Allan's Paperweights

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Scottish Paperweights & Related Objects for Sale


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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 Allan, 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.  After going into receivership in 2004, it was purchased by Edinburgh Crystal, but went into receivership again in 2006.  Finally, it was bought out of receivership by Dartington Crystal.  The factories in Wick, Oban and Perth all closed and were replaced by a smaller operation and visitors' center in Crieff.

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.

William Manson, Sr. started his glass working career at Caithness Glass at the age of 15 in the 1960s.  He apprenticed with Paul Ysart.  Manson left Caithness in 1971 to work at Ysart's Harland Glass and rejoined Caithness several years later in 1974.  He was at Caithness on and off between 1974 and 1997 when he left for good to form his own studio William Manson Paperweights.  His son William Manson, Jr. started making paperweights alongside his father starting in 1992.  For a brief period (2004-2005), William Manson, Sr. made collaborative paperweights with John Deacons.

Phoenix Paperweights was a small company started by William Manson Sr. to engage three workers from Perthshire after Perthshire closed in January 2002.  They only lasted a year and issued paperweights in 2002 and 2003 before closing in August 2003.  Phoenix operated in the Manson works in Perth, Scotland.  The glass workers were William Manson Sr., David McNichol (paperweight maker), Duncan Smith (lampworking), and Gordon Taylor (glass cutter).  Some of the lampwork was also done by Rosette Fleming.  The 2003 Phoenix catalog lists William Manson Paperweights as the distributor.

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.  Peter Holmes left Selkirk in 2002 to start Scottish Borders Art Glass with his son, Andrew, at Galalaw, Hawick.

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
 
 
6044 Magnum John Deacons Gordon Taylor White PomPon Chrysanthemum Faceted Swirl Paperweight.  circa 2020This very large faceted paperweight features a magnificent white pompon (chrysanthemum) flower with seven green leaves and stem placed on a blue and white swirl ground.  The flower is very detailed.  The swirl ground is made of fifteen blue and five white stringers (rods of glass).  The stringers are arranged in groups of four and wrap around to the base.  This  paperweight is faceted with a large top facet and six side facets.  The faceting was done by Gordon Taylor.  It is signed on the base with a "JD" signature cane and also has Gordon Taylor's engraved "GT" below the signature cane.  A wonderful paperweight showcasing the artistry of John Deacons and Gordon Taylor.

Note:  The original spelling of this flower is from the French Pompon but it is often spelled Pompom (with and without a hyphen).  Take your choice.

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.  Strathearn Glass was formed in a reorganization of Vasart glass in 1963. 

John H. Deacons learned his craft at Strathearn Glass in Crieff, Scotland in 1967.  When Perthshire was formed in 1968, he left Strathearn to move to Perthshire and worked there for 10 years before leaving in 1978 to start his own glass studio.  He has produced paperweights and other glass objects under a variety of labels, including J Glass, St. Kilda, and now under his own name.  Some of the lines were produced simultaneously.  J Glass was produced from 1978 to 1983.  The St. Kilda line was produced from 1978 or 1979 through 1987.  You can read about John Deacons in the book by Hall - Scottish Paperweights.  Today John works at his own studio with his son Craig.

Gordon Taylor joined Perthshire as an apprentice in 1979 straight out of school.  After a brief stint in the hot shop he moved to the cutting shop.  He stayed until Perthshire closed in 2002.  After briefly taking a break to satisfy his public service requirement, he joined John Deacons as a glass cutter.  He has also worked with William Manson and Allan Scott.  Today he continues as a creative cutter to finish work for John Deacons and also does restoration of glass paperweights for collectors around the world.

Very large size:  Just over 3 1/8" diameter by 2 1/8" high. The base is polished concave.  It is faceted with one large top facet and six side facets.
Condition:  Excellent condition with no scratches, chips or cracks.
Signature:  It is signed on the base with a "JD" signature cane and also has Gordon Taylor's engraved "GT" below the signature cane. 

For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: 

Large picture
Signature cane and engraved "GT" on base
Closeup
Side view
Profile
Another side view
Base
$345 postage paid in the US.

Click on the picture to see a larger image.

Click on the picture to see a larger image
Magnum John Deacons Gordon Taylor White PomPon Chrysanthemum Faceted Swirl Paperweight
6021 Paul Ysart Two Ducks and Flower on Pond Signed Paperweight.  circa 1972-1979.  This large Paul Ysart paperweight features a two yellow lampwork ducks and a purple flower on the surface of a pond.  The flower has a PY signature cane in the center.  The design is set on the top translucent blue layer of a two level ground.  This top layer is very realistic, looking like water.  Below is the second level looking like a rocky pond bottom.  In addition to the PY signature cane, there is also a Paul Ysart "PY Made in Scotland" paper label on the base.  This paperweight was made during Paul Ysart's Harland period when Paul Jokelson was the exclusive US distributor of Paul Ysart paperweights.  A wonderful example of Paul Ysart's art from the Harland Period.

A similar Paul Ysart Two Ducks on a Pond paperweight recently sold $660 in the Selman's Fall 2023 Auction (Auction 85 Lot 280).

The birth of Scottish paperweight making is credited to the glass making family of Salvador Ysart, who moved to Crieff, Scotland from Spain in 1922.  They worked first at John Moncrieff Ltd and made the earliest Scottish paperweights during that period.  Paul Ysart (1904-1991), originally Pablo Moreno Isart, was apprenticed to his father as a glass worker at Moncrieff in 1922.  He worked on the production of Monart Art Glass.  Paperweights were primarily an after hours activity.  Paul made his first paperweight in the early 1930s.  Production was interrupted by World War II and the Monart line was not restarted until 1946.  In 1946 Salvadore and his sons Augustine and Vincent left Moncrieff and founded Ysart Brothers Glass.  They produced glass wares under the Vasart label.  Salvador Ysart died in 1955.  Paul stayed at Moncrieff from until 1962, when he joined Caithness as a Training Officer.  While at Caithness, he trained Peter Holmes, Colin Terris, and William Manson, among others.  After he retired from Caithness in 1972, he continued to make paperweights initially under the Harland label and then the Highland Paperweights label until 1979.   You can read more about Paul Ysart in the book by Colin Mahoney Masterpieces:  The Paperweights of Paul Ysart.

Large size:  2 15/16" diameter by just over 2 1/4" high.  The base is polished flat.
Condition:  Excellent condition with no cracks, ships, or scratches found on inspection.  Very slight wear on the base.      
Signature:  Signed with a "PY" signature cane in the design and also with a Paul Ysart "PY Made in Scotland" paper label on the base.

For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: 

Large picture (note the two level ground with realistic water layer)
Top view
Signature cane
Label on base
Closeup
Profile
Side view
Base
$575 postage paid in the US.

Click on the picture to see a larger image.

Click on the picture to see a larger image
Paul Ysart Two Ducks and Flower on Pond Signed Paperweight
5650 Magnum Selkirk 1988 Limited Edition Abstract Spiral Star Paperweight with Certificate.  dated 1988.  This paperweight has a serene almost black and white abstract celestial design representing a spiral star.  The design is set on a very dark (almost black) purple ground.  It is number 102 out of a limited edition of 500 paperweights.  It is signed in script on the base "SELKIRK GLASS SCOTLAND SPIRAL STAR 102/500 1988" and comes with its original certificate.  A fantastic item from Selkirk Glass.

Note about reflections:  In the picture, the base looks distorted, but it is not.  What you are seeing is a reflection.  There is no damage.

Selkirk Glass 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, a graduate of Edinburgh University, 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.

Very large size:  Just over 3 3/8" diameter by just over 3 1/8" high. The base is ground concave.  Magnum sized, it weighs 29 ounces.
Signature:  It is signed in script on the base "SELKIRK GLASS SCOTLAND SPIRAL STAR 102/500 1988" and comes with its original certificate.
Condition:  Excellent condition.  No chips, cracks, or scratches found on inspection.

For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: 

Large picture
Top view
Signature on base
Certificate
Closeup
Profile
Side view
Another view
Still another view
Base (ignore reflections)
SOLD.

Click on the picture to see a larger image.

Click on the picture to see a larger image
Magnum Selkirk 1988 Limited Edition Abstract Spiral Star Paperweight with Certificate
6043 Magnum John Deacons Gordon Taylor Complex Faceted Fuchsia Overlay Paperweight.  dated 2018This very large faceted overlay paperweight features a colorful fuchsia flower with leaves and stem placed on a white lace ground.  The flower is detailed and includes short stamens and long pistils.  The design is encased in a dark blue overlay which is faceted with one large top facet and 72 side facets in six rows.  The faceting was done by Gordon Taylor.  It is signed on the base with a "JHD 2018" signature / date cane and also has Gordon Taylor's engraved "GT" above the signature cane.  A wonderful paperweight showcasing the artistry of John Deacons and Gordon Taylor. 

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.  Strathearn Glass was formed in a reorganization of Vasart glass in 1963. 

