A quick summary of English paperweight production is given below.  See the excellent book Old English Paperweights by Robert Hall for more detail.

• George Bacchus and Son produced millefiori paperweights and inkwells in Birmingham from 1848 to possibly as late as 1890
• Islington Glass Works produced millefiori paperweights in Birmingham around 1850
• John Kilner produced green dump paperweights or doorstops in Wakefield from 1829 on.  The company named changed to Kilner Brothers in 1844.  Production is believed to have continued until about 1855.
• Other companies in Yorkshire and the Midlands are also produced green dump paperweights or doorstops from 1830 until at least the early 1900s, if not later
• H.G. Richardson produced millefiori paperweights and inkwells in Stourbridge from 1913 until some time in the 1920s
• Arculus was founded as R.W. Winfield of Birmingham in 1864.  It was renamed Alfred Arculus & Company in 1875.  Arculus produced millefiori paperweights and other glassware in Birmingham from around 1920 to about 1941.  During the period, Thomas and Noel Arculus left the company and produced similar items in their own factory
• John Walsh Walsh produced millefiori paperweights and other glassware from about 1915 to about 1951.  They acquired Arculus in 1931
• Whitefriars is believed to have made some millefiori paperweights and inkwells in London in the 1920s and in 1945.  It is difficult to associate specific paperweights with this production.  After 1945, they made colored glass and bubble design paperweights until the modern millefiori production started about 1951.  The Whitefriars firm closed in 1980 and the name was purchased by Caithness Glass
• There were almost certainly other factories making similar paperweights in England during the period from 1848 to 1950.  One collector, Alan Thornton, has conducted an extensive set of measurements of specific gravity and other characteristics and identified at least two other distinct groups of paperweights by unknown English factories.  He has also identified a group of paperweights that do not fall neatly into one of the established groups (see Alan Thornton's article "Old English Paperweights: Specific Gravities, Two New Groups, and Many More Questions" in the 2007 Annual Bulletin of the Paperweight Collectors Association)

Modern Whitefriars paperweights are prized by collectors for their high quality glass and millefiori designs.  The limited edition paperweights with mosaic canes are especially sought.

In addition to the millefiori paperweights discussed above, there is another category of collectible English paperweights.  Green glass paperweights, mantle ornaments and doorstops originated as early as 1820 and continued to be made as late as 1914.  They are made from green and blue bottle glass in factories founded by John Kilner of Wakefield and other bottle makers in the Midlands and Northern regions.  There are articles on this topic in 2002, 2003 and 2005 annual bulletins of the Paperweight Collectors Association.  You can also read about them in Hall's Old English Paperweights by Robert Hall.  Often referred to as green dumps, the most desirable are those with well executed floral designs, sulphide inclusions, or colored flowers.  Even more desirable is a signed example.  Since they are made form bottle glass, these paperweights often show signs of rough handling with chips or internal fractures.

If you would like to purchase any of these paperweights, e-mail me at: aport@paperweights.com
 

2790	Magnum Whitefriars 1976 Christmas Millefiori Paperweight - Three Kings.   circa 1976.  This is a hard to find Whitefriars Christmas featuring a millefiori mosaic of the Three Kings or Wise Men with a Star of Bethlehem shining above them.  There is a blue carpet ground of complex millefiori canes and also a millefiori garland of complex canes on the outside.  This weight is numbered 274.  There is a Whitefriars signature cane with a white monk and the year 1976.  It also has a Whitefriars paper label.  It comes with its original round Whitefriars and cardboard outer box.  This design has sold for as much as $800 in LH Selman Auctions.  My price is lower. The Christmas weights were limited editions made in 1975 through 1980, each with a different Christmas theme.   The central pictorial mosaic cane was created by Ray Annenberg.  Ray started working at Whitefriars in 1953 and became their chief cane maker in 1972.  Size:  3 1/4" diameter by just under 2" high.  The base is ground concave. Faceted with one top facet and five side facets. Condition:  Outstanding condition.  No chips, cracks or scratches.  Signature:  Signed in cane with a Whitefriars 1976 cane and also has a Whitefriars paper label.  Numbered on the bottom with the number 274.  It comes with its original Whitefriars round box and cardboard outer box.  Execution:  Perfect execution.  For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture of the paperweight Closeup view Profile view Signature Cane Bottom View Another Profile view showing paper label SOLD. Click on the picture to see a larger image.	Click on the picture to see a larger image
2966	Caithness Period Whitefriars 1985 Faceted Millefiori Paperweight with Butterfly Cane.  circa 1985.  This paperweight with three rings of pink and white complex millefiori around the complex central cane over a translucent blue ground.  The complex center cane consists of two rings of pink and white millefiori around a central butterfly silhouette cane.  Every millefiori cane in this paperweight is a complex cane.  It is faceted with one large top facet and six smaller side facets.  It is signed and dated on the bottom with the Whitefriars signature cane dated 1985 and a Whitefriar silhouette.  A wonderful design This paperweight is one of the transition period paperweights issued after Caithness purchased the Whitefriars name in 1980.  It is not clear which factory made it, but it is easy to suspect it was made in Scotland by the construction.  It does not appear in any of the Whitefriars catalogs nor in the Colin Terris publications on Caithness.  I have seen this paperweight with a 1984 date and also a 1985 date.  It may also exist for other years.  Whitefriars closed in 1980 and the name was purchased by Caithness Glass.  Caithness was founded by Robin Sinclair in Wick in north eastern Scotland in 1961.  The factory did not start making paperweights until 1962 when Paul Ysart joined Caithness.  Colin Terris joined Caithness in 1968 and started the modern line of paperweights in 1969.  A second factory was opened in Oban in 1969 and the Perth factory opened in 1979.  In 1980, Caithness purchased the Whitefriars name and designs.  More recently Caithness recently went through a number of changes of ownership.  It was purchased by Edinburgh Crystal in 2004 and then by Dartington Crystal in 2006.  The company remains in business today.  Size:  2 1/3" diameter by 1 5/8" high.  The base is ground flat.  Faceted with one large top facet and six smaller side facets. Condition:  Excellent condition.  No chips or cracks.  The base has minor scratches consistent with the age of this paperweight.  Signature:  Signed in cane with a Whitefriars 1985 cane on the base.  Execution:  Perfect execution.  For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture of the paperweight Closeup view Profile view Signature Cane SOLD. Click on the picture to see a larger image.	Click on the picture to see a larger image
2848	Whitefriars 1980 Millefiori Garland Paperweight - with Rose Center.   circa 1980.  This rare Whitefriars Millefiori Garland is from the last year of Whitefriars production before they were acquired by Caithness Glass.  It features a six lobed garland around a central arrangement of pink and yellow canes including a central rose cane.  The ground is a translucent green and there is a Whitefriars signature and date cane in the garland.  The paperweight is finished with a complex ribbed faceting and one large facet on top.  The paperweight has the appropriate 1980 label which was an oval gold label with a picture of the monk and the words “HANDMADE IN ENGLAND Whitefriars FULL LEAD CRYSTAL”.  This label is quite rare and was used only at the end of the company's existence. Medium Size:  Just over 2 1/2" diameter by 1 5/8" high.  The base is ground concave. Faceted with one top facet and there is a complex pattern of ribbed facets on the side. It is possible that the side facets may be molded rather than cut. Condition:  Outstanding condition.  No chips, cracks or scratches.  Signature:  Signed in cane with a Whitefriars 1980 cane and also has a gold Whitefriars paper label.  Execution:  Perfect execution.  For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture of the paperweight Close-up View Side View Signature Cane Label SOLD Click on the picture to see a larger image.	Click on the picture to see a larger image
910	Magnum Antique English Green Glass Dump Paperweight with Seven Foil Flowers.   circa 1840-1860.   This is an unusual example with a four level design.  There is one large central flower plus two layers of smaller flowers all in a small flower pot.  Possibly made by John Kilner of Wakefield, England.  A very showy example. Large Size:   4 3/4" tall by 3 1/4" diameter.  Condition:  Good condition although this paperweight does have four circular impact marks ranging up to ¼” in size (three on the sides plus one on near the bottom).  The bottom is rough with signs of abuse and wear.  Signature:  Unsigned, but I guarantee this is an antique English paperweight.  For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture of the paperweight Another view of the paperweight Another large picture Bottom view SOLD. Click on the picture to see a larger image.	Click on the picture to see a larger image
2462	Magnum Antique English Green Glass Bubble Dump Paperweight. circa 1840-1900.  Wonderful antique English bubble dump paperweight.  The controlled bubble arrangement looks like a fountain of bubbles.  This particular example is in almost flawless condition.  Large Size:  3 1/3" diameter by 3 1/2" tall. Condition:  Excellent Condition.  There are a few tiny defects to the surface but nothing that I would call significant.  Appropriate wear on the base.  Signature:  Unsigned, but I guarantee this is an antique English paperweight.  The bottom is unfinished with the remnants of the pontil mark. Execution:  Near perfect execution.  This paperweight has a surface ridge shown in the pictures.  This is left over from the gaffers cup.  The maker should have smoothed it out and must have missed it.  For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture of the paperweight Profile View with arrow showing surface ridge Bottom View $135 postage paid in the US. Click on the picture to see a larger image.	Click on the picture to see a larger image
2787	Large Whitefriars 1972 Paneled Closepack Millefiori Paperweight. circa 1972.   Wonderful design with many complex millefiori canes tightly packed into five panels separated by a twist cane.  This is over a dark blue ground.  There is a Whitefriars signature cane with a white monk and the year 1972.  With a honeycomb type of faceting with one top facet and 25 side facets.  Large Size:  Just under 3" diameter by 2 1/16" high.  The base is ground concave. Faceted with a total of 26 facets, one top facet and 25 side facets in three rows (10 + 5 + 10) Condition:  Excellent condition.  No chips, cracks or scratches found on inspection Signature:  Signed in cane with a Whitefriars 1972 in the design.  Execution:  Perfect execution.  For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture of the paperweight Closeup view Profile view Signature Cane Bottom View SOLD. Click on the picture to see a larger image.	Click on the picture to see a larger image
2177	Old English Concentric Paperweight.   circa 1920.  This paperweight has four rings of transparent blue, white, and red millefiori canes around a blue and white central cane.  The outer ring and the 2nd ring are all white.  The maker cannot be identified.  However, it has a cross cane found in the group of paperweights known as Old English group 1.  Size: 3 1/8" diameter by 2" tall.  Very good condition with only minor surface wear.  It has the setup and low profile typical to old English paperweights from factories such as Walsh-Walsh and Arculus.  $195 postage paid in the US. Click on the picture to see a larger image.	Click on the picture to see a larger image
2202	Whitefriars Cone Shaped Faceted Concentric Paperweight.   circa 1978.  This paperweight has five concentric rings of star and cog canes (green, yellow, red, green, and purple) around a complex center cane.  The center cane consists of two additional rings of millefiori.  There are six elongated side facets and one top facet.  Typical heavy Whitefriars lead crystal.  It is signed in cane with a Whitefriars signature cane with a white monk and the designation 1978.  There is also a paper label "WHITEFRIARS FULL LED CRYSTAL MADE IN ENGLAND" (not shown in the pictures). Large Size: 3" diameter by 3" tall.  It is faceted with one top facet and six side facets.  Signed in cane and dated 1978.  The bottom is ground concave with the millefiori set close to the base (typical of Whitefriars weights).  Also signed with the Whitefriars paper label. Excellent condition:  No flaws found on inspection.  $435 postage paid in the US. Click on the picture to see a larger image.	Click on the picture to see a larger image
2786	Large Whitefriars 1978 Closepack Millefiori Paperweight.  circa 1978.   Wonderful design with many elaborate complex millefiori canes tightly packed into rich mosaic of canes.  Faceted with one top facet and a total of 24 side facets in three rows.  There is a Whitefriars signature cane with a white monk and the year 1978.  It also has a Whitefriars paper label.  It comes with its original round Whitefriars and cardboard outer box. Large Size:  2 15/16" diameter by 1 7/8" high.  The base is ground concave. Faceted with a total of 25 facets, one top facet and 24 side facets in three rows (6 + 6 + 12) Condition:  Outstanding condition.  No chips, cracks or scratches.  Signature:  Signed in cane with a Whitefriars 1978 cane and also has a Whitefriars paper label.  It comes with its original Whitefriars round box and cardboard outer box.  Execution:  Perfect execution.  For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture of the paperweight Closeup view Profile view Signature Cane Another profile view showing a different side SOLD Click on the picture to see a larger image.	Click on the picture to see a larger image
2200	Whitefriars Faceted Concentric Paperweight.   circa 1960-1980.  This paperweight has five concentric rings of star canes (amber, white, and brown) around a star center.  The second ring from the outside has alternating white and brown star canes.  The white canes feature an unusual five pointed star with a white surround.  Typical heavy Whitefriars lead crystal.  Large Size: 3 1/8" diameter by just over 1 7/8" tall.  It is faceted with one top facet and five side facets.  The bottom is ground concave with the millefiori set close to the base (typical of Whitefriars weights).  Unsigned, but I guarantee that this is a modern Whitefriars paperweight.  Excellent condition.  No flaws found on inspection. SOLD Click on the picture to see a larger image.	Click on the picture to see a larger image
2201	Whitefriars Magnum Garland Paperweight.   circa 1976.  This beautiful paperweight features intertwined millefiori garlands made of light green and light blue canes.  In the center of the paperweight and in the center of each lobe is a pink and white complex cane.  The ground is a dark blue (almost black).  It is an extra large paperweight made of heavy lead crystal.  A magnificent addition to any collection. There is a Whitefriars signature cane with a white monk and the date 1976.  The signature cane was placed upside down and is reversed.  See close-ups. Large Size: 3 5/16" diameter by 2 1/8" tall.  It is faceted with one top facet and six side facets.  Excellent condition with no chips or cracks.  There are a few tiny bubbles in the glass. SOLD Click on the picture to see a larger image.	Click on the picture to see a larger image
2539	Magnum Whitefriars Olympic Garland Paperweight with Complex Mosaic Olympic Torch Cane. circa 1976.  Made to commemorate the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal, Canada, this paperweight features the five Olympic rings representing the five continents and the Olympic torch over a dark blue (almost black) ground.  The five rings are a garland of five interlocking rings of red and white millefiori canes.  There are two complex date canes with the number 19 and 76 on each side of the torch.  The torch with its flames and holder is a mosaic cane made up of hundreds of individual canes.  There is also one lone blue and white Whitefriars signature cane in the ring on the bottom left.  Faceted with six side facets and a large top facet.  Numbered on the bottom 276.  Magnum Size:  Just over 3 3/8" diameter by just over 1 7/8" high.  The base is ground concave. Faceted with a top facet and six side facets. Condition:  Excellent condition.  No chips, cracks or major scratches. On close inspection when taking the pictures, I found two faint scratches on the side.  Signature:  Signed in the design with a Whitefriars cane and and also dated in the design with two canes "19" and "76".  It is numbered 276, but I don't know the size of the edition.  Execution:  Perfect execution.  For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture of the paperweight Closeup view Profile view SOLD. Click on the picture to see a larger image.	Click on the picture to see a larger image
2196	Vintage Magnum Whitefriars Paperweight Inkwell.   circa 1920-1930.  This magnificent  inkwell has a concentric pattern in both the base and the top.   The base has six concentric rings (blue, white, pink, blue white, pink) around a central floral cane.  The stopper top has five concentric rings (blue, white, pink, blue, white) also around a central floral cane.  The centers of many of the pink and blue canes are heart shaped, but I cannot be sure that was the maker's intent.  It may be a distortion.  The white canes have a five lobed floret in the center.  There is also a slight foot at the base of the bottle. This is probably the product of the Arculus or Walsh-Walsh factory. Very Large Size: 3 7/8" diameter by 6 1/2" tall.  Excellent condition with no chips or cracks.  There are a few bubbles in the glass including two long bubbles near the base.  The bottom is ground concave with the millefiori set close to the base (typical of Whitefriars type weights).  This type of bottle typically carries an estimate in the $650 to $1,000 range in Selman's auctions.  SOLD Click on the picture to see a larger image.	Click on the picture to see a larger image
2286	Whitefriars Faceted Concentric Paperweight.   circa 1960-1980.  This paperweight has six concentric rings of star canes (yellow, purple, green, yellow, purple, green) around a star center.  It has an amber look, but the canes are more yellow than amber.  Typical heavy Whitefriars lead crystal.  Large Size: 3" diameter by just over 2" tall.  It is faceted with one top facet and five side facets.  The bottom is ground concave with the millefiori set close to the base (typical of Whitefriars weights).  Unsigned, but I guarantee that this is a modern Whitefriars paperweight. Very good condition.  However there are tiny flaws or nicks on the facets.  There are also a few tiny bubbles in the glass typical of Whitefriars weights.  Low price for a weight of this type. SOLD Click on the picture to see a larger image.	Click on the picture to see a larger image
1446	Magnum Antique English Green Glass Dump Paperweight with One Large Flower and Flowerpot.   circa 1840-1860.   This is an unusual example with a single large flower and large flowerpot.  Possibly made by John Kilner of Wakefield, England.  An interesting example that looks better than it shows in the pictures. Large Size:   4" tall by 3 1/2" diameter.  The bottom is cone shaped with the center ground out, but the pontil mark remains.  Condition:  Very good condition although this paperweight does have some surface scuffs and scratches.  No chips or cracks.  Signature:  Unsigned, but I guarantee this is an antique English paperweight.  For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture of the paperweight Another view of the paperweight Bottom view SOLD. Click on the picture to see a larger image.	Click on the picture to see a larger image

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Revised 8/7/2011