Scottish Paperweights & Related Objects for Sale
Scottish Paperweights & Related Objects for Sale
The birth of Scottish paperweight making is credited to the glass making family of Salvador Ysart, who moved to Crieff, Scotland in 1922. They worked first at John Moncrieff Ltd and made the earliest Scottish paperweights during that period. In 1946 Salvadore and his sons Augustine and Vincent founded Ysart Brothers Glass and produced glass wares under the Vasart label. Salvador Ysart died in 1955 The company name was later changed to Vasart Glass.
Stuart Drysdale was hired manage the business side of the enterprise in 1960. Vincent Ysart was the Works Manager. George Dunlop provided a portion of the financial backing. The senior craftsman, Jack Allen, was assisted by two glass blowers and a few apprentices.
Strathearn Glass was formed in a reorganization of Vasart glass in 1963. The new company was owned by Teachers Whiskey.
In 1967 Drysdale was sent a magazine article on antique paperweights (Woman's Day, July 1965). The inspired him to try to produce weights comparable to the French antiques. With this goal in mind, he and several of the glass workers left Strathearn to found Perthshire in 1968. From that start we have several Scottish Paperweight companies, including Caithness, John Deacons, William Manson, Peter McDougall, Phoenix, and Selkirk. Be sure to also check out my Perthshire page.
Peter McDougall was one of the very young glass workers who left Strathearn in 1968. When Perthshire closed in 2002 he was the head craftsman of Perthshire. Peter now has his own studio PMcD Glass Studio and makes paperweights under his own name. For a selection of Peter's paperweights, see my PMcD page.
John Deacons, another Scottish glass worker, also started his glassmaking career at Strathearn Glass in 1967. A year later in 1968, he left Strathearn and joined the new Perthshire venture. After about ten years at Perthshire he decided to leave and start his own company, Jay Glass, in 1978, which remained in operation until 1983. During that period, it produced paperweights under the Jay Glass label and also others signed St.K for St. Kilda and JD for John Deacons. John Deacons continues to make paperweights under his own label today.
Caithness Glass 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.
Allan Scott apprenticed at Perthshire and then joined Jay Glass shortly after it started and was responsible for much of the lampwork. When Jay Glass closed in 1983, he joined Caithness Glass where he stayed until 2007.
Another Scottish factory was Selkirk founded in 1977 by Peter Holmes and Ron Hutchinson. Peter apprenticed under Paul Ysart at Caithness from 1963 and continued at Caithness until 1977. Ron Hutchinson was also at Caithness. Selkirk produced a wide range of paperweight styles including abstract, lampwork and millefiori paperweights. The company was located in Selkirk, Scotland in the Borders Region. At some point they were purchased by Edinburgh Crystal and remained in operation until 2006.
For more information, you can read about the Scottish paperweights in these two books:
And of course you might want to look at the Woman's Day article that inspired Stuart Drysdale to found Perthshire. For these and other great references on paperweights, check out my list of paperweight books for sale.If you would like to purchase
any of these paperweights, e-mail me at:
aport@paperweights.com
| 2264 | Vasart / Lassman Millefiori Paperweight Handle Bottle Opener. circa
1950-1960. The firm of Lassman & Co designed and produced this
bottle opener opener and a variety of other useful objects during the 1950s
and 1960s. The millefiori paperweight handle was made by the Ysart
family of Scotland and has a concentric design on a dark blue colored ground
that matches the setup and canes of other Vasart paperweights.
New information has surfaced allowing us to identify the maker of this item as Lassman & Co. located in the Kilburn area of North London. Lassman purchased the paperweights indirectly from Vasart. For more information, see my web page on Lassman & Co. A complete set of similar objects is shown further down on this page. Size: 1 1/2" diameter by 3 3/4" long. Excellent condition although
showing some wear on the metal part. No cracks or chips.
There is a small bubble near the surface as shown in the picture.
$125 postage paid in the US. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
Click on the picture to see a larger image |
| 2845 | Strathearn Limited Edition Millefiori Commemorative Paperweight
for Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee. Circa 1977. This
Strathearn EIIR Millefiori Crown paperweight was made for the Silver Jubilee
of Queen Elizabeth II in 1977. It celebrates the 25th anniversary
of her reign starting February 6, 1952. The millefiori design of
red and white millefiori canes depicts a stylized version of the Saint
Edward's Crown worn by the British monarch. The millefiori are identical
red and white millefiori with the exception of the cane in the center of
the crown which is in the shape of a white cross surrounded by red.
The text "1952-1977 EIIR" is deeply engraved in the back surface.
EIIR stands for Elizabeth II Regina, where Regina is latin for Queen.
This paperweight is #84 in a series of only 250 weights.
The paperweight is designed to be displayed upright and is faceted on the display face and the back face. The paperweight was originally planned for a limited edition of 1,000 weights, but the edition was limited to 250 due to problems at the factory. Alistair Gordon the was the engraver of the paperweight. Large Size: Just under 2 7/8” diameter by just over
2 3/4” high. Bottom is edge is ground flat. The display surface
and back surface are faceted flat.
For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture of the paperweightSOLD. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
Click on the picture to see a larger image |
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Vintage Salvador Ysart Millefiori Carousel Paperweight. Circa
1946-1955. This colorful Ysart paperweight has a six legged carousel
made of striped twists over a central green frit ground with two concentric
circles of millefiori. There is a carefully placed bubble in the
center of the design. The canes and construction are generally associated
with early Ysart family weights made by Salvador Ysart. This is a
very nice showy example.
The glass has a slight smoky tinge as is typical of early Ysart weights. I've consulted with the experts on Scottish glass and they have affirmed that this is an Ysart Carousel Paperweight, most likely made by Salvador Ysart in the post war period 1946 to 1955. Salvador Ysart died in 1955. Paul Ysart made two similar styles of paperweights, one of which was called a Fountain Paperweight. Both styles have differences that distinguish them from the work of Salvador. The birth of Scottish paperweight making is credited to the glass making family of Salvador Ysart, who moved to Crieff, Scotland in 1922. They worked first at John Moncrieff Ltd and made the earliest Scottish paperweights during that period. In 1946 Salvadore and his sons Augustine and Vincent founded Ysart Brothers Glass and produced glass wares under the Vasart label. The company name was later changed to Vasart Glass. Large Size: Just over 3" diameter by 2 1/3” high.
Bottom is partially finished with remnants of the pontil mark.
For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture of the paperweight$395 postage paid in the US. 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. 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.
For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture of the paperweightSOLD Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
Click on the picture to see a larger image |
| 1785 | Vasart Millefiori Bud Vase. circa 1950-1960. This is a
bud vase with a millefiori paperweight base. The base has a concentric
design of three rows of millefiori canes arranged around a central cane.
The ground is an opaque green.
Size: 2 1/8" diameter by just over 8" tall. Excellent condition with no cracks or chips. SOLD. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
Click on the picture to see a larger image |
| 1263 | Vasart Small Bowl with Ruffled Edge. circa 1947-1963.
This is a wonderful translucent blue and white bowl with ruffled edges
made by Vasart glass. It shows the influence of Monart work done
at the firm of John Moncrieff Ltd. It is signed
with the Vasart acid etched signature on the bottom.
See the signature in the bottom picture. The glass is a very white blue on the bottom but appears dark because of the angle used to show the signature. Size: 6" diameter by 2" high. Excellent condition with no flaws noted. Acid etched signature Vasart on the base. Guaranteed authentic Vasart glass. SOLD. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
Click on the picture to see a larger image |
| 2441 | Rare JAY Glass Limited Edition Floral Bouquet on Latticinio.
circa
1981. This wonderful paperweight consists a bouquet of three pink
flowers with stems and leaves over a pink and green swirl latticinio ground.
It is signed with Allan Scott's "A" cane near the base of the stem and
signed again on the bottom with a J 1981 cane. This paperweight comes
with a certificate signed by John Deacons identifying the design as A Bouquet
on Latticinio. It is 61 of a limited edition of 101 paperweights.
The picture does not do justice to this paperweight. Ignore the white areas, they are glare from the lights. Note: The flowers are more pink than shown in the large picture. The colors in the smaller profile picture are more correct. Medium Size: 2 1/4" diameter by 1 3/4" high. Outstanding condition with no chips or cracks. Signed with an "A" for Allan Scott in the design. Signed again on the bottom with a J 1981 cane. This paperweight comes with its original certificate shown in the picture. SOLD Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
Click on the picture to see a larger image |
| 150 | Magnum Selkirk Lace Fountain Limited Edition Paperweight. circa
1987. This is wonderful large example of a Selkirk abstract design.
It has a blue base color covered with a white and pink speckle ground.