John H. Deacons learned his craft at Strathearn Glass in Crieff, Scotland in 1967.  When Perthshire was formed in 1968, he left Strathearn to move to Perthshire and worked there for 10 years before leaving in 1978 to start his own glass studio.  He has produced paperweights and other glass objects under a variety of labels, including J Glass, St. Kilda, and now under his own name.  Some of the lines were produced simultaneously.  J Glass was produced from 1978 to 1983.  The St. Kilda line was produced from 1978 or 1979 through 1987.  You can read about John Deacons in the book by Hall - Scottish Paperweights.  Today John works at his own studio with his son Craig.

Gordon Taylor joined Perthshire as an apprentice in 1979 straight out of school.  After a brief stint in the hot shop he moved to the cutting shop.  He stayed until Perthshire closed in 2002.  After briefly taking a break to satisfy his public service requirement, he joined John Deacons as a glass cutter.  He has also worked with William Manson and Allan Scott.  Today he continues as a creative cutter to finish work for John Deacons and also does restoration of glass paperweights for collectors around the world.

Very large size:  Just under 3 3/16" diameter by just over 2 1/2" high. The base is polished concave.  It is faceted with one large top facet and 72 side facets in six rows.
Condition:  Excellent condition with no scratches, chips or cracks.
Signature:  Signed on the base with a "JHD 2018" signature / date cane and also has Gordon Taylor's engraved "GT" above the signature cane. 

For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: 

Large picture
Signature cane and engraved "GT" on base
Closeup
Side view
Profile
Another side view
Base
$395 postage paid in the US.

Click on the picture to see a larger image.

Click on the picture to see a larger image
Magnum John Deacons Gordon Taylor Complex Faceted Fuchsia Overlay Paperweight
1938 Vasart / Lassman Concentric Millefiori Paperweight Handle Corkscrew.  circa 1950s-1960s.  This corkscrew has a concentric millefiori paperweight handle.  The firm of Lassman & Co. designed and produced this corkscrew and a variety of other useful objects during the 1950s and 1960s.  The attractive millefiori paperweight handle was made by the Ysart family of Scotland under the Vasart label.  The handle has a two ring concentric millefiori pattern.  The design is set on an opaque white ground.  The chrome plated metal screw part and other hardware were made by Lassman and the assembly was also done by them.  A fun collectible.

The maker of this item was Lassman & Co. located in the Kilburn area of North London.   Samuel Lassman purchased the paperweight handles from George Dunlop's Pirelli Glass in London.  Pirelli obtained them from Vasart.  Pirelli also took some assembled inventory back from Lassman and sold the barware items under the Pirelli label.  Pirelli also included the line in their 1959 catalog.  For more information, see my web page on Lassman & Co. or the article by Angela Bowey and Allan Port “Pirelli, Vasart and the Ysart Family” in the Paperweight Collectors Association Inc. Annual Bulletin 2015.  The barware line was sold individually and also in complete box sets.  Lassman also made a line of large industrial sized corkscrews - called packing gland extractors and used for servicing nautical applications that required a waterproof seal.

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. The company evolved into a new company Strathearn 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.

Size:  1 7/16" diameter.  With the metal hardware, it is 4 3/8" long. 
Condition:  Excellent condition.  The paperweight handle has no chips, cracks or scratches.  There is a tiny bit of white stray glass from the ground floating above the concentric design (not damage).  The chrome screw shows a tiny bit of roughness or possibly wear. 
Signature:  Unsigned, but I guarantee this is a genuine Lassman corkscrew with a Vasart paperweight handle.  The metal part is marked / stamped "ENGLAND". 

For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: 

Large picture
Top view (just the paperweight)
Another view
Stamped mark "ENGLAND"
Stray bit of white glass above the design (not damage)
$79 postage paid in the US.

Click on the picture to see a larger image.

Click on the picture to see a larger image
Vasart / Lassman Concentric Millefiori Paperweight Handle Corkscrew
5017 Late Ysart Brothers or Early Vasart Paneled Millefiori Paperweight - Many Annealing Cracks.  circa 1952-1956.  This colorful paperweight consists of a paneled millefiori pattern with eight sections with 1 green +2 brown millefiori canes each separated by a red and blue twist cane.  There is a central cluster of two rings of canes, 15 blue and 5 orange canes, around a central cross cane.  The design is set on a clear ground.   The glass is slightly gray.   Unfortunately this paperweight is filled with many internal annealing fractures / cracks.  See the note below for more information on the cause.  An interesting historical addition to any collection of Scottish paperweights.

Note on annealing fractures / cracks:  According to David Moir, who was an apprentice at the Ysart Brothers Shore Road works in 1954, the glass works had a lot of annealing problems at the Shore Road factory because it was fired with poor quality coke.  It was difficult to maintain a level annealing temperature and sometimes would get too hot or too cold.  Temperature was judged by putting your arm inside the oven to feel the heat.  The problem was solved when George Dunlop (owner of Pirelli Glass in London) brought in fresh capital, equipment, and orders.  This included an electrically controlled second-hand kiln from Rolls Royce which was a vast improvement on the old one and had electric temperature gauges.

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.  Paul Ysart (1904-1991), originally Pablo Moreno Isart, was apprenticed to his father as a glass worker at Moncrieff in 1922.  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.  Shortly later, George Dunlop, the owner of Pirelli Glass in London, brought in fresh capital, equipment, and orders.  Vincent Ysart and George Dunlop formed a new company in 1956, Vasart Glass Ltd.  Strathearn Glass was formed in a reorganization of Vasart glass in 1963.  The new company was owned by Teachers Whiskey.  The factory was taken over by Stuart Glass in 1980, and renamed Stuart Strathearn Ltd.  Production ceased in 1992.

Size:  Just under 3" diameter by 1 15/16" high.  The base is fire finished.  
Condition:  Poor condition.  The surface is free from defects but the paperweight is filled with many annealing cracks / fractures due to improper temperature control during the annealing process.
Signature:  Unsigned, but I guarantee this to be an Ysart Brothers or early Vasart paperweight from Scotland made prior to the installation of new annealing oven in the mid 1950s. 

For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links:

Large picture
Closeup
Profile
Base
Side View
$95 postage paid in the US.

Click on the picture to see a larger image.

Click on the picture to see a larger image
Late Ysart Brothers or Early Vasart Paneled Millefiori Paperweight - Many Annealing Cracks
4963 Rare Vasart / Lassman Checquer Pattern Millefiori Paperweight Handle Bottle Opener.  circa 1950s-1960s.  This bottle opener has a rare checquer pattern on the millefiori handle.  It is possibly unique.  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 attractive millefiori paperweight handle was made by the Ysart family of Scotland under the Vasart label.  The handle has a checquer design with nine millefiori canes arranged in a square surrounded by a latticinio square made up of four short twist canes.  There is a millefiori cane in the each corner of the latticinio.  The design is set on an amber colored opaque ground.  The chrome plated opener was made by Lassman and the assembly was also done by them.

The maker of this item was Lassman & Co. located in the Kilburn area of North London.   Samuel Lassman purchased the paperweight handles from George Dunlop's Pirelli Glass in London.  Pirelli obtained them from Vasart.  Pirelli also took some assembled inventory back from Lassman and sold the barware items under the Pirelli label.  Pirelli also included the line in their 1959 catalog.  For more information, see my web page on Lassman & Co. or the article by Angela Bowey and Allan Port “Pirelli, Vasart and the Ysart Family” in the Paperweight Collectors Association Inc. Annual Bulletin 2015.  A complete set of similar objects can be found at this link.

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. The company evolved into a new company Strathearn 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.

Size:  1 1/2" diameter.  With the opener hardware, it is 3 15/16" long. 
Condition:  Excellent condition although showing a tiny bit of wear.  The paperweight handle has no chips, cracks or noticeable scratches. 
Signature:  Unsigned, but I guarantee this is a genuine Lassman bottle opener with a Vasart paperweight handle. The word "ENGLAND" appears on the metal part. 

For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: 

Large picture of the bottle opener
Top view (just paperweight)
Another view
Stamp mark "ENGLAND"
Closeup view
$245 postage paid in the US.    

Click on the picture to see a larger image.

Click on the picture to see a larger image
Vasart / Lassman Checquer Pattern Millefiori Paperweight Handle Bottle Opener
6045 John Deacons Magnum Garlanded Pansy Paperweight with Clichy Style Millefiori Rose Canes.  circa 2020This paperweight features a delightful five petal red and orange pansy and bud with dark green sepals, stem, and leaves surrounded by an alternating garland of thirteen yellow and white Clichy style roses and thirteen dark blue twist segments.  The leaves and sepals have aventurine added giving them a glittery appearance.  The pansy consists of two large deep red petals above over three orange and black lower petals. Each lower petal has a pink tip with three dark black lines radiating from center to the tip.  The design is set on a translucent dark purple ground.  The flower is two dimensional and lies even with the ground.  It is signed on the base with a "JD" signature cane and also has a "HANDMADE IN SCOTLAND by John Deacons" paper label.  A creative composition with an unusual choice of colors.  This is one of the paperweights John Deacons features on his website.

Note:  This was a challenging paperweight to photograph with its dark colors and high dome.   

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.  Strathearn Glass was formed in a reorganization of Vasart glass in 1963. 

John Deacons learned his craft at Strathearn Glass in Crieff, Scotland in 1967. When Perthshire was formed in 1968, he left Strathearn to move to Perthshire and worked there for 10 years before leaving in 1978 to start his own glass studio. He has produced paperweights and other glass objects under a variety of labels, including J Glass, St. Kilda, and now under his own name. Some of the lines were produced simultaneously.  J Glass was produced from 1978 to 1983.  The St. Kilda line was produced from 1978 or 1979 through 1987.  You can read about John Deacons in the book by Hall - Scottish Paperweights.  Today John works at his own studio with his son Craig.

Very large size:  Just over 3 3/16" diameter by 2 7/16" high. The bottom is ground concave.
Condition:  Excellent condition with no scratches, chips or cracks.
Signature:  Signed with John Deacon's "JD" signature cane on the base.  It also has a "HANDMADE IN SCOTLAND by John Deacons" paper label on the base. 

For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: 

Large picture
Signature cane and label on base
Closeup
Side view
Profile
Base
$275 postage paid in the US.

Click on the picture to see a larger image.

Click on the picture to see a larger image
John Deacons Magnum Garlanded Pansy Paperweight with Clichy Style Millefiori Rose Canes
2020

Vasart / Lassman Millefiori Paperweight Handle Bottle Opener with Original Box.  circa 1950s-1960s.  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 attractive millefiori paperweight handle was made by the Ysart family of Scotland under the Vasart label.  The handle has a concentric design on a rust colored ground that matches the setup and canes of other Vasart paperweights.  The chrome plated opener was made by Lassman and the assembly was also done by them.  This item comes with its original box and celluloid cover.  The box is fabric lined (the original advertisements said "silk lined")  with elastics to hold the bottle opener in place.  A rare find for collectors of barware and Scottish paperweights. 

The maker of this item was Lassman & Co. located in the Kilburn area of North London.   Samuel Lassman purchased the paperweight handles from George Dunlop's Pirelli Glass in London.  Pirelli obtained them from Vasart.  Pirelli also took some assembled inventory back from Lassman and sold the barware items under the Pirelli label.  Pirelli also included the line in their 1959 catalog.  For more information, see my web page on Lassman & Co. or the article by Angela Bowey and Allan Port “Pirelli, Vasart and the Ysart Family” in the Paperweight Collectors Association Annual Bulletin 2015.  A complete set of similar objects can be found at this link.

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. The company evolved into a new company Strathearn 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.

Size:  Just over 1 1/2" diameter by just under 3 3/4" long.  The box is just under 3" long by 2 11/16" wide by 2 9/16" high.
Condition:  Excellent condition with no scratches or wear.  The box and lining have some wear and the celluloid cover is cracked in places (as shown in the pictures). 
Signature:  Unsigned, but I guarantee this is a genuine Lassman bottle opener with a Vasart paperweight handle.  The word "ENGLAND" appears on the metal part. 

For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: 

Large picture of the bottle opener
Close-up view of just the handle
England stamped on hardware portion
Another view
Opener in open box
Another view with box pieces
Opener with closed box
$345 postage paid in the US.         

Click on the picture to see a larger image.

Click on the picture to see a larger image
Vasart / Lassman Millefiori Paperweight Handle Bottle Opener with Original Box
2793 Medium Colorful Strathearn Paneled Millefiori Paperweight.  circa 1963-1968.  This very attractive paperweight consists of a paneled millefiori pattern with eight sections of 1+2+2 millefiori patterns each separated by a white latticinio twist cane.  There is a central ring of six millefiori canes and then a center millefiori cane.  The canes are early Scottish millefiori canes on an opaque blue ground.   This is a very nice example.   A great addition to any collection of Scottish paperweights. 

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.  Strathearn Glass was formed in a reorganization of Vasart glass in 1963.  The new company was owned by Teachers Whiskey.

Medium Size:   2 9/16” diameter by 1 7/8” high.  Bottom is fire polished. 
Condition:  Very good condition.  There are a couple of very faint scratches on the body and some wear on the base.  No chips or cracks. 
Signature:  Unsigned, but I guarantee this to be a Strathearn paperweight from Scotland. 

For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: 

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Profile
Base
Side view
$95 postage paid in the US.

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Medium Colorful Strathearn Paneled Millefiori Paperweight
5914 Miniature Strathearn Eight Pointed Star Millefiori Paperweight with Opaque Yellow Ground.  circa 1963-1968.  This miniature paperweight features a three ring concentric millefiori design and is finished as a eight pointed star.  The outer ring consists of 16 canes, alternating between blue and red.  The middle ring ten identical pink and red canes.  The inner ring consists of five identical white and red canes.  The center cane is a tiny yellow cane.  The ground is an opaque yellow.  The star points give the glass a glittery appearance.  This paperweight has a worn Strathearn paper label with a leaping salmon and "STRATHEARN HAND MADE IN SCOTLAND" on the base.  A great addition to any collection of Scottish glass. 
 
This is called a pressed weight because a mold is used to form the shape.  The top is flattened.  The star points give the glass a real glittery appearance as you can see in the pictures. 

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.  Strathearn Glass was formed in a reorganization of Vasart glass in 1963.  The new company was owned by Teachers Whiskey.

Miniature size:   Just under 2 1/8” diameter by 1 1/8” high.  The base is fire polished. 
Condition:  Excellent condition.  No damage found on inspection.   
Signature:  This paperweight has a worn Strathearn paper label with a leaping salmon and "STRATHEARN HAND MADE IN SCOTLAND" on the base. 

For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: 

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Label
Side view
Closeup
Profile
Base with label
Base
$49 postage paid in the US.

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Miniature Strathearn Eight Pointed Star Millefiori Paperweight with Opaque Yellow Ground
5666 Magnum Caithness Colin Terris Polka - Silver Twist Paperweight.   issued 1981.  This wonderful paperweight features a controlled design of clear bubbles over an almost opaque blue ground.  In the center there is a faint swirl or twist of bubbles giving it a feeling of motion.  This design was created by Colin Terris and issued in 1981.  It was offered in a variety of colors, this one called Silver Twist.  The paperweight is etched on the base "Caithness POLKA Scotland".  A beautiful design.

The POLKA design is listed and designated CT-227 on page 40 of the Charlton Standard Catalog of Caithness Paperweights.  It was designed by Colin Terris and released in an unlimited edition in 1981.  Several colors and slight variations were offered.  The original issue price in the US was $62.50 and the Charlton Catalog lists the 2004 current value as $60.

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.  After going into receivership in 2004, it was purchased by Edinburgh Crystal, but went into receivership again in 2006.  Finally, it was bought out of receivership by Dartington Crystal.  The factories in Wick, Oban and Perth all closed and were replaced by a smaller operation and visitors' center in Crieff.  Caithness is still operating in Crieff and making paperweights today (in 2022).

Very large size:  Just under 3 1/4" diameter by 2 15/16" high.  The base is polished flat.
Condition:  Excellent condition.  Minor wear on the base but no cracks, chips, or other scratches found on inspection.
Signature:  This paperweight is etched on the base "Caithness POLKA Scotland".

For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links:

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Signature on base
Closeup
Side view
Another side view
Profile
Base
SOLD.

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Magnum Caithness Colin Terris Polka - Silver Twist Paperweight
5290 Large Colorful Strathearn Paneled Millefiori Paperweight.  circa 1963-1968.  This very attractive paperweight consists of a paneled millefiori pattern with nine panels of 1 (yellow) + 2 (pink) millefiori canes each separated by a white latticinio twist cane.  There is a central ring of eight dark red  millefiori canes and then a center pink and white millefiori cane.  The canes are early Scottish millefiori canes on an transparent green ground.  This is a great addition to any collection of Scottish paperweights.  Great color.

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.  Strathearn Glass was formed in a reorganization of Vasart glass in 1963.  The new company was owned by Teachers Whiskey.  The company is no longer in existence.

Large size:   Just over 3” diameter by 2 1/8” high.  The base is fire polished with a remnant of the pontil mark. 
Condition:  Excellent condition.  No cracks, chips, or scratches found on inspection other than minor wear on the base.  There are some small bubbles in the glass.
Signature:  Unsigned, but I guarantee this paperweight was made by Strathearn Glass in Scotland.

For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: 

Large picture
Closeup
Profile
Side view
Base
$110 postage paid in the US.

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Large Colorful Strathearn Paneled Millefiori Paperweight
4680 Large Early Selkirk Peter Holmes 1979 Aquarius Limited Edition Footed Paperweight.  dated 1979.  In my mind, this paperweight has an abstract representation of the expression "the dawning of the age of Aquarius" from the 1967 musical Hair, which was released on film in 1979.  That's my interpretation, you can have your own.  I see a large silvery bubble charged with green energy suspended above a green sea.  There are undefined bodies rising from the surface to join the sphere.  The paperweight is an early design from Peter Holmes created shortly after founding Selkirk Glass.  It is signed in script on the edge of the base "SELKIRK GLASS SCOTLAND AQUARIUS 102/350 1979", indicating it is number 102 in a limited edition of 350 paperweights.  It also has an early Peter Holmes "PH" signature cane.  Pedestal or footed paperweights like this from Selkirk are rare, with only a few designs made in this form.  A imaginative paperweight in excellent condition.

Selkirk Glass 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. .

Peter Holmes started his glass working career at Caithness Glass (Scotland) in 1963 as an apprentice to Paul Ysart.  He continued at Caithness until 1977, when he and Ron Hutchinson left Caithness to start Selkirk Glass.  Peter left Selkirk in 2002 to start Scottish Borders Art Glass with his son, Andrew, at Galalaw, Hawick. 

Large Size:  3" diameter by 2 7/8" high. There is a footed base, which is 2 3/8" diameter.  The bottom of the foot is ground flat. 
Signature:  It is signed in script on the base "SELKIRK GLASS SCOTLAND AQUARIUS 102/350 1979".  It also has an early Peter Holmes "PH" signature cane in the base.
Condition:  Excellent condition with a couple of tiny scratches on the base, but no other scratches, cracks or chips found on inspection. 

For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: 

Large picture
Profile
Signature and signature cane on base
Side view
$165 postage paid in the US. 

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Large Early Selkirk Peter Holmes 1979 Aquarius Limited Edition Footed Paperweight

Perthshire Paperweights.  Please click on this link.

Peter McDougall Paperweights.  Please click on this link.
2082
Caithness Helen MacDonald Red Carnation Style One Paperweight.   issued 1999.  This beautiful paperweight features a crimp red carnation set on a rich cobalt blue ground.  There is a contrasting field of controlled bubbles located top right.  It is finished with a small polished flat base and a large angled facet.  The carnation is set at an angle matching the facet.  This design was created by Helen MacDonald and issued in 1999.  The paperweight is engraved on the edge of the base "Red Carnation Caithness Scotland" with a registration number "Y17099".  Please see note below about a scratched area on the backside.  A beautiful design.

The RED CARNATION Style One design is listed on page 256 of the Charlton Standard Catalog of Caithness Paperweights.  It was designed by Helen MacDonald and released in an unlimited edition in 1999.  The original issue price in the US was $82.50 and the Charlton Catalog lists the 2004 current value as $500.

Note about condition:  This paperweight has an area on the backside near the base with many small scratches or abrasions (see picture).  The area looks like a dirt smudge and I had to look with magnification to realize that this is damage.  In spite of this, the paperweight displays beautifully.  Offered for a bargain price.

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.  After going into receivership in 2004, it was purchased by Edinburgh Crystal, but went into receivership again in 2006.  Finally, it was bought out of receivership by Dartington Crystal.  The factories in Wick, Oban and Perth all closed and were replaced by a smaller operation and visitors' center in Crieff.  Caithness is still operating in Crieff and making paperweights today (in 2022).

Large size:  2 3/4" diameter by 2 11/16" high.  The small base is polished flat.  It is faceted with a large angled facet.
Condition:  Good condition.  This paperweight has an area on the backside near the base with many small faint scratches or abrasions (see picture).  There are also a few faint scratches on the base. 
Signature:  This paperweight engraved on the edge of the base "Red Carnation Caithness Scotland" with a registration number "Y17099".

For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links:

Large picture
Closeup
Side view
Another side view
Signature on base
Scratched area on backside
Base
Another view of base
$69 postage paid in the US.

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Caithness Helen MacDonald Red Carnation Style One Paperweight
6042 John Deacons Closepack Paperweight with Clichy Style Roses on Lace.  circa 2020This paperweight features a colorful closepacked assortment of Clichy style roses.  The roses are set on a white lace ground and are pulled down to the center of the base.  It is signed on the base with a "JD" signature cane and also has a "HANDMADE IN SCOTLAND by John Deacons" paper label.

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.  Strathearn Glass was formed in a reorganization of Vasart glass in 1963. 

John Deacons learned his craft at Strathearn Glass in Crieff, Scotland in 1967. When Perthshire was formed in 1968, he left Strathearn to move to Perthshire and worked there for 10 years before leaving in 1978 to start his own glass studio. He has produced paperweights and other glass objects under a variety of labels, including J Glass, St. Kilda, and now under his own name. Some of the lines were produced simultaneously.  J Glass was produced from 1978 to 1983.  The St. Kilda line was produced from 1978 or 1979 through 1987.  You can read about John Deacons in the book by Hall - Scottish Paperweights.  Today John works at his own studio with his son Craig.

Large size:  Just over 2 7/8" diameter by 2 1/8" high. The base is ground concave.
Condition:  Excellent condition with no scratches, chips or cracks.
Signature:  Signed with John Deacon's "JD" signature cane on the base.  It also has a "HANDMADE IN SCOTLAND by John Deacons" paper label on the base. 

For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: 

Large picture
Signature cane and label on base
Closeup
Side view
Top view
Another side view
Base
Another view of base with signatures
$295 postage paid in the US.

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John Deacons Closepack Paperweight with Clichy Style Roses on Lace
4062 Large Caithness 1993 Margot Thomson Gold Congratulations (Style Two) Abstract Paperweight.   issued in 1993.  This abstract Caithness paperweight depicts a woven gold "cap" with four descending tassels.  There are carefully placed bubbles at the corners of the cap and at the tip of each tassel.  All of this is surrounded by a mist of transparent  white glass.  The paperweight is signed on the base "Caithness CONGRATULATIONS Scotland" along with a registration number "T89628".  Designed by Margot Thomson. 

This design is listed and designated CT-985 on page 147 of the Charlton Standard Catalog of Caithness Paperweights.  It was designed in 1993 by Margot Thomson as part of the Weight - Spherical series.  The paperweight is recorded as coming in three colors (Gold, Ruby, and Silver).  

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.  After going into receivership in 2004, it was purchased by Edinburgh Crystal, but went into receivership again in 2006.  Finally, it was bought out of receivership by Dartington Crystal.  The factories in Wick, Oban and Perth all closed and were replaced by a smaller operation and visitors' center in Crieff.  Caithness is still operating in Crieff and making paperweights today (in 2022).

Large size:  3 1/8" diameter by just under 2 7/8" high.  The base is polished flat. 
Condition:  Very good to excellent condition.  There are scratches on the base but no other chips or cracks or scratches found on inspection. 
Signature:  It is signed on the base "Caithness CONGRATULATIONS Scotland" along with a registration number "T89628" (registration number not shown in pictures). 

For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: 

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Profile
Signature on base (registration number not shown)
Top view
Closeup
Base
$45 postage paid in the US.

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Large Caithness 1993 Margot Thomson Gold Congratulations (Style Two) Abstract Paperweight
5027 Faceted Harlequin Type Paperweight with Five Icepick Bubbles - Possibly Unknown European or Scottishcirca 1950 -1980Most likely made at an unknown European factory although there is a slight possibility that it was made by a member of the Ysart family.  This paperweight has a large central bubble and four side bubbles pushed down to a multi-colored frit ground.  It is similar to the Harlequin paperweights shown in Colin Mahoney's book on Paul Ysart paperweights, but it not good enough to be called a Paul Ysart Harlequin weight.  There is a tight ring of twelve thumbprint facets around the side near the base.  The glass has a lot of small bubbles.  An interesting study paperweight. 

Note:  My first inclination was to call this Bohemian or unknown European, but I could not find any close matches in the literature.  Similarly, it shares some characteristics with the harlequin paperweights shown in Colin Mahoney's book Masterpieces:  The Paperweights of Paul Ysart, but is not a good match there either.

The birth of Scottish paperweight making is credited to the glass making family of Salvador Ysart, who moved to Crieff, Scotland from Spain in 1922.  They worked first at John Moncrieff Ltd and made the earliest Scottish paperweights during that period.  Paul Ysart (1904-1991), originally Pablo Moreno Isart, was apprenticed to his father as a glass worker at Moncrieff in 1922.  He worked on the production of Monart Art Glass.  Paperweights were primarily an after hours activity.  Paul made his first paperweight in the early 1930s.  Production was interrupted by World War II and the Monart line was not restarted until 1946.  In 1946 Salvadore and his sons Augustine and Vincent left Moncrieff and founded Ysart Brothers Glass.  They produced glass wares under the Vasart label.  Salvador Ysart died in 1955.  Paul stayed at Moncrieff from until 1962, when he joined Caithness as a Training Officer.  While at Caithness, he trained Peter Holmes, Colin Terris, and William Manson, among others.  After he retired from Caithness in 1972, he continued to make paperweights initially under the Harland label and then the Highland Paperweights label until 1979.   You can read more about Paul Ysart in the book by Colin Mahoney Masterpieces:  The Paperweights of Paul Ysart.

Large Size:  2 15/16" at the widest by 2 9/16" high.  The bottom is ground slightly concave.  There are twelve flat side facets    
Condition:  Very Good condition.  There are a few faint scratches on the dome, but one tiny nick on a facet.  No other damage found on inspection.  The glass has many small bubbles in it, as shown in the pictures. 
Signature:  Unsigned.    

For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: 

Large picture of the paperweight
Profile view
Base
Side view
$95 postage paid in the US.  

