Description
Today we are offering for sale a rare and very lovely Baccarat crystal paperweight, from a limited edition of only 350! Expertly and intricately made by Baccarat, the oldest and premier crystal manufacturer of France (and probably the world!). The weight features a double overlay, with clear crystal and green with white border swirls. Centered on the bottom of the weight is a cameo of beloved personality and actor Will Rogers. This signed cameo portrait is the work of Albert David, official sculptor of the French Mint, and widely known for his medals and medallions. Sulphide paperweights, or “cameos,” were extremely popular in the middle of the last century, and Baccarat’s lead in that field was readily acknowledged the world over. Many of the paperweights made by Baccarat at that time are among the most treasured by today’s collectors. This weight is from the edition of 350 of larger size weights with double overlays. These were flashed in green and white and clear, with a clear star-cut background, after which the cameo mold was destroyed, so no more can be made. (There was also an edition of smaller weights made with an amber background. They do not compare to this!). Acid etched with the Baccarat factory mark. Original Made In France label still attached. A bit of info on Will Rogers: “William Penn Adair “Will” Rogers (November 4, 1879 – August 15, 1935) was a Cherokee cowboy, vaudeville performer, humorist, newspaper columnist, social commentator and stage and motion picture actor. He became one of the most famous American media stars during the 1920s and 1930s. Known as “Oklahoma’s Favorite Son”, Rogers was born to a prominent Cherokee Nation family in Indian Territory (now part of Oklahoma). He traveled around the world three times, made 71 movies (50 silent films and 21 “talkies”), wrote more than 4,000 nationally syndicated newspaper columns, and became a world-famous figure. By the mid-1930s, the American people adored Rogers. He was the leading political wit of his time, and was the top-paid Hollywood movie star. Rogers died in 1935 with aviator Wiley Post, when their small airplane crashed in northern Alaska. Rogers’ vaudeville rope act led to success in the Ziegfeld Follies, which in turn led to the first of his many movie contracts. His 1920s syndicated newspaper column and his radio appearances increased his visibility and popularity. Rogers crusaded for aviation expansion, and provided Americans with first-hand accounts of his world travels. His earthy anecdotes and folksy style allowed him to poke fun at gangsters, prohibition, politicians, government programs, and a host of other controversial topics in a way that was appreciated by a national audience, with no one offended. His aphorisms, couched in humorous terms, were widely quoted: “I am not a member of an organized political party. I am a Democrat.” Another widely quoted Will Rogers comment was “I don’t make jokes. I just watch the government and report the facts.” Rogers even provided an epigram on his most famous epigram: When I die, my epitaph, or whatever you call those signs on gravestones, is going to read: “I joked about every prominent man of my time, but I never met a man I dident [sic] like.” I am so proud of that, I can hardly wait to die so it can be carved. ” In excellent like-new condition, with no chips/cracks/scuffing. This beautiful paper weight will add elegance to any office or room in your home or business. A piece of American and French history ready to be enjoyed. Fresh to the market! Dimensions: Height: 2 1/8″ Diameter: 3 1/8″ Buy with confidence — please see our current seller rating! Item(s) will be professionally packed to arrive safely. Feel welcome to message us with further questions or requests for more images, and thank you for looking! 2016/2017/K
