Rare Whitefriars Crystal Commemorative Paperweight WA Anniversary 1979 46/50
Established in the 17th century as James Powell & Sons, Whitefriars is steeped in the monastic history of their original location in the City of London. In 1923 they moved to Harrow, and the new location allowed further growth of this iconic glass maker. Sadly, after 300 years of glassmaking, the company closed its doors in 1980.
Whitefriars produced a range of commemorative paperweights that are highly sought after by collectors. These paperweights often featured intricate millefiori designs and were made to commemorate special events. As they were produced in very limited numbers, these are especially south after by collectors.
This incredibly rare paperweight celebrates the 150th anniversary of the settlement of Western Australia in 1979, and features a central black swan with red beak against a white surround, within concentric green, ruby, and blue star canes. There is a date cane in the first circle underneath the swan. The pentagram-shaped fine crystal body has five and one facets, and is etched with number 46 on the base.
It is important to note that although many other commemorative paperweights are produced in editions of up to 500, only 50 of these paperweights were ever produced. Each one is unique, with its own design and combination of canes.
This would have been one of the last paperweight designs made by Whitefriars, as the company closed the following year in 1980.
We have seen only two others offered for sale (one in Australia) and the last sale we have been able to confirm was at auction in 2012 for AUD$1000.
This piece is in excellent condition. Due to the weight and value, insurance will be included in the postage.
Established in the 17th century as James Powell & Sons, Whitefriars is steeped in the monastic history of their original location in the City of London. In 1923 they moved to Harrow, and the new location allowed further growth of this iconic glass maker. Sadly, after 300 years of glassmaking, the company closed its doors in 1980.
Whitefriars produced a range of commemorative paperweights that are highly sought after by collectors. These paperweights often featured intricate millefiori designs and were made to commemorate special events. As they were produced in very limited numbers, these are especially south after by collectors.
This incredibly rare paperweight celebrates the 150th anniversary of the settlement of Western Australia in 1979, and features a central black swan with red beak against a white surround, within concentric green, ruby, and blue star canes. There is a date cane in the first circle underneath the swan. The pentagram-shaped fine crystal body has five and one facets, and is etched with number 46 on the base.
It is important to note that although many other commemorative paperweights are produced in editions of up to 500, only 50 of these paperweights were ever produced. Each one is unique, with its own design and combination of canes.
This would have been one of the last paperweight designs made by Whitefriars, as the company closed the following year in 1980.
We have seen only two others offered for sale (one in Australia) and the last sale we have been able to confirm was at auction in 2012 for AUD$1000.
This piece is in excellent condition. Due to the weight and value, insurance will be included in the postage.
Established in the 17th century as James Powell & Sons, Whitefriars is steeped in the monastic history of their original location in the City of London. In 1923 they moved to Harrow, and the new location allowed further growth of this iconic glass maker. Sadly, after 300 years of glassmaking, the company closed its doors in 1980.
Whitefriars produced a range of commemorative paperweights that are highly sought after by collectors. These paperweights often featured intricate millefiori designs and were made to commemorate special events. As they were produced in very limited numbers, these are especially south after by collectors.
This incredibly rare paperweight celebrates the 150th anniversary of the settlement of Western Australia in 1979, and features a central black swan with red beak against a white surround, within concentric green, ruby, and blue star canes. There is a date cane in the first circle underneath the swan. The pentagram-shaped fine crystal body has five and one facets, and is etched with number 46 on the base.
It is important to note that although many other commemorative paperweights are produced in editions of up to 500, only 50 of these paperweights were ever produced. Each one is unique, with its own design and combination of canes.
This would have been one of the last paperweight designs made by Whitefriars, as the company closed the following year in 1980.
We have seen only two others offered for sale (one in Australia) and the last sale we have been able to confirm was at auction in 2012 for AUD$1000.
This piece is in excellent condition. Due to the weight and value, insurance will be included in the postage.
Rare Whitefriars Commemorative Crystal Paperweight
WA 150th Anniversary 1979
Black Swan and date cane
Unique, and part of a limited edition of 50.
Etched #46
Whitefriars label intact