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Faceted Harlequin Type Paperweight with Five Icepick Bubbles - Possibly Unknown European or Scottish
4344 William Manson Phoenix Limited Edition FP4 Pink Flower and Millefiori Garland Paperweight.   dated 2003.  This paperweight features a large pink flower with a yellow millefiori center and leaves and stems surrounded by a garland of identical millefiori canes.  The design is set on an almost opaque turquoise ground.  This paperweight was issued in a limited edition of 50 paperweights of which this is number 30.  It is signed and numbered "PHOENIX 2003 30/50" on the base and also has a Phoenix "PP" signature cane near the stem.  Perfect condition with its original certificate and slightly damaged Phoenix box.  A great addition to any collection of Scottish paperweights. 

Phoenix Paperweights was a small company started by William Manson Sr. to engage three workers from Perthshire after Perthshire closed in January 2002.  They only lasted a year and issued paperweights in 2002 and 2003 before closing in August 2003.  Phoenix operated in the Manson works in Perth, Scotland.  The glass workers were William Manson Sr., David McNichol (paperweight maker), Duncan Smith (lampworking), and Gordon Taylor (glass cutter).  Some of the lampwork was also done by Rosette Fleming.  The 2003 Phoenix catalog lists William Manson Paperweights as the distributor.

Large size: Just over 2 3/4" diameter by 1 7/8" high. The base is ground concave.
Condition:  Excellent condition with no scratches, chips or cracks.  There are a few tiny bubbles in the glass.
Signature:  Signed and numbered "PHOENIX 2003 30/50" on the base and also has a Phoenix "PP" signature cane near the stem.  This paperweight comes with its original slightly damaged box and its original certificate. 

For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: 

Large picture
Side view
Closeup
Profile
Signature on base
Signature cane
Base with signature
Certificate
Another side view
Box
Base
$235 postage paid in the US.

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William Manson Phoenix Limited Edition FP4 Pink Flower and Millefiori Garland Paperweight
5651 Magnum Selkirk 1986 Limited Edition Pink Crimp Rose Paperweight with Certificate.   dated 1986.  This is a delicate Selkirk pink crimp rose with twelve variegated petals arranged in an unusual 2+2+2+2+2+2 crimp pattern.  The design is set on a clear ground.  It is number 125 out of a limited edition of 250 paperweights.  It is signed in script on the base "SELKIRK GLASS SCOTLAND 125/250 1986" and has its original Selkirk silver foil label.  It comes with its original certificate.  A flashy paperweight with great color and execution.

Crimp roses represent the ultimate challenge for paperweight makers.

Selkirk Glass 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, a graduate of Edinburgh University, 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.

Large size:  Just over 3 1/8" diameter by just over 2 3/4" high.  The base is ground concave.
Signature:  It is signed on the base "SELKIRK GLASS SCOTLAND 125/250 1986" with its silver foil label and comes with its original certificate.
Condition:  Excellent condition.  No chips, cracks, or scratches found on inspection.

For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: 

Large picture
Side view
Signature and label on base
Certificate
Closeup
Profile
Another side view
View from the back
Base
$195 postage paid in the US.

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Magnum Selkirk 1986 Limited Edition Pink Crimp Rose Paperweight with Certificate
5652 Magnum Selkirk 1990 Winter Breeze Abstract Paperweight with Certificate.   dated 1990.  This abstract paperweights represents a winter breeze churning up waves and swirling spray on a body of water.  The design is set on a blue and white ground with lots of controlled bubbles and a pink center.  It is signed in script on the base "SELKIRK GLASS SCOTLAND WINTER BREEZE 1990" and has its original Selkirk silver foil label.  It comes with its original certificate stating the design is by William Lowery.  A flashy paperweight with great color and execution.

Selkirk Glass 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, a graduate of Edinburgh University, 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.

Very large size:  3 3/8" diameter by 3" high.  The base is ground concave.
Signature:  It is signed on the base "SELKIRK GLASS SCOTLAND WINTER BREEZE 1990" and has its original Selkirk silver foil label.  It comes with its original certificate.
Condition:  Excellent condition.  No chips, cracks, or scratches found on inspection.

For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: 

Large picture
Top view
Signature and label on base
Certificate
Label
Closeup
Side view
Base
$135 postage paid in the US.

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Magnum Selkirk 1990 Winter Breeze Abstract Paperweight with Certificate
5894 Large Faceted Strathearn Spaced Millefiori on Lace Paperweight with Early Scottish Canes.  dated 1979.  This fine Strathearn spaced millefiori on lace paperweight features sixteen early Scottish millefiori canes that were originally made in the Moncrieff (Monart) or Vasart period.  The paperweight was made by either David Moir or Herbert Dreier and has a (distorted) Strathearn complex signature cane "S 79" on the base.  The paperweight is faceted with one large top facet and five side facets.  This would make a fantastic addition addition to any collection of Scottish paperweights.

According to David Moir, the millefiori canes in this paperweight are old Monart type canes that were brought with by the Ysarts when they left Moncrieff.  They were never used and kept out of the way until David Moir and Herbert Dreier were given permission to use them in 1979 by the management at Teachers Whiskey (who owned Strathearn).  Some of the individual canes might be attributed to Salvadore during the early Vasart period rather than Monart.    

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.  Strathearn Glass was formed in a reorganization of Vasart glass in 1963.  The new company was owned by Teachers Whiskey.  The factory was taken over by Stuart Glass in 1980 and renamed Stuart Strathearn Ltd.  After 1980, this factory ceased production of paperweights and stopped all production in 1992.  Stuart Crystal ceased all operations in 2001.

David Quintin Moir (born 1939) started as an apprentice at Vasart (Ysart Brothers Shore Road works) in 1954.  He stayed when the name was changed to Strathearn and left in 1980.  He often contributes to discussions of Scottish glass on Facebook.

Herbert Dreier (born 1942 to an Austrian coal-mining family) was originally destined to work in the mines, but he left to join a glass factory in Bärnbach, Austria where served a three year apprenticeship.  In 1960, he moved to Germany where he worked for Peill Butzler, Dren, Germany as a glass blower.  He and a friend responded to an advertisement for Caithness Glass and moved to Wick, Scotland, where he worked as a glass blower under Paul Ysart from 1963-65, later moving to Strathearn Glass as Master Craftsman.  He remained with Strathearn through the takeover by Stuart Crystal and had a number of positions with Stuart Crystal.  When Stuart ceased operation in 2001, he moved to Plowden & Thompson in Stourbridge as a Master Craftsman.  In a life-time devoted to the art of glassblowing, Herbert Dreier’s repertoire encompassed paperweights, lamp-bases, decorative bowls, vases and three-dimensional decorative pieces.

Size:   3” diameter by 2 3/16" high.  The base is polished flat.  The paperweight is faceted with one large top facet and five side facets.
Condition:  Excellent condition.  Minor wear on the base, but no other  scratches found on inspection.  No cracks or chips.
Signature:  Signed with a (distorted) Strathearn complex signature cane "S 79" on the base.  The millefiori canes in this paperweight were taken from a reserve dating from the Monart period (at Moncrieff) or early Vasart production. 

For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: 

Large picture
Signature cane
Closeup
Top view
Base
Side view
SOLD.

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Large Faceted Strathearn Spaced Millefiori on Lace Paperweight with Early Scottish Canes
5648 Magnum Selkirk 1988 Limited Edition Abstract Calypso Paperweight with Certificate.  dated 1988.  This paperweight has a colorful abstract design reminiscent of a twirling calypso dancer kicking up dust on the ground.  It is number 51 out of a limited edition of 500 paperweights.  It is signed in script on the base "SELKIRK GLASS SCOTLAND CALYPSO 51/500 1988" and comes with its original certificate.  A fantastic item from Selkirk Glass.

Selkirk Glass 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, a graduate of Edinburgh University, 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.

Very large size:  3 5/16" diameter by 2 3/16" high. The bottom is ground concave.  Magnum sized, it weighs 28 ounces.
Signature:  It is signed in script on the base "SELKIRK GLASS SCOTLAND CALYPSO 51/500 1988" and comes with its original certificate.
Condition:  Excellent condition.  No chips, cracks, or scratches found on inspection.

For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: 

Large picture
Top view
Signature on base
Certificate
Side view
Profile
Base
$125 postage paid in the US.

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Magnum Selkirk 1988 Limited Edition Abstract Calypso Paperweight with Certificate
5428 Rare 1974 Strathearn Faceted Upright Red Flower Paperweight with Original Box.  dated 1974.  This is a rare Strathearn faceted five petal upright red flower with three leaves and a stem.  There is a translucent red ground.  It is designated PSF62 in the catalog on Scotland's Glass and is part of the second series of upright flower.  It has a polished flat base.  The paperweight is faceted with a small top facet and eight side facets (four large and four smaller below).  There is a paper label "STRATHEARN HAND MADE IN SCOTLAND" and Strathearn's "S 74" signature cane on the base.  It comes with its original satin lined blue Strathearn Glass box.  A great addition to any collection of Scottish paperweights. 

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.  Strathearn Glass was formed in a reorganization of Vasart glass in 1963.  The new company was owned by Teachers Whiskey.  The company is no longer in existence.

Large Size:  2 5/16” diameter by 3 1/2” high.  It has a polished flat base.  The paperweight is faceted with a small top facet and eight side facets (four large and four smaller below).  The box is 6 1/2" long by 4" wide by 3" high.
Condition:  Excellent condition.  No chips, cracks, or scratches found on inspection.  The box is also in very good shape with only a bit of tarnish on the brass fittings.
Signature:  This paperweight has a paper label "STRATHEARN HAND MADE IN SCOTLAND" and Strathearn's "S 74" signature cane on the base. 

For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: 

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Paperweight with box
Signature cane and label
Base
Profile
Box
Another view
$175 postage paid in the US. 

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Rare 1974 Strathearn Faceted Upright Red Flower Paperweight with Original Box
4285 Magnum Caithness 1977 Colin Terris Jubilee Moonflower Limited Edition Paperweightdated 1977.  This paperweight is one of  a group of four Caithness paperweights created to celebrate the silver jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II in 1977.  The large spherical Caithness paperweight features a celebratory fountain design with four large bubbles and a center spray.  There are nine smaller bubbles at a lower level.  The design is set over a clear ground.  This paperweight is engraved "EiiR 1952 - 1977" and the number 501.  It is number 501 in a limited edition of 3,000 paperweights.  It also has a worn Caithness label "CG HAND MADE IN SCOTLAND" with writing in blue ink on it.  A beautiful design.

The JUBILEE MOONFLOWER design is listed and designated CT-70 on page 18 of the Charlton Standard Catalog of Caithness Paperweights.  It was designed in 1977 by Colin Terris.  It was released in a limited edition of 3,000 paperweights, all of which were made.  This design was one of four paperweights in the HM Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Collection. 

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.  After going into receivership in 2004, it was purchased by Edinburgh Crystal, but went into receivership again in 2006.  Finally, it was bought out of receivership by Dartington Crystal.  The factories in Wick, Oban and Perth all closed and were replaced by a smaller operation and visitors' center in Crieff.

Very large size:  Just under 3 3/16" diameter by 2 11/16" high.  The base is polished flat.
Condition:  Excellent condition.  No chips, cracks, or scratches found on inspection.  The label has writing on it. 
Signature:  This paperweight is engraved "EiiR 1952 - 1977" and the number 501.  Also has a worn Caithness label "CG HAND MADE IN SCOTLAND" with writing on it.

For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links:

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Profile
Engraved EiiR 1952-1977 501 and label on base
Top view
Another view
Base
$65 postage paid in the US.

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Magnum Caithness 1977 Colin Terris Jubilee Moonflower Limited Edition Paperweight
5621 Miniature Strathearn Eight Pointed Star Concentric Millefiori Paperweight with Opaque Turquoise Ground.  circa 1963-1968.  This miniature paperweight features a three ring concentric millefiori design and is finished as a eight pointed star.  The ground is an opaque turquoise.  The star points give the glass a glittery appearance.  This paperweight has a Strathearn paper label with a leaping salmon and "STRATHEARN HAND MADE IN SCOTLAND" on the base.  A great addition to any collection of Scottish glass. 
 
This is called a pressed weight because a mold is used to form the shape.  The top is flattened.  The star points give the glass a real glittery appearance as you can see in the pictures. 

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.  Strathearn Glass was formed in a reorganization of Vasart glass in 1963.  The new company was owned by Teachers Whiskey.

Miniature size:   2” diameter by 1 3/16” high.  The base is fire polished. 
Condition:  Excellent condition.  No damage found on inspection.   
Signature:  This paperweight has a Strathearn paper label with a leaping salmon and "STRATHEARN HAND MADE IN SCOTLAND" on the base. 

For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: 

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Profile
Base
Label
$59 postage paid in the US.

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Miniature Strathearn Eight Pointed Star Concentric Millefiori Paperweight with Opaque Turquoise Ground
5567 Caithness Colin Terris Ballerina Limited Edition Flash Overlay Paperweight.   issued 1993.  This stunningly beautiful paperweight uses a pink swirl of lacy bubbles to depict a twirling ballerina.  The design is placed at the center of a transparent cobalt blue flash overlay.  This design was created by Colin Terris in 1993 and issued in a very limited edition of only 50 paperweights, of which this is number 42.  It is faceted with one large top facet and twelve smaller side facets in two rows.  The paperweight is engraved on the edge of the base "Ballerina Caithness Scotland 42/50".  It also has Selman auction label.  A beautiful design.

The BALLERINA design is listed and designated CT-931 on page 140 of the Charlton Standard Catalog of Caithness Paperweights.  It was designed in 1993 by Colin Terris and released in a limited edition of only 50 paperweights.  The original issue price in the US was $595 and the Charlton Catalog lists the 2004 current value as $350.

Note about provenance:  The previous owner acquired this paperweight at the Selman Auction 44 (Fall  2009) Lot 298.  The auction estimate was $180-$250.

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.  After going into receivership in 2004, it was purchased by Edinburgh Crystal, but went into receivership again in 2006.  Finally, it was bought out of receivership by Dartington Crystal.  The factories in Wick, Oban and Perth all closed and were replaced by a smaller operation and visitors' center in Crieff.  Caithness is still operating in Crieff and making paperweights today (in 2022).

Large size:  Just under 3 1/8" diameter by just under 2 7/16" high.  The base is polished flat.  It is faceted with one large top facet and twelve smaller side facets in two rows.
Condition:  Excellent condition.  Other than a few scratches on the base, no chips, cracks, or scratches found on inspection. 
Signature:  This paperweight engraved on the edge of the base "Ballerina Caithness Scotland 42/50".

For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links:

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Side view
Profile
Signature on base
Top view
Base
$175 postage paid in the US.

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Caithness Colin Terris Ballerina Limited Edition Flash Overlay Paperweight
5915 Vasart Miniature Concentric Paperweight.  circa 1950-1963.  Miniature concentric paperweight with three rings of white, blue, and red/orange millefiori around a central white millefiori cane.  The outer ring of canes alternates between orange and red.  The ground is an opaque yellow color.  A neat miniature - very small. 

Note:  This miniature was among the smaller sizes produced at Vasart.  It is about the same sized used for the barware handles made by Vasart and incorporated into the Lassman corkscrews, bottle openers, and other barware.  They did make some as small as 1 1/2". 

Note on attribution:  With a concentric design it is often difficult to distinguish between a Vasart concentric and a later Strathearn concentric.  One feature that helps is whether the canes are even with the ground or stand above the ground (also called stand proud).  Vasart did not have reheat furnaces (glory holes) and thus most of their paperweights have the canes well above the ground.  Strathearn had newer equipment and were able to use some as reheat furnaces.  That gave them the ability to rework the glass and smooth out the tops of the canes.  Another distinguishing feature was the use of (mostly) colored twist canes at Vasart and the use of (mostly) white canes at Strathearn.  Colors also helped but that was more subjective. 

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.  The company evolved into a new company Strathearn owned by Teachers Whiskey.  In 1967 Drysdale was sent a magazine article on antique paperweights (Woman's Day, July 1965).  The article 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.

Miniature size:  Just over 1 5/8" diameter by 1 1/4" high.  The base is fire finished. 
Condition:  Excellent condition with no scratches, chips or cracks. 
Signature:  Unsigned but I guarantee that it is an early Scottish paperweight, most likely made at Vasart.

For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links:

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Another side view
Base
SOLD.

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Vasart Miniature Concentric Paperweight
5363 Large Strathearn Spaced Millefiori on Lace Paperweight.  1963 - 1980.  This Strathearn spaced millefiori on lace paperweight features twelve colorful millefiori canes in a randomly spaced pattern.  The design is placed on a white lace (or upset muslin) ground.  This paperweight has a Strathearn paper label with a leaping salmon and "STRATHEARN HAND MADE IN SCOTLAND" on the base.  A great addition to any collection of Scottish glass. 

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.  Strathearn Glass was formed in a reorganization of Vasart glass in 1963.  The new company was owned by Teachers Whiskey.  The factory was taken over by Stuart Glass in 1980 and renamed Stuart Strathearn Ltd.  After 1980, this factory ceased production of paperweights and stopped all production in 1992.  Stuart Crystal ceased all operations in 2001. 

Size:   Just over 3” diameter by 2 1/8" high.  The base is polished flat.
Condition:  Excellent condition.  Minor wear on the base, but no other  scratches found on inspection.  No cracks or chips.
Signature:  Signed  with a Strathearn paper label with a leaping salmon and "STRATHEARN HAND MADE IN SCOTLAND" on the base. 

For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: 

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Label
Closeup
Side view
Profile
Base
$175 postage paid in the US.

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Large Strathearn Spaced Millefiori on Lace Paperweight
5661 Caithness 1987 Colin Terris Pink Champagne Paperweightissued in 1987.  This whimsical paperweight is intended to remind us of a glass of bubbly pink champagne.  There is a wispy bubble covered pink center and an outer layer of clear bubbled glass.  And one large center bubble.  It is etched on the base "Caithness PINK CHAMPAGNE Scotland".  There is also a hard to read registration number which I think is H120776" or "11120776".   A fun design.