There is a fountain with spray in the center with a bubble in the center
and a larger bubble directly above the fountain. The ground has five
ruffles each with a controlled bubble over it. The bottom is engraved
"SELKIRK GLASS SCOTLAND LACE FOUNTAIN 427/500 1987". There is one
large angled facet. A fantastic showy paperweight.
Magnum Size: 3 1/2" diameter by 3 1/8" high. Outstanding condition with no chips or cracks. There are some light scratches on the base. The base is finished and engraved "SELKIRK GLASS SCOTLAND LACE FOUNTAIN 427/500 1987". $245 postage paid in the US. Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
Click on the picture to see a larger image |
| 1919 | Strathearn Paneled Millefiori Paperweight. circa 1965.
Very attractive medium sized paperweight with a paneled pattern of millefiori
over a yellow ground. This is reminiscent of earlier Ysart paperweights
and also approaching the quality of early Perthshire paperweights.
The colors, however, are typical of Strathearn.
Size: 2 1/4" diameter by just over 1 1/2" high. Unsigned.
circa 1965
SOLD Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
Click on the picture to see a larger image |
| Perthshire Paperweights. Please click on this link. | ||
| Peter McDougall Paperweights. Please click on this link. | ||
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Colorful Strathearn Paneled Millefiori Paperweight. circa
1965. This very attractive paperweight consists of a paneled millefiori
pattern with eleven sections of 1+1+2+2 millefiori patterns each separated
by a blue and white colored latticinio cane. The canes are early
Scottish millefiori canes on a light green ground. This is a very
nice example with a flawless execution. A great addition
to any collection of Scottish paperweights.
Large Size: 3" diameter by 2" high.
SOLD Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
Click on the picture to see a larger image |
| 2440 | Rare Strathearn Yellow Tropic Paperweight. circa 1965.
This paperweight consists multi-colored fronds weaving through a drop shaped
clear glass paperweight. The colors are primarily yellow, orange
and green. A very attractive paperweight. An interesting addition
to any collection of Scottish paperweights.
This is one of Strathearn's nature inspired series and uses the liquid feeling of glass to create an impression of weeds swirling up in a clear lagoon. Some collectors refer to this as a yellow fire or devil's fire paperweight, ignoring Strathearn's designation. Special thanks to Richard More (http://strathearn.smugmug.com) for identifying this paperweight and providing the description. For further reference, see Selman's Spring 2002 Auction Lot 297. Size: 2 1/2" diameter by just over 4 1/2" high.
SOLD Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
Click on the picture to see a larger image |
| 887 | Rare Vasart / Lassman Millefiori Paperweight Bar Set. c.1950-1960.
The firm of Lassman & Co. designed and produced
produced this bar set during the 1950s and 1960s. The 6 piece set
is complete with the original "leatherette" carrying case. The millefiori
paperweight handles were made by Vasart.
There are very few complete sets known to exist with the case. A smaller set is shown on page 157 of the book on Ysart Glass published by Volo (the section on Vasart was written by Frank Andrews). There is also a display of a similar set in the museum in Perth which attributes this to Vasart Art Glass. New information has surfaced allowing us to identify the maker of this item as Lassman & Co. located in the Kilburn area of North London. Lassman purchased the paperweights indirectly from Vasart. For more information, see my web page on Lassman & Co. Carrying Case Size: 12" long by 8 1/2" wide by 2 1/4" deep. SOLD. I have another set for sale. Contact me if interested. Click on the picture to see more details on this set. |
Click on the picture to see a larger image |
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Large Strathearn Closepack Millefiori Paperweight. Circa
1965. Strathearn paperweight with a close packed design of millefiori
over a cobalt blue ground. This classic design offers a variety of
early Strathearn or late Vasart canes. A fun paperweight.
Large Size: 2 7/8” diameter by just under 2 1/8”
high. Bottom is fire polished.
For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: Large picture of the paperweightSOLD Click on the picture to see a larger image. |
Click on the picture to see a larger image |
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Revised 7/30/2011
