Paperweights, used to hold down papers, and most commonly made in glass, evolved in Venice in the early nineteenth century, and spread to France via Bohemia about 1845, where the finest examples were produced by three factories: Baccarat, Clichy and St Louis. Examples from these manufacturers are mostly unmarked and widely faked and imitated and thus a minefield for the uninitiated. The most popular motif is millefiori ('thousand flowers'), though fruit, single flowers, insects, and other small objects are often used as well as portraits and view. The cheaper paperweights use air bubbles as decoration. The classic paperweights are round and domed, but lesser weights were also made in the form of pyramids and rectangles. The early period of paperweights is reckoned to have ended in 1870 but some 20th century manufacturers such as Lalique, Kosta Boda, Whitefriars and Caithness Glass have produced some fine examples. The great majority of more...

86 items found:

These items have been sold, and the description, image and price are for reference purposes only.

A 19th century bronze and ivory paperweight, modelled as a…

A 19th century bronze and ivory paperweight, modelled as a young girl on ivory section. Length, 13 cm.

Isle of Wight Art glass paperweight, white, green and gold…

Isle of Wight Art glass paperweight, white, green and gold swirl decorated weight with original label to base, depth 9.5 cm

A silver plated tugboat paperweight ornament on ebonised…

1920s Silver Plated Tugboat Paperweight on Ebonised Pyramid Plinth

A silver plated tugboat paperweight ornament on ebonised pyramid plinth, circa 1920s, 11 cm high, 15.5 cm long

Silver topped vanity jars, silver plated pint mug, beaker,…

Antique Silver Vanity Set and Tableware Collection (12 items)

Silver topped vanity jars, silver plated pint mug, beaker, bottle coaster, cork stoppers, sugar castor, jug and a paperweight, 19th and 20th century, (12 items), the largest 18 cm high

Australian silver frill necked lizard paperweight depicting the…

Handcrafted Australian Silver Frill Necked Lizard Paperweight on Wood Base

Australian silver frill necked lizard paperweight depicting the figure of the lizard on a carved wood base, marked 'handcrafted from Rivergum Burl by G. Voysey,' height 8 cm.

Stylized silver plate goat paper paperweight on a marble base,…

Silver Goat Paperweight on Marble Base

Stylized silver plate goat paper paperweight on a marble base, height 12.5 cm

A Louis Vuitton trunk paperweight. Features red striped…

Louis Vuitton Trunk Paperweight: Red Striped with Removable Trays

A Louis Vuitton trunk paperweight. Features red striped exterior with three trunk latches and "Slc" initials on each side. Interior is lined in white canvas with two removable trays featuring red and white canvas straps. Gold tone hardware. Dimensions 14…

Miniature cannon paperweight: brass & cast iron construction,…

USA-made miniature brass cannon paperweight

Miniature cannon paperweight: brass & cast iron construction, length 22 cm, stamped 'Made in USA' on base, 20th century.

Fishing rod & basket paperweight: in brass with the basket…

Brass Fishing Rod & Basket Paperweight

Fishing rod & basket paperweight: in brass with the basket weaving and fishing line in copper, height 14 cm, early 20th century.

Cartier sterling silver Panthere & blue crystal ball…

Cartier Panther Crystal Paperweight

Cartier sterling silver Panthere & blue crystal ball paperweight a Cartier mini paperweight featuring a polished sterling panther with cobalt blue glass crystal ball. Includes original box.

A gilt bronze paperweight inkwell set with malachite cabochons,…

Malachite Cabochon Paperweight Inkwell Set

A gilt bronze paperweight inkwell set with malachite cabochons, the octagonal well and square base with canted corners engraved with floral scrolls. 7.5 cm x 7.5 cm x 7.5 cm

Victorian brass desk paperweight cast with figure of reclining…

Victorian Brass Reclining Boy Paperweight

Victorian brass desk paperweight cast with figure of reclining boy 13.5 cm

An Australian sterling silver paperweight, by Kilpatrick & Co.,…

Sterling Silver Kangaroo Paperweight by Kilpatrick & Co

An Australian sterling silver paperweight, by Kilpatrick & Co., Melbourne, circa 1900, naturalistically cast as a standing kangaroo, modelled with one foot slightly raised, hallmarked to tail 'K & Co/ Silver', approximately 687 gms silver, 13 cm high, 4…

A late Victorian silver and marble paperweight, in the form of…

Victorian Silver and Marble Tree Stump Paperweight

A late Victorian silver and marble paperweight, in the form of a tree stump supporting a black smith's anvil, on a square variegated marble base, a later George V penny inset into the tree stump, Birmingham 1898 by Douglas clock Co.

An Australian paperweight, spherical marble with applied silver…

Silver Platypus Marble Paperweight from Australia

An Australian paperweight, spherical marble with applied silver platypus, 20th century, stamped 'Stg. Sil. M. Hammond', 9 cm high

An antique English glass dump paperweight with silver floral…

English Glass Dump Paperweight with Silver Inclusions

An antique English glass dump paperweight with silver floral inclusions, 19th century, 6.5 cm high

An antique English glass dump paperweight with silver floral…

Antique Glass Paperweight with Silver Inclusions

An antique English glass dump paperweight with silver floral cluster inclusions, 19th century, 8 cm high

A large antique English glass dump doorstop with silver floral…

Antique English Glass Doorstop with Silver Inclusions

A large antique English glass dump doorstop with silver floral inclusions, 19th century, 14 cm high

An antique English glass dump with silver floral inclusions,…

English Silver Inlaid Glass Dump, 19th Century

An antique English glass dump with silver floral inclusions, 19th century, 11 cm high

A rare antique English glass dump with silver floral cluster…

Antique English Glass Dump with Silver Inclusions

A rare antique English glass dump with silver floral cluster inclusions, 19th century, 13 cm high

Whitefriars Queen Elizabeth II silver jubilee glass paperweight,…

Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Glass Paperweight

Whitefriars Queen Elizabeth II silver jubilee glass paperweight, 5 cm high, 180 cm diameter

A Samarcande paperweight, Hermes. Also serves as a stand alone…

Hermes Samarcande Paperweight & Decoration

A Samarcande paperweight, Hermes. Also serves as a stand alone decoration. Silver tone. Approx 16.5 x 12.5 cm at it's tallest and widest points. Limited to Shanghai. Base signed by Hermes. Made in Vietnam. Original box.

Cast brass paperweight in the form of a rooster, height 9.5 cm

Brass Rooster Paperweight - 9.5 cm Height

Cast brass paperweight in the form of a rooster, height 9.5 cm

An unusual antique English glass dump doorstop with silver foil…

Antique English Glass Doorstop with Silver Inclusions

An unusual antique English glass dump doorstop with silver foil floral inclusions, 19th century, 13 cm high

Isle of Wight art glass paperweight, black with gold aventurine,…

Isle of Wight Gold Aventurine Paperweight

Isle of Wight art glass paperweight, black with gold aventurine, diameter 5 cm

'Nipper, 1902' English sterling silver paperweight by Hardy…

Hardy Brothers' Nipper: Sterling Silver Paperweight (1902)

'Nipper, 1902' English sterling silver paperweight by Hardy Brothers, 10 cm high. Provenance: The Edward Clark collection, Melbourne

A gold speckled red glass ovoid paperweight, 10 cm

Gold Speckled Red Glass Ovoid Paperweight - 10cm

A gold speckled red glass ovoid paperweight, 10 cm

Byron Bay glass and sterling silver frog paperweight in…

Iridescent Frog Paperweight in Blue and Silver

Byron Bay glass and sterling silver frog paperweight in iridescent blue colour, frog stamped 925 B, width 9.5 cm

Royal Crown dolphin paperweight with silver button seal to base,…

Royal Dolphin Paperweight with Silver Seal, 17cm

Royal Crown dolphin paperweight with silver button seal to base, 17 cm long

Brass advertising paperweight cast with Waratahs, the Ammonia…

Waratah Brass Paperweight for Ammonia Co Australia Advertising

Brass advertising paperweight cast with Waratahs, the Ammonia Co Australia, Sydney

An Australian silver emu paperweight, modelled in the form of…

Australian Silver Emu Paperweight from Ruth Simon Collection

An Australian silver emu paperweight, modelled in the form of an emu on an oval base, marked 'Pure Australian silver, Drummond, Melbourne', height 4 cm. Provenance: The Ruth Simon Collection, privately acquired from the above in 2005

An Australian silver emu paperweight, modelled in the form of…

Australian Silver Emu Paperweight

An Australian silver emu paperweight, modelled in the form of an emu on an oval base, marked 'Pure Australian silver, Drummond, Melbourne', height 4 cm

Isle of White art glass paperweight blue and white with gold…

Blue and White Art Glass Paperweight with Gold Adventurine

Isle of White art glass paperweight blue and white with gold adventurine, width 9.5 cm

Silver Seahorse form paperweight height 5 cm.

Miniature Silver Seahorse Paperweight

Silver Seahorse form paperweight height 5 cm.

Pair of sterling silver and enamel bird paperweights some a/f…

Enamel Bird Paperweights, Sterling Silver, 280g

Pair of sterling silver and enamel bird paperweights some a/f to enamel, height 5.5 cm, total weight 280gms

A Baccarat paperweight, depicting a gold frog perched on a…

Gold Frog Baccarat Paperweight

A Baccarat paperweight, depicting a gold frog perched on a green leaf, height 3 cm, diameter 5.5 cm

Early shell form bronze paperweight, height 5 cm

Bronze Shell Paperweight - 5cm Height

Early shell form bronze paperweight, height 5 cm

Three Tiffany sterling silver animal paperweights including…

Tiffany Sterling Silver Animal Paperweights Set

Three Tiffany sterling silver animal paperweights including bird, mouse, and frog figures, each marked Tiffany/ Sterling, height 4 cm approx, tallest; weight 246grams approx, total.

A 925 silver mounted platypus on art glass ball form…

Silver Platypus Art Glass Paperweight by Flynn

A 925 silver mounted platypus on art glass ball form paperweight by Flynn Silver, commissioned by Shell from Flynn, featuring a 925 sterling silver platypus on a clear glass paperweight with bubbles. Comes in presentation box, height 10 cm

A sterling silver desk top paperweight bust of Napoleon, 1908…

Napoleon Bust Paperweight with Sterling Silver and Marble Base

A sterling silver desk top paperweight bust of Napoleon, 1908 Chester, with post 1904 Chester import mark (oak leaf and acorn), Hanau, pseudo-silver marks, possibly Neresheimer, the shoulder bust mounted on a black marble base with laurel festoon centred,…

Signed brass 'Wagner' paperweight signed H Miller, verso,…

Signed Wagner Brass Paperweight by H Miller

Signed brass 'Wagner' paperweight signed H Miller, verso, height 7.5 cm

A prototype (') bronze cast New Zealand paperweight, appearing…

WWII Women's Service Bronze Paperweight Prototype

A prototype (') bronze cast New Zealand paperweight, appearing to reference women's service during World War II. In the style of New Zealand art of the late '40s and early '50s (Mervyn Taylor style), the double-sided disc features a globe with stylised…

A St Louis glass paperweight, green and gold frog sitting on…

Green and Gold Frog Glass Paperweight

A St Louis glass paperweight, green and gold frog sitting on lily pads marked and dated to one small cane. In original box with certificate.

A Victorian silver and glass paperweight/inkwell, the clear…

Victorian Silver & Glass Paperweight/Inkwell

A Victorian silver and glass paperweight/inkwell, the clear glass domed bottle overlaid with a pierced and embossed silver cover with hinged domed lid. London 1897 by Goldsmith & Silversmiths Co. (Gibson & Langman).

A modern silver recumbent dog paperweight, he wears a 14ct.…

Silver Recumbent Dog Paperweight with Amethyst Necklace

A modern silver recumbent dog paperweight, he wears a 14ct. yellow gold necklet with a 14ct. yellow gold framed oval facet cut amethyst, amethyst set eyes, wax filled, velvet base. Length 6 cm

A gold Rupee dump, dated 1800 and a silver 1/8 Mohur, dated…

1800 Gold Rupee and 1885 Silver Mohur Coins

A gold Rupee dump, dated 1800 and a silver 1/8 Mohur, dated 1885.

An Australian sterling silver boomerang & 9ct gold kangaroo…

Australian Silver Boomerang & Gold Kangaroo Paperweight

An Australian sterling silver boomerang & 9ct gold kangaroo paperweight, Australian Silversmith, length 11.5 cm

Miniature brass Tennis Racquet paperweight

Brass Tennis Racquet Paperweight

Miniature brass Tennis Racquet paperweight

Brass paperweight clock Tiffany & Co., 5 cm high

Tiffany & Co. Brass Clock Paperweight (5cm)

Brass paperweight clock Tiffany & Co., 5 cm high

Royal Crown Derby Santa & sleigh paperweight, with gold button…

Royal Crown Derby Santa Paperweight with Sleigh

Royal Crown Derby Santa & sleigh paperweight, with gold button seal to base & original packing, 9.5 cm high approx.

Royal Crown Derby Llama paperweight, with gold button seal and…

Royal Crown Derby Llama Paperweight in Original Box

Royal Crown Derby Llama paperweight, with gold button seal and signature to base, in original box, h13 cm approx

Royal Crown Derby 'baby rows rabbit' paperweight, with gold…

Royal Crown Derby Baby Rabbit Paperweight

Royal Crown Derby 'baby rows rabbit' paperweight, with gold seal to base, H4.5 cm

A Bent Anderson bronze paperweight desk ornament, signed Bent…

Bent Anderson Seedpod Bronze Paperweight

A Bent Anderson bronze paperweight desk ornament, signed Bent 89, of naturalistic seedpod form, 12.5 x 9 cm

Royal Crown Derby elephant paperweight with gold button seal to…

Gold-Sealed Elephant Paperweight by Royal Crown Derby

Royal Crown Derby elephant paperweight with gold button seal to base & Sir Hugh Gibson's signature, 21.5 cm high approx

A Napoleonic paperweight, the rectangular small marble slab…

Napoleon Bust Paperweight

A Napoleonic paperweight, the rectangular small marble slab with applied silver plate disc decorated in relief with a bust of Napoleon in military dress

An Australian bronze and blackwood paperweight, circa 1900, 8…

Australian Bronze and Blackwood Paperweight, circa 1900

An Australian bronze and blackwood paperweight, circa 1900, 8 cm diametre

The 'Envy Manunda' souvenir silver plated paperweight, marked…

Envy Manunda Silver Paperweight by Angus & Coote

The 'Envy Manunda' souvenir silver plated paperweight, marked to base 'Angus & Coote, Sydney

Bronze fairy paperweight, signed & on a marble base, 8 cm…

Signed Bronze Fairy Paperweight on Marble Base (8cm)

Bronze fairy paperweight, signed & on a marble base, 8 cm approx.

A Whitefriars paperweight, commemorating the Silver Jubilee of…

Royal Silver Jubilee Paperweight

A Whitefriars paperweight, commemorating the Silver Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II

Bronze paperweight decorated with chickens, approx 6.5 cm high,…

Bronze Chicken Paperweight

Bronze paperweight decorated with chickens, approx 6.5 cm high, 11 cm dia

Cast brass lion paperweight

Brass lion paperweight

Cast brass lion paperweight

Royal Crown 'Great Spotted Woodpecker' paperweight with gold…

Signed Great Spotted Woodpecker Paperweight with Gold Seal

Royal Crown 'Great Spotted Woodpecker' paperweight with gold button seal to base & signed by Hilary Walker, with original packing

Georg Jensen sterling silver Wagtail letter opener, together…

Georg Jensen Wagtail Letter Opener with Crystal Paperweight

Georg Jensen sterling silver Wagtail letter opener, together sitting on a crystal paperweight. Designed by Allan Scharff, marked Denmark, Georg Jenson, 925s

Japanese bronze signed paperweight of Samurai scholar with an…

Japanese Samurai Scholar Bronze Paperweight

Japanese bronze signed paperweight of Samurai scholar with an etched character signature to the base. Length 22 cm

A Chinese bronze patinated paperweight, depicting a scholar…

Scholar Reading under Tree

A Chinese bronze patinated paperweight, depicting a scholar reading under a tree. Height 13.6 cm

Sovrani sterling silver cupid paperweight boxed, measures 9 cm

Sovrani Sterling Silver Cupid Paperweight in Box

Sovrani sterling silver cupid paperweight boxed, measures 9 cm

A pair of bronze elephant paperweights or bookends, each with a…

Bronze Elephant Trio Paperweights

A pair of bronze elephant paperweights or bookends, each with a trio of trumpeting elephants of graduating sizes upon green onyx bases. Height 11 cm. Width 12 cm. Depth 8 cm

Brass World War I tank form paperweight. of the era, with worn…

Patina Tank Paperweight with Articulated Guns

Brass World War I tank form paperweight. of the era, with worn patina. Articulated guns.

An amber and 18ct yellow gold Ants paperweight the paperweight…

Amber and Gold Ants Paperweight

An amber and 18ct yellow gold Ants paperweight the paperweight has two pieces of amber and twelve gold ants mounted on a piece of polished stone. Length 9 cm. Width 6 cm. Height 8.5 cm

Two paperweights, one silver, one glass, later 20th century,…

Silver and Glass Paperweights with Unique Designs

Two paperweights, one silver, one glass, later 20th century, the sterling silver paperweight modelled as a ripe and splitting pomegranate, marked .925 and with additional unidentified mark; the tall domed Cascade Caithness Scotland glass weight with…

Three bronze medallion and plaques, including 'London' gilded…

Bronze Medallions and Plaques, Including London and Beethoven Profiles

Three bronze medallion and plaques, including 'London' gilded bronze; profile of Beethoven by F. Stiasny; and Chateau Pierrefonds bronze and marble paperweight. 8 x 6 cm (London)

A novelty pair of bronze miniature Curling stone form…

Bronze Curling Stone Paperweight - Miniature Novelty

A novelty pair of bronze miniature Curling stone form paperweight 5.5 cm diameter

Two Cubiform glass paperweights, one with silver stag finial;…

Cubiform Glass Paperweights with Silver Stag Finial (Set of 2)

Two Cubiform glass paperweights, one with silver stag finial; Berthold Muller. (2)

A silver and gold 'Ants' amber paperweight, set with 6 x 18ct…

Gold and Silver Ants Amber Paperweight

A silver and gold 'Ants' amber paperweight, set with 6 x 18ct yellow gold ants and 1 silver ant. Length 9.4 cm. Total weight 127.7grams

A small ship's silver plated paperweight of a modelled kiwi on…

Kiwi Paperweight with RMS Makura Flags

A small ship's silver plated paperweight of a modelled kiwi on circular base and enamelled flags RMS Makura. Height 7 cm

Royal Crown Derby paperweight (gold seal) bear

Gold Seal Bear Paperweight by Royal Crown Derby

Royal Crown Derby paperweight (gold seal) bear

Royal Crown Derby paperweight (gold seal) partridge

Golden Partridge Paperweight by Royal Crown Derby

Royal Crown Derby paperweight (gold seal) partridge

Royal Crown Derby paperweight (gold seal) meadow rabbit

Gold Seal Meadow Rabbit Paperweight

Royal Crown Derby paperweight (gold seal) meadow rabbit

Royal Crown Derby paperweight (gold seal) Chameleon

Gold Seal Chameleon Paperweight by Royal Crown Derby

Royal Crown Derby paperweight (gold seal) Chameleon

Royal Crown Derby paperweight (gold seal) budgerigar

Gold Seal Budgerigar Paperweight by Royal Crown Derby

Royal Crown Derby paperweight (gold seal) budgerigar

Royal Crown Derby paperweight (gold seal) partridge

Golden Partridge Paperweight by Royal Crown Derby

Royal Crown Derby paperweight (gold seal) partridge

Royal Crown Derby paperweight (gold seal) tortoise shell cat

Gold Seal Tortoise Shell Cat Paperweight by Royal Crown Derby

Royal Crown Derby paperweight (gold seal) tortoise shell cat

A South African sterling silver 'Hippo' form paperweight, maker…

South African Sterling Silver Hippo Paperweight

A South African sterling silver 'Hippo' form paperweight, maker PM 77 grms

A paperweight by Hermes, styled as a polished river stone in…

Hermes Silver River Stone Paperweight

A paperweight by Hermes, styled as a polished river stone in silver

An unusual silver abstract paperweight

Silver Swirls

An unusual silver abstract paperweight

Chinese 'Silver' metal paperweight

Chinese Silver Metal Paperweight

Chinese 'Silver' metal paperweight