Clichy Paperweights rank among the most sought‑after objects in antique glass collecting. Their soft colours, delicate millefiori patterns, and unmistakable Clichy Rose set them apart from every rival. Yet their factory operated for just a few decades, making genuine examples rare and valuable. We also include some a price guide of some realised prices at auction.
Origins of the Clichy Glassworks
The Clichy glass factory opened in 1837 on the outskirts of Paris. Initially it produced bottles and tableware. However, in 1846 the makers pivoted to paperweights, following a craze that had begun in Venice three years earlier. During the “golden age” between 1846 and 1852, Clichy shipped thousands of weights across Europe and the United States. Production slowed after 1852, and financial pressures finally closed the works in 1885.
Recognising Authentic Clichy Paperweights
- The Clichy Rose: A pink cane trimmed to resemble an open flower. Spot this, and you likely have the real thing.
- C Cane: Some pieces include a single cane with the letter “C.” This subtle mark confirms Clichy origin.
- Softer colour palette: Pale pinks, greens, and violets dominate, rather than the vivid hues used by Baccarat or Saint‑Louis.
- Light weight: Clichy used soda‑lime glass, not heavy lead glass. Therefore their paperweights feel lighter in hand.
- Shape and base: Most examples are globular with a small, flat, slightly concave base. Polishing often leaves a faint white ring.
Size, Types, and Collecting Tips
Standard diameters range from two to four inches. Smaller examples are “miniatures,” while larger ones are “magnums.” Clichy specialised in three main decorative formats:
- Concentric rings: Rows of millefiori canes arranged from centre to rim.
- Garland weights: Chains of canes loop over coloured grounds—often red, blue, or green.
- Motif weights: Floral sprays, animals, or single fancy canes floating on clear glass.
When you inspect a piece, look for over‑polishing. Collectors once removed chips by grinding the surface. As a result, patterns can sit off‑centre, and domes may appear slightly flattened. Always check the base for fresh scratches; these signal recent work.
Collecting Clichy Paperweights: Key Facts
Because production ended long ago, supply stays fixed while demand keeps rising. Prices depend on condition, design complexity, and presence of signature canes. Therefore complete roses and crisp canes command premiums. Moreover, well‑documented provenance can boost value further.
Why Clichy Paperweights Still Matter
Clichy’s artisans pushed glassworking to new heights. They favoured pastel tones, precise cane placement, and balanced forms. Today, museums such as the Corning Museum of Glass showcase these weights as benchmarks of mid‑19th‑century craftsmanship. For collectors, owning a Clichy weight offers a direct link to that creative peak.
In short, Clichy Paperweights combine scarcity, artistry, and historical charm. Add clear subheadings, trim lengthy sentences, keep active voice, and you improve readability—just as this revised feature demonstrates.
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