Paperweight

Paperweights have been around for centuries. These fascinating collectible and practical desktop decoration items are usually made from glass, although sometimes other materials such as clear acrylic, may have been used. They are collected and appreciated for their aesthetic value and Artistic design. The most valuable ones are made of heavy solid glass, hand-blown, and have a flat base and a domed top which acts like a magnifying lens to make even the smallest detail of the enclosed flowers or other objects more visible.

The dome or base may be faceted or etched. The paperweight may have a coating of one or several thin layers of colored glass, and have windows cut through it to reveal the interior motif. The ground on which the inner parts rest may be clear or colored, have a granular ground made of unfused sand, or resemble lace in which case it is called latticinio, with the Italian word meaning fine lace.

Paperweights are designed by Artists, in collaboration with technicians. Some have literally no value because being mass-produced. The real expensive ones are either antique, or made in limited quantities so these would have very high value.

The following is just a sample of what awaits you at Classic Treasures!

According to wiki, antique paperweights were made primarily in three French factories, between 1845 - 1860: Baccarat, St. Louis, and Clichy. Weights (mainly of lesser quality) were also made in the U.S., Great Britain, and elsewhere, though Bacchus (UK) and New England Glass Company (USA) produced some that equaled the best of the French. St. Louis is producing limited quantities (100 to 300) again today. Modern weights have been made from about 1950 to the present.

Workmanship, design, rarity, and condition determine the value of a paperweight. They range in price from a few dollars, to a record $258,500 once paid for an antique French weight. Antique weights, of which perhaps 10,000 or so survive (mostly in museums), generally appreciate steadily in value.

Visible flaws, such as bubbles, striations and scratches affect the value. Glass should not have a yellow or greenish cast, and there should be no unintentional asymmetries, or unevenly spaced or broken elements. In a modern piece, an identifying mark and date are imperative.

You can learn more about the Murano Art glass factory and its history here: