Paperweights a Steady Value

What is it?

A 4 1/2-inch-long paperweight made by the Gillinder Co. as a novelty for the 1876 World’s Fair in Philadelphia.

What’s its history?

Paperweights had their origin in ancient Egypt, but it was during the mid-1800s that this art form reached its pinnacle. The finest paperweights were produced between 1834 and 1855 in France, England, Italy and Bohemia. The United States began producing them in the 1850s. French ones are considered the best.

This particular paperweight belongs to La Habra resident Olivia Loesch. “It was my mother’s and her mother’s before that, and I’m 72 years old. It has delighted our children and grandchildren for years.”

How was it made?

The paperweight has a camphor-look glass hand holding a “turtle.” These paperweights contained many paper animals on springs, which enabled them to move within the glass. In this one, a real baby turtle shell was used. All six parts--four legs, head and tail--move. “There is only one tiny little chip that happened during the Whittier earthquake of 1987,” Loesch said.

What’s it worth today?

“This would bring around $400 today,” said Gloria Loudon, owner of Grandma’s Cottage of Heirloom Antiques in Newport Beach, who collects paperweights. “I have never seen one like it before.”

Where can I find it?

Antique stores such as Grandma’s Cottage have paperweights, which are experiencing a revival in popularity.

They declined in value at the end of the 1800s, and many of the original manufacturers closed shop. Interest was revived in the 1950s by Baccarat and St. Louis.

Paperweights aren’t cheap because of the cost of the fuel, material and labor involved in making them. Since the ‘30s, antique paperweights have steadily increased in value, making them one of today’s best investments, according to Schroeder’s Antiques Price Guide.

The most paid was for a French Cliny paperweight sold at a Sotheby’s auction in 1990 for $250,000.

How can I find out more?

The book “All About Paperweights” (Paperweight Press 1992, $25), by L.H. Selman is a good resource, or visit Selman’s Web site at https://www.selman.com.

The International Paperweight Society is at 761 Chestnut St., Santa Cruz, CA 95060 and the Corning Museum of Glass in Corning, NY ([607] 937-5371) has a permanent collection on view.

If you’d like an appraisal, send a photo along with your name and phone number to What It’s Worth, Home Design, Los Angeles Times, 1375 Sunflower Ave., Costa Mesa, Ca. 92626

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