Recession-proof Market? Paperweight Auction Beats the Odds - Record Prices Realized in the Alschuler Collection of Fine Paperweights

    SANTA CRUZ, CA, November 28, 2008 /24-7PressRelease/ -- "This is no surprise," says Lawrence Selman, owner of L.H. Selman Ltd. "In almost 40 years in the business, through many ups and downs of the economy, paperweights have proven to be a stable and growing investment."

Among the many rare and important paperweights which sold at record prices, a very rare antique Clichy fantasy flower sold for $42,550, over twice the estimated $15,000 to $20,000 estimate.

Examples of other weights which fetched record prices was an extremely rare antique Saint Louis paneled closepacked millefiori paperweight, which sold for $31,000, several thousand over the top estimate. A rare antique Saint Louis pink carpet ground paperweight sold for $20,700, twice the high estimate. A very rare antique Baccarat faceted upright bouquet paperweight sold for $18,400, again twice the high estimate. A miniature pear weight, possibly Pantin, brought $6900, nearly triple the high estimate.

American paperweights made a good showing as well. A rare antique Sandwich Glass Company paperweight,depicting a basket of roses, realized $5462. Other American weights sold at or above the high estimate. Among the modern offerings, a Barry Sautner 2001, "Winter's Bough" bas-relief sand-carved circular glass plaque brought the handsome sum of $25,000, almost double the estimated price.

"We were pleased and honored to offer this important collection to paperweight collectors and museums worldwide.
This sale of the Alschuler collection was very successful. It is reassuring to see that paperweights and related objects
are performing well, despite the economic downturn," says Lawrence Selman, owner of L.H. Selman Ltd.

High resolution photos available upon request.

About L.H. Selman Ltd

L.H. Selman Ltd., The Glass Gallery, offers the most extensive stock of antique and contemporary paperweights in the world, as well as representing new and established glass artists who are working in other contemporary glass art formats. The founder and owner, Lawrence Selman, with over thirty-five years experience, is considered a leading expert in the field of fine glass paperweights. The company holds two major paperweight auctions yearly, which have consistently drawn bidders from all over the world.

L. H. Selman Ltd. maintains an expansive gallery in Santa Cruz, California. At their online gallery at TheGlassGallery.com, collectors may browse their inventory, read glass artists' profiles, order works of art, or bid on fine art glass through their online auctions.

Contact: Lawrence Selman
Address: 123 Locust Street
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Telephone: 800.538.0766
Intl. calls: 831.427.1177
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: www.TheGlassGallery.com

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