Record prices realized in Part I of the Sam and Winifred Alschuler Paperweight Collection at L. H. Selman Ltd. Spring Auction
An extremely rare, possibly unique, antique Clichy signed scattered millefiori white stardust carpet ground paperweight weight sold for $36,815, a figure well above the highest estimated value.
The design elements, which include a rare red, white, and light blue “C” signature cane, rest within a basket of alternating cobalt blue and white staves. George Kulles, author of four classic books on paperweights and the appraiser of the Alschuler collection, states, “I am absolutely sure it is one of a kind. It is an outstanding weight.”
This well-known paperweight was exhibited in 1978 by The Corning Museum of Glass as “one of the greatest paperweights in the world.” Of all the weights in their collection, this was the Alschulers’ favorite.
Another important paperweight fetching a record price was the antique Clichy convolvulus, which sold for $31,065. This weight is one of only twenty-three documented examples of its type.
Other antique weights which fetched record prices were an extremely rare Baccarat trefoil millefiori garlands on stardust carpet ground, which sold for $27,615, a rare Pantin pink rose and bud paperweight for $17,250 and a Clichy concentric millefiori and roses paperweight for $23,000. An antique Bohemian painted bouquet weight went far the above estimated value, selling for $4,600.
Many other weights sold at or above the highest estimates.
“We were pleased and honored to offer this important collection to paperweight collectors and museums worldwide. The second part of this collection promises to be as exciting as the first,” said Lawrence Selman, owner of L.H. Selman Ltd.
About L. H. Selman Ltd.
L.H. Selman Ltd., The Glass Gallery, offers the most extensive stock of antique and contemporary paperweights in the world. The founder and owner, Lawrence Selman, with over thirty-five years experience, is considered a leading expert in the field of fine glass paperweights. The company holds two major paperweight auctions yearly, which have consistently drawn bidders from all over the world.
L. H. Selman Ltd. maintains an expansive gallery in Santa Cruz, California. At their online gallery, at TheGlassGallery.com, collectors may browse their inventory, read glass artists’ profiles, order works of art, or bid on fine art glass through their online auctions.