The PINK CHAMPAGNE design is listed and designated CT-550 on page 86 of the Charlton Standard Catalog of Caithness Paperweights.  It was designed in 1987 by Colin Terris.  It was released in an unlimited edition. The original issue price in the US was $69.50. 

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.  After going into receivership in 2004, it was purchased by Edinburgh Crystal, but went into receivership again in 2006.  Finally, it was bought out of receivership by Dartington Crystal.  The factories in Wick, Oban and Perth all closed and were replaced by a smaller operation and visitors' center in Crieff.

Large size:  3 1/8" diameter by 2 7/8" high.  The base is polished flat.
Condition:  Excellent condition.  With the exception of some faint scratches on the base, no other chips, cracks, or scratches found on inspection.
Signature:  This paperweight etched on the base "Caithness PINK CHAMPAGNE Scotland".  There is also a hard to read registration number which I think is H120776" or "11120776".

For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links:

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Another view
Etched signature on base
Registration number
Top view
Base
SOLD.

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Caithness 1987 Colin Terris Pink Champagne Paperweight
5566 Large Colorful Strathearn Paneled Millefiori Paperweight.  circa 1963-1968.  This very attractive paperweight consists of a paneled millefiori pattern with nine panels of 1 (blue) + 2 (red) + 2 (orange and white) millefiori patterns each separated by a white latticinio twist cane.  There is a central ring of seven dark blue  millefiori canes and then a center orange and white millefiori cane.  The canes are early Scottish millefiori canes on an opaque black ground.  This paperweight has its original Strathearn paper label "STRATHEARN HAND MADE IN SCOTLAND" on the base.  It also has a sticker from an early Selman auction.  This is a great addition to any collection of Scottish paperweights.  Great color.

This paperweight has a sticker on the base from an early Selman Online Auction (Auction 7 Lot 68).  This is online auction is different from the auctions that had print catalogs.  The previous owner paid $200 for this paperweight.

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.  Strathearn Glass was formed in a reorganization of Vasart glass in 1963.  The new company was owned by Teachers Whiskey.  The company is no longer in existence.

Large size:   Just under 3” diameter by 2 1/4” high.  The base is fire polished. 
Condition:  Excellent condition.  No cracks, chips, or scratches found on inspection other than minor wear on the base. 
Signature:  This paperweight has its original Strathearn paper label "STRATHEARN HAND MADE IN SCOTLAND" on the base.

For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: 

Large picture
Label and auction sticker on base
Closeup
Profile
Base
Side view
$125 postage paid in the US.

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Large Colorful Strathearn Paneled Millefiori Paperweight
1851 Rare Large Vasart or Strathearn Paneled Millefiori Paperweight Pin Dish.  circa 1946-1969.  This pin dish features a paneled millefiori design with seven panels with a 1-2 cane pattern separated by colored twists over an orange ground.  There is a ring of pink canes with blue centers in the center of the design.  The dish is heavy with thick walls and a depressed center.  An interesting historical addition to any collection of Scottish paperweights, Ysart glass or millefiori collectibles. 

Items like this were made by the many of the Scottish paperweight companies (Ysart Brothers, Vasart Glass, Strathearn Glass, or even Perthshire Paperweights).  Some of the products made by Vasart were also sold with a Pirelli label.  It is important to note that most pin dishes started off as a paperweight.  The maker found a defect or problem and rather than stop, turned it into a pin dish.

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 GlassStrathearn Glass was formed in a reorganization of Vasart glass in 1963.  The new company was owned by Teachers Whiskey.

Large Size:  3 7/8” diameter by 1 5/8” high.  The center well is 2 13/16" diameter.  The base is fire polished and the pontil mark is ground down. 
Condition:  Very good condition.  I found two small scratches on the side, plus some scratches from wear on the base.  No chips or cracks.
Signature:  Unsigned, but I guarantee this is an early Scottish pin dish made by Vasart or possibly later by Strathearn. 

For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: 

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Closeup
Top view
Base
Side view
$125 postage paid in the US.

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Rare Large Vasart or Strathearn Paneled Millefiori Paperweight Pin Dish
3437 Large Colorful Strathearn Paneled Millefiori Paperweight.  circa 1963-1968.  This very attractive paperweight consists of a paneled millefiori pattern with nine panels of 1 (white) + 2 (yellow) + 2 (pink) millefiori patterns each separated by a white latticinio twist cane.  There is a central ring of seven dark green  millefiori canes and then a center orange millefiori cane.  The canes are early Scottish millefiori canes on a translucent blue ground.  This is a great addition to any collection of Scottish paperweights. Great color.

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.  Strathearn Glass was formed in a reorganization of Vasart glass in 1963.  The new company was owned by Teachers Whiskey.  The company is no longer in existence.

Size:   3 1/16” diameter by 2 5/16” high.  The base is fire polished. 
Condition:  Excellent condition.  No cracks, chips, or scratches found on inspection other than minor wear on the base. 
Signature:  Unsigned, but I guarantee this to be a Strathearn paperweight from Scotland. 

For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: 

Large picture
Closeup
Profile
Base
Side view
$125 postage paid in the US.

Click on the picture to see a larger image.

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Large Colorful Strathearn Paneled Millefiori Paperweight
5663 Caithness Colin Terris Moonflower (First Variation) Paperweight with Certificate.   First issued 1970.  This paperweight was the first abstract Caithness design.  It portrays the artist's impression of an extra terrestrial plant form.  The colors are a deep cobalt blue sculpture set on a purplish-red ground.  There are four larger large bubbles arranged around a central twist, plus many smaller bubbles carefully placed in the design.  This paperweight is etched on the base "Caithness MOONFLOWER Scotland" and engraved with the sequence number "C44921".  It comes with its original certificate.  A beautiful design.

The MOONFLOWER design is listed and designated CT-2 on page 3 of the Charlton Standard Catalog of Caithness Paperweights.  It was designed in 1972 by Colin Terris and released in an unlimited edition.  There are many color variations.  Similar designs were issued in specific colors and also for Queen Elizabeth's Silver Jubilee.  The version listed here is the original Moonflower design.

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.  After going into receivership in 2004, it was purchased by Edinburgh Crystal, but went into receivership again in 2006.  Finally, it was bought out of receivership by Dartington Crystal.  The factories in Wick, Oban and Perth all closed and were replaced by a smaller operation and visitors' center in Crieff.  Caithness is still operating in Crieff and making paperweights today (in 2022).

Large size:  Just over 3 1/16" diameter by just under 2 13/16" high.  The base is polished flat.
Condition:  Excellent condition.  No chips, cracks, or scratches found on inspection. 
Signature:  This paperweight etched on the base "Caithness MOONFLOWER Scotland" and engraved with the sequence number "C44921".  It comes with its original certificate.

For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links:

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Side view
Etched signature and engraved sequence number on base
Certificate
Top view
Another view
Base
SOLD.

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Caithness Colin Terris Moonflower (First Variation) Paperweight with Certificate
5664 Large Caithness 1985 Limited Edition Flair US Collectors Club PaperweightThis paperweight features a single five petaled ruby colored flower rising from a transparent aquamarine ground.  The stem is surrounded by a controlled pattern of bubbles.  There is a large dew drop (bubble) in the center of the flower.  The paperweight was issued in 1985 in a limited edition of 500 paperweights for members of the US Caithness Collectors Club.  This paperweight is etched on the base "CAITHNESS SCOTLAND FLAIR US COLLECTORS PAPERWEIGHT" and is engraved "99/500".  It comes with its original certificate stating that it was designed by Colin Terris and that this is edition 99 of a limited edition of 500 paperweights.  A beautiful design.

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.  After going into receivership in 2004, it was purchased by Edinburgh Crystal, but went into receivership again in 2006.  Finally, it was bought out of receivership by Dartington Crystal.  The factories in Wick, Oban and Perth all closed and were replaced by a smaller operation and visitors' center in Crieff.

Very large size:  3 1/8" diameter by 2 3/4" high.  The base is polished flat.
Condition:  Excellent condition.  No chips, cracks, or scratches found on inspection.
Signature:  This paperweight is etched on the base "CAITHNESS SCOTLAND FLAIR US COLLECTORS PAPERWEIGHT" and is engraved "99/500".  It comes with its original certificate stating that it was designed by Colin Terris and that this is edition 99 of a limited edition of 500 paperweights. 

For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links:

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Engraved "CAITHNESS SCOTLAND FLAIR US COLLECTORS PAPERWEIGHT" and 99/500 on base
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Side view
SOLD.

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Large Caithness 1985 Limited Edition Flair US Collectors Club Paperweight
4040 Large Strathearn Eight Pointed Star Paneled Millefiori Paperweight with Opaque Orange Ground.  circa 1963-1968.  This paperweight is finished as a eight pointed star.  The star points give the glass a glittery appearance.  It features a paneled millefiori design with seven panels of 1+1+2 millefiori patterns each separated by a white latticinio twist cane.  There is a central ring of six millefiori canes and then a center millefiori cane.  The canes are early Scottish millefiori canes on an opaque orange ground.  A great addition to any collection of Scottish glass. 
 
This is called a pressed weight because a mold is used to form the shape.  The top is flattened.  The star points give the glass a real glittery appearance as you can see in the pictures. 

