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We recently bought a pair of paperweights in an auction of which this is one. The immediate impression is of a five row concentric Whitefriars paperweight, with features such as the heavy faceting, colouring and the density of the glass. Examined closely however a number of features led us to doubt the attribution. The most obvoius is the unground pontil on the base. The wear on ths base also suggests a greater age than the 1970-80 period of most well known Whitefriars weights. Studying Robert G Hall's book on English paperweights suggests we have an example of a Walsh-Walsh paperweight, probably dating to the 1930s. There is a ring of the rather odd 'seven and six canes' which he suggests is a good diagnostic feature for this manufacturer. No date or Whitefriars trade mark canes are present. Some of the cog canes have a high number of notches not usually found in Whitefriars weights but known in Walsh-Walsh canes. The weight's high faceting makes it quite difficult to photograph but the pictures below of the base of the weight give the best view of the canes. The second weight is very similar to the one photographed except that the millefiore part is somewhat smaller. They are not so easy to tell apart from the top. Size 3.2 inches diameter by 2.3 inches high. Hall's book shows a similar but larger seven row concentric (4.25 inch diameter weight) on page 119. The dealer tells us that there was originally a third item in the set - an inkwell which had been lost. Any comments from experts would be welcome.
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