L. H. Selman's recently concluded July auction saw high demand from bidders around the world. During a time of uncertainty in many markets, paperweights remained a solid investment with some lots far exceeding their estimated value. Fine paperweights of this quality attract high bidders in any economy.

Two extraordinary collections were introduced to the market in the recent auction. The JoAnn Caruso Syvertson Collection has some of the finest antique and modern weights from all the major French factories. The Joseph W. Hutt Collection is comprised of paperweights collected over the span of thirty years from all the important 19th century European and American glass factories. More important pieces from the Syvertson and Hutt Collections will be offered in the upcoming L. H. Selman Fall Auction.

The highlight of the auction, Lot 1, was an extremely rare antique Clichy moss ground paperweight. This beautifully crafted weight, estimated to $35,000 to $45,000, sold for $58,800. Lot 6, an extremely rare patterned Saint Louis millefiori on turquoise color ground, sold for $13,200, over twice the low estimate. Lot 10, an important antique Saint Louis mushroom with torsade, graces the cover of the classic paperweight reference book "The Art of the Paperweight", published in 1989 by Lawrence H. Selman. It exceeded three times the low estimate, selling for $21,600.

Examples of other weights fetching high prices were Lot 12, a Clichy color ground that went for more than twice the low estimate selling for $10,200; and Lot 15, a rare Baccarat red gentian paperweight, selling for $9,600.

Modern paperweights made an impressive showing, with over 87% of lots selling. Highlights include Lot 170, a Debbie Tarsitano paperweight selling for $2,280; and Lot 167, a Johne Parsley paperweight selling for $1,320. Other prominent modern paperweight artists represented in the auction were Rick Ayotte, Melissa Ayotte, Chris Buzzini and Paul Stankard.

L. H. Selman Ltd., the premiere antique paperweight dealer, has been a byword for fine paperweights for over 40 years. This latest auction is indicative of a healthy paperweight market and L. H. Selman's status as the leading paperweight auctioneer. L. H. Selