Glass Lions from England
Given to us in 1970 as a wedding gift from an aunt who lived in England. Already considered an antique at that time. A very small chip on the base of one of the lions, and a very small chip on one of the front toes on the other. They appear to have been cast in two halves because there is a seam. They appear to be black but with a light under them the glass is green with some swirls in medium brown.
Each lion is seven inches long at the longest part of the base, and four and a quarter inches wide at the base.
Other
Yes
Hi Brenda,
Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.
Lion paperweights were extremely popular in England in the 19th Century and many were modeled after those designed by Sir Edwin Landseer at the base of Admiral Horatio Nelson's column in London. The anchor marks is that of John Derbyshire, the other mark is the date mark but other than the III at the top, I can't make out the marks in the other quadrants; John Derbyshire's production lasted from 1850-1900 so these would have been made within that range.
These are not *very* rare and come to auction with some regularity, typically selling for $200-300 each; having a pair is more unusual and warrants a slightly higher value of $500-700.
Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:
A pair of antique English pressed flint glass lion paperweights
by John Derbyshire after Sir Edwin Landseer, Manchester, England, 1850-1900
Each in the form of a recumbant lion on an oval reeded base. Marked with both the maker and date marks (indistinguishable). Each were cast in two halves.
(height); 7 inches long; 4-1/2 inches wide
CONDITION: Client describes these as having only very minute chips, commensurate to age and use.
PROVENANCE: Gift
$500-700 for the pair*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.
Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia
