WHAT TO LOOK FOR

•  Theme. Paperweights are hand-held works of art, states curator Jan Smith. “People fall in love with some aspect or are intrigued by the intimacy, the delicacy or the patterning and detail,” she says, noting that many collectors focus on a particular style (i.e., millefiori, lampwork), manufacturer, country of origin or motif.

•  Good internal condition. Registered paperweight dealer G.W. McClanahan explains that glass should be clean and clear in appearance. In addition, internal designs should be symmetrical, millefiori canes should not be tipped or deformed, and designs should be free of cracks, which appear as white lines.

•  Dome height. “The height of the dome should be proportionate to the diameter,” says McClanahan. “Flat or low-domed weights have been seriously cut down to remove damage.” He points out that the outer part of the design should be fully visible when viewed from the top.
 

WHAT TO AVOID

•  External signature. Jim Lefever, a past president of PCA, says that very few antique paperweights were signed on the outside or bottom. The handful of factories that did sign their creations typically did so on the inside of the dome, using a signature cane.
 
•  Serious damage. Over time, many antique paperweights sustain minor chips or bruises. Minor wear can be polished without affecting the value or optics of a paperweight, if done correctly, explains McClanahan. However, serious damage that has been repaired can result in a “significant reduction in size or optical properties,” he notes, adding that often deep chips and bruises on the surface or bottom cannot be mended.


WHERE TO FIND IT

•  Reputable sources. Organizations, auctions and dealers that specialize in paperweights are reliable sources, as it can be difficult for the untrained eye to determine the authenticity and value of a piece. Try the Paperweight Collectors Association Inc., paperweight.org; and L.H. Selman Ltd., theglassgallery.com.
 
•  Museums. Several museums in the U.S. have respected antique paperweight collections, including Bergstrom-Mahler Museum in Wisconsin, the Corning Museum of Glass in New York, and the Art Institute of Chicago. Viewing such collections can help one become familiar with the characteristics of paperweights.

•  Antiques shops. Antique or vintage paperweights may be found at antiques stores. In the Phoenix area, try Antique Gatherings, Antique Trove, Scottsdale Marketplace, and Trouvé.