and light scratches. Original, unrestored paperweights that are this old – about 175 years old – are extraordinarily rare and desirable. 2 15/16 inch diameter; 2 inches tall; one pound and two ounces. $2000
ABOVE: PW2710. Clichy Spaced on Clear Museum Piece (circa 1850). A pink rose, a white rose, and two edelweiss canes are just part of the picture in this substantial piece. Beautiful canes in crystal clear glass are arranged 4-5-6-7-6-5-4 for a total of 37 crisp canes. The condition is excellent, as if you walked into a Parisian shop in 1855. 3 1/8 inch diameter; 2 5/16 inches tall; one pound and eight ounces. $1500
ABOVE: PW1429. Clichy Museum Piece 1845-1860. Elegant dark, cobalt blue, concentric Edelweiss, color ground. This one is more translucent than others I have seen in cobalt blue. It’s a real gem, like a sapphire. I could describe the canes, but it’s easier just to look at the images. Take note of the many, elegant, famous Clichy edelweiss canes that dominate the design. A significant and rare piece. 42 edelweiss canes in one weight. Dunlop discusses Clichy color grounds: “Not only did they make the most, they made the best! The colors are well chosen. The weights are bright and cheerful.” I could not agree more. The dome is beautifully polished. The base is original and shows appropriate minimal basal rim wear. Condition is excellent. 3 inch diameter; 1 15/16 inches tall; one pound two ounces. $2150