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.  Strathearn Glass was formed in a reorganization of Vasart glass in 1963.  The new company was owned by Teachers Whiskey.

Size:   2 3/4” diameter by 1 3/16” high.  The base is fire polished. 
Condition:  Excellent condition.  No damage found on inspection.   
Signature:  Unsigned but I guarantee this is a Strathearn paperweight made in Scotland.

For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: 

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Side view
Closeup
Profile
Base
$85 postage paid in the US.

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Large Strathearn Eight Pointed Star Paneled Millefiori Paperweight with Opaque Orange Ground
5665 Early Large Caithness Paul Ysart Designed Harlequin Single Paperweight.  circa 1976 or later.  This large paperweight features a brilliantly colored ground with bits of millefiori canes.  The ground is punctured with a large central bubble and eight outside bubbles.  Each bubble has an elongated stem extending to a hollow in the ground.  The underside of the ground is a transparent dark purple.  Paul Ysart made similar paperweights during his post war  Moncrieff period and is credited with designing this paperweight at Caithness.  The paperweight has brilliant colors and the glass is clear with a slight tint of grey.  It is etched on the base "Caithness HARLEQUIN SINGLE Scotland" and has a registration number "C102281".  There is also a "CG" signature cane in the design.  A beautiful paperweight.

The HARLEQUIN SINGLE design is listed and designated CT-10 on page 5 of the Charlton Standard Catalog of Caithness Paperweights.  It was designed by Paul Ysart in 1972.  Early copies were made (1972-1975) by Peter Holmes and signed with a "PH" signature cane.  Copies made later were signed with a Caithness Glass "CG" signature cane.  It is possible the switch to "CG" was the result of Holmes planning to depart Caithness which happened in 1977.

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.  After going into receivership in 2004, it was purchased by Edinburgh Crystal, but went into receivership again in 2006.  Finally, it was bought out of receivership by Dartington Crystal.  The factories in Wick, Oban and Perth all closed and were replaced by a smaller operation and visitors' center in Crieff.  Caithness is still operating in Crieff and making paperweights today (in 2022).

The birth of Scottish paperweight making is credited to the glass making family of Salvador Ysart, who moved to Crieff, Scotland from Spain in 1922.  They worked first at John Moncrieff Ltd and made the earliest Scottish paperweights during that period.  Paul Ysart (1904-1991), originally Pablo Moreno Isart, was apprenticed to his father as a glass worker at Moncrieff in 1922.  He worked on the production of Monart Art Glass.  Paperweights were primarily an after hours activity.  Paul made his first paperweight in the early 1930s.  Production was interrupted by World War II and the Monart line was not restarted until 1946.  In 1946 Salvadore and his sons Augustine and Vincent left Moncrieff and founded Ysart Brothers Glass.  They produced glass wares under the Vasart label.  Salvador Ysart died in 1955.  Paul stayed at Moncrieff from until 1962, when he joined Caithness as a Training Officer.  While at Caithness, he trained Peter Holmes, Colin Terris, and William Manson, among others.  After he retired from Caithness in 1972, he continued to make paperweights initially under the Harland label and then the Highland Paperweights label until 1979.   You can read more about Paul Ysart in the book by Colin Mahoney Masterpieces:  The Paperweights of Paul Ysart.

Peter Holmes started his glass working career at Caithness Glass (Scotland) in 1963 as an apprentice to Paul Ysart.  He continued at Caithness until 1977, when he and Ron Hutchinson left Caithness to start Selkirk Glass.  Peter left Selkirk in 2002 to start Scottish Borders Art Glass with his son, Andrew, at Galalaw, Hawick. 

Size:  3 1/8" diameter by 2 5/8" high.  The base is ground flat. 
Condition:  Excellent condition.  Minor wear on the base, but no other scratches found on inspection.  And no chips or cracks.
Signature:  It is signed with an acid etch on the base "Caithness HARLEQUIN SINGLE Scotland" and has a registration number "C102281".  There is also a "CG" signature cane in the design.

For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: 

Large picture
Side view
Closeup
Signature and registration number on base
Signature cane
Profile
Base
SOLD.                                     Added 7/5/2022   

For more information about paperweights made by Scottish makers, see my Scottish Paperweights Web Page

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Early Large Caithness Paul Ysart Designed Harlequin Single Paperweight
5973 Medium Colorful Strathearn Paneled Millefiori Paperweight.  circa 1963-1968.  This very attractive paperweight consists of a paneled millefiori pattern with eight sections of 1+2+2 millefiori patterns each separated by a white latticinio twist cane.  There is a central ring of six millefiori canes and then a center millefiori cane.  The design is set on a mottled blue green ground.  This is a very nice example.   A great addition to any collection of Scottish paperweights. 

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.  Strathearn Glass was formed in a reorganization of Vasart glass in 1963.  The new company was owned by Teachers Whiskey.  The company is no longer in existence.

Medium Size:   2 9/16” diameter by 2” high.  The base is fire polished. 
Condition:  Excellent condition.  No cracks, chips, or scratches found on inspection other than mild wear on the base. 
Signature:  Unsigned, but I guarantee this to be a Strathearn paperweight from Scotland.

For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: 

Large picture
Side view
Closeup
Profile
Base
SOLD.

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Medium Colorful Strathearn Paneled Millefiori Paperweight
4034 Medium Colorful Strathearn Close Packed Millefiori Paperweight.  circa 1963-1968.  This is a very attractive and colorful Strathearn close packed millefiori paperweight.  The design is placed over an opaque pink- beige ground.  A nice addition to any collection of Scottish paperweights.

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.  Strathearn Glass was formed in a reorganization of Vasart glass in 1963.  The new company was owned by Teachers Whiskey.  The company is no longer in existence.

Medium size:   Just over 2 3/8” diameter by 2 1/16” high.  The base is fire polished and ground concave in the center. 
Condition:  Excellent condition.  No cracks, chips, or scratches found on inspection.  There are some small bubbles in the glass.
Signature:  Unsigned, but I guarantee this to be a Strathearn paperweight from Scotland. 

For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links:

Large picture
Closeup
Profile
Base
Side view
$89 postage paid in the US.

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Medium Colorful Strathearn Close Packed Millefiori Paperweight
2836 Selkirk 1996 Stylized Blue Flower Paperweight.  dated 1996.  This paperweight has an stylized or abstract blue floral design with five trumpet shaped petals and a green center.  Each of the trumpet shapes has an elongated bubble in the center.  The design is placed over a translucent blue ground.  It is signed in script on the base "SELKIRK GLASS SCOTLAND 1996".  It also has a worn paper label "SELKIRK GLASS HANDMADE IN SCOTLAND".  A colorful  example from Selkirk Glass.

Selkirk Glass 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. .

Peter Holmes started his glass working career at Caithness Glass (Scotland) in 1963 as an apprentice to Paul Ysart.  He continued at Caithness until 1977, when he and Ron Hutchinson left Caithness to start Selkirk Glass.  Peter left Selkirk in 2002 to start Scottish Borders Art Glass with his son, Andrew, at Galalaw, Hawick. 

Large size:  2 13/16" diameter by 2 5/8" high. The bottom is ground concave. 
Signature:  It is signed in script on the base "SELKIRK GLASS SCOTLAND 1996".  It also has a worn paper label "SELKIRK GLASS HANDMADE IN SCOTLAND".
Condition:  Excellent condition with some wear on the base and one faint scuff or scratch (less than 1/8" long) on the side.  No other scratches, cracks or chips found on inspection. 

For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: 

Large picture
Side view
Top view
Label
Profile
Base with Signature and Label
Base
Scuff (less than 1/8") on side
$95 postage paid in the US. 

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Selkirk 1996 Stylized Blue Flower Paperweight
4026 Miniature Strathearn Eight Pointed Star Concentric Millefiori Paperweight with Opaque Lime Green Ground.  circa 1963-1968.  This miniature paperweight features a three ring concentric millefiori design and is finished as a eight pointed star.  The ground is an opaque lime green.  The star points give the glass a glittery appearance.  This paperweight has a worn Strathearn paper label with a leaping salmon and "STRATHEARN HAND MADE IN SCOTLAND" on the base.  A great addition to any collection of Scottish glass. 
 
This is called a pressed weight because a mold is used to form the shape.  The top is flattened.  The star points give the glass a real glittery appearance as you can see in the pictures. 

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.  Strathearn Glass was formed in a reorganization of Vasart glass in 1963.  The new company was owned by Teachers Whiskey.

Miniature size:   2 1/16” diameter by 1 1/8” high.  The base is fire polished. 
Condition:  Excellent condition.  No damage found on inspection.   
Signature:  This paperweight has a worn Strathearn paper label with a leaping salmon and "STRATHEARN HAND MADE IN SCOTLAND" on the base. 

For extra pictures, click on the picture at the right and the following links: 

Large picture
Side view
Closeup
Profile
Base with label
Another view
$59 postage paid in the US.

Click on the picture to see a larger image.

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Miniature Strathearn Eight Pointed Star Concentric Millefiori Paperweight with Opaque Lime Green Ground

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Revised 3/21/2024    EI9