Bidders from Europe were especially active against U.S. buyers, with very lively internet bidding. Along with those from the U.S., there were bidders from Austria, Brazil, Canada, Finland, France, Germany, Japan, Mexico, the Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom, bidding over the telephone or the company’s web site.
“Paperweights of this quality attract high bidding in any economy,” says Larry Selman, president of L. H. Selman Ltd.
Among the many rare and important paperweights which sold at record prices was an extremely rare antique Clichy three-flower bouquet paperweight, which sold for $46,000, several thousand dollars over the high estimate.
Examples of other weights which fetched record prices are a very rare antique Clichy miniature millefiori piedouche paperweight formerly from the King Farouk collection, which sold for $32,000, and a very fine antique Baccarat magnum close packed millefiori paperweight, which sold for $23,000, triple the high estimate.
American paperweights made a good showing as well. A rare antique New England Glass Company paperweight, containing a black and white eagle silhouette cane, realized $4,048.
Several other American weights sold at or above the high estimate. A complete list of prices realized is available at www.paperweight.com.
• High resolution photos available upon request.
Lot 1: Antique Clichy pedestal – $32,000
Lot 3: Antique Clichy bouquet – $46,000
Lot 12: Antique Baccarat – $23,000
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.