Collecting Paperweights

Collecting paperweights can extend beyond the thrill of acquiring new and beautiful pieces of art. Your collection will inspire everyone around you to develop their own interest in collecting as well. During my teens, Aunt gave me a vintage paperweight every year for a birthday or a christmast gift. Before very long, I shared her life-long interest and love of glass. Paperweight collecting can be a rewarding hobby as well as a sound investment for the future.

How to begin:

This doesn’t have to be an expensive hobby. There are thousands of paperweights that are available for ten dollars or less. But the first rule of any collection is always: Begin with what you love!

Paperweights can be found in almost any size color and shape. I have a fascination with the color blue, so many of my paperweights are various hues and tones of rich deep or light blues. Then too, I prefer rounder shapes and collect that shape more frequently. So start with color and shape. If you love something, it doesn’t matter what it’s worth, does it? Start slow. Take your time & find a paperweight that just thrills you every time you look at it. Look in antique shops, on eBay, garage sales, estate sales, gift shops. eBay has remarkable values on vintage paperweights as well as contemporary glass artists and studio glass.

Antique, Vintage or Contemporary:

As paperweights have transformed from utilitarian objects to art, three periods have been determined to differentiate various paperweights.

The Classic Period represents paperweights from France, England and America from 1840’s through 1880’s. Some well known Classic Period Paperweight Manufacturers: Clichy, Baccarat, Walsh-Walsh, Bacchus, Pairpoint, Murano. ‘Millefiori’ (thousand flowers) is an ancient glass caning technique that was revived in paperweights during this period.

clichy paperweights on

baccarat paperweights at auction on

millefiori paperweights on

The Folk Art and Advertising Period began in the 1880’s, continuing through to World War II. The Larger glass factories declined during this time. This period represents paperweight manufacturers from small family-run factories. In this period of paperweights, you’ll see the world’s fair items, presidential paperweights, as well as advertising paperweights of all kinds.

advertising paperweights on

world’s fair paperweight listings

The Contemporary Period started after World War II and continues today. The Contemporary Period began from an interest in reproducing the styles and processes of classic paperweights. Thus began ‘Studio’ paperweights that you see by popular paperweight artists of today. Many of these artists are using the same techniques as the classic period, while offering their own artistry in the magic of their creations. Some popular artists of Contemporary Paperweights are: Lundberg, Lotton, Caithness, Orient & Flume, St. Clair, Joe Rice, Correia, Josh Simpson, and many others.

lundberg paperweights on

lotton paperweights listed for auction

studio paperweights at auction

orient & flume paperweights on

Grow your Collection:

You’ll notice that the higher priced paperweights often are sold in jewelry stores and art galleries. This is a great place to learn about contemporary artists and define your tastes. When I first began actively collecting paperweights, I would find an artist that I loved and then save like mad to be able to purchase a paperweight for $100 or so. When you enter this realm of paperweight collecting, a contemporary paperweight is more likely to retain its value if the item is signed by the Artist. Paperweights are often cast in limited editions, these notations are included with the signature, usually on the bottom of the paperweight. Typically it might say 123/500 meaning your paperweight was the 123rd cast out of an edition of 500 pieces. Limited edition pieces offer additional long term value to the paperweight. If you’re considering purchasing paperweights strictly for investment purposes, consider carefully storing the original box the paperweight came in as well as any paperwork accompanying the piece. These items also add to the value of your paperweight.

When you consider bidding on an eBay paperweight, be sure to do your research before you bid. Take the time to view completed items with the same title, or view similar items by the same artist. I always do a web search on the artist also, checking art gallery prices on his works. I also compare the same or similar paperweights in online antique stores to check the value of the piece. Also note any chips or repairs to the paperweight, this can greatly affect the value of the piece. Be suspicious of any paperweight that is represented as an Artist’s work and there is no reference to the signature and no photo of the signature is mentioned or shown.

Another great tip in searching any area of eBay is to deliberately mis-spell the item you’re searching for. Search for paperweghts, paperwieght, paper weight, etc. Also do the same with any Artist’s name you’re looking for: Lutton, Lotz, Stuben, etc. You can find treasures!

All Paperweights at auction on Ebay

Want to learn more? Paperweight Resources

Long Term Investment:

Art Glass Paperweights seem hold their value forever. Just the mention of the phrase “Louis Comfort Tiffany Glass” to a collector, conjures up images of glorious vases, lamps and art glass that few can afford to collect or own. To me, it’s marvelous fun to peruse the list of Fine Art Glass in eBay with searches for: Loetz, Steuben, Lotton, Lundberg, Correia, Orient & Flume. I just marvel at the beauty and value of the pieces. I also search to find paperweights that I also have in my collection and see how their value has grown over time. Chances are very good that the value of your investment in art glass paperweights will continue to grow for years.

Like Music as a Legacy:

Like parents that pass on the gift of playing the piano or violin to their children, collecting paperweights can leave a legacy. Your collection is an extension of You. When I was young, I loved visiting my Aunt’s house just to wander through her rooms of art glass. She was an avid collector of all kinds of art glass vases, vintage paperweights, lamps. I was just in awe of her collection. She was lucky enough to have several Tiffany and Stueben art glass pieces. Her glass spoke to me. It told me more about her personality, her sense of art, her love of beauty. Your collection will do the same for your family. You have the opportunity to foster your love of art glass with those around you too. Paperweights are perfect gifts to family members & friends. They last forever, grow in value and add beauty to any home. What’s more magical, perhaps, is that every time that pretty paperweight is gazed upon or held, they’re thinking of you.

References:

The Paperweight Collector’s Association, Inc., Emerald Isle, NC

Illinois State Museum: Morton D. Barker Collection, Springfield, IL