Description

Antique Magnum Millville Masonic Frit Paperweight Antique Magnum Millville Masonic Frit Paperweight. circa 1880-1920. This antique frit paperweight features a Mason's square and compass symbol with a "G" in the center. It was made in Millville, New Jersey around the end of the 19th century. Blue and red ground glass (frit) was used to make the design on a white ground. The glass has a slightly green tint that is exaggerated in the pictures. The profile is relatively flat. The paperweight was made for the Masons, a fraternal organization, probably at the Whitall Tatum factory in Millville, New Jersey. Please Note: The stand shown in the pictures is not included with the paperweight. It is shown for illustration only. Note on white glare : Please ignore the white areas, they are glare from the light. Frit refers to the powdered glass used to make the design. The design is set up in frit in a metal die and then picked up with a gather of the ground color. When encased, there is sometimes a ridge or crease line between the solid (in this case white) base area and the clear encasement. Collectors refer to this as two piece construction. This type of construction has been associated with Whitall Tatum and other factories in the Millville area. There is no crease on this paperweight, but the encasement stops where the white ground color starts. Note: Sometimes this style of paperweight will have an clear circle in the center of the base where the pontil would have been attached. Because a number of weights of this type (with the clear circle on the base) have been found in the Corning area, some collectors conjectured that the paperweights with a clear circle on the base were made in the Corning, NY area rather than Millville, NJ. I reject that conjecture as I have had this exact design with and without the clear circle. I believe both types were made in Millville and the difference is how much glass is removed when grinding the base to remove the pontil scar. Whitall Tatum was one of the first glass factories in America. Located in Millville, New Jersey, it was in operation from 1806 through 1938. The factory in Millville was purchased by a series of companies and eventually shut down in 1999. It is believed that Whitall Tatum workers were allowed to make paperweights from as early as 1860 until the practice was discouraged sometime after 1912. According to Newell's Old Glass Paperweights of Southern New Jersey , frit weights were made as early as 1863. Newell identifies this style as a true American folk art and gives a history of paperweight making at Whitall Tatum and other South Jersey factories. Very large size: Just over 3 1/4" diameter by 1 7/8" high. The profile is relatively flat. The base is ground flat. Condition: Excellent condition with no noticeable scratches. No significant damage found. There is appropriate wear on the base. The glass has a slightly green tint that is exaggerated in the pictures. Signature: Unsigned but I believe this paperweight was made at Whitall Tatum in the Millville area of Southern New Jersey. Allan's Paperweights is owned by Allan Port. If you have any questions, please click the " paperweights " link under seller information and then contact seller. Please check out my other eBay auctions or visit my eBay Store . Free USPS Ground Advantage shipping in the US. Priority mail is also available at extra cost. If you are outside the US, please review the cost of postage. If in doubt, please check with me first. I ship to most countries. If you are blocked from bidding, please contact me and I will add your eBay user name to the allowed bidders list. If you would like a different shipping option, please contact me before paying the invoice. Full value will be declared for customs purposes. Please do not ask me to declare this a gift. The buyer is responsible for any customs fees, VAT fees, or handling charges imposed by your country's customs services.