Classic Period of French paperweights (1845-1860). Recognized during this time period due to the competitive nature of the manufacturers, for the individual artistry and sophistication and complexity of design and mass production of weights. The three main French glasshouses/competitors were, Clichy, Saint-Louis, and Baccarat. Exact origin of paperweight is undetermined.

A documented appearance is traced to the “Exhibition of Austrian Industry’ in Vienna in 1845, featuring the glass paperweights of Pietro Bigaglia of Venice. The Saint-Louis Glass Factory was first to export/appropriate the idea and have paperweights dated 1845.

Glass factories in England began manufacturing in 1848. Clichy exhibited/displayed their paperweights at the New York Crystal Palace in 1853. American Classic paperweight making dates from here into the 1870’s. Baccarat and Saint-Louis continue to produce paperweights today.

Glossary

Cane- individual segment of glass that is molded cut or configured to create each unique continuous designed motif formed by bunching multiple segments into a pattern.
Filigree- a clear glass rod enclosing thin, spirally twisted opaque white or colored glass threads.
Garland- an arrangement of millefiori canes in loops, circlets or other chain configurations.
Magnum weight- a paperweight with a diameter greater than 3 1/2 inches
Millefiori- Italian for” thousand flowers”. Used to describe paperweights incorporating any arrangement of millefiori canes.
Pastry mold cane- a millefiori cane that flares at the base.
Posy- a bouquet of millefiori cane flowers.
Torsade – a circular ring of spiraling opaque white and or colored glass threads.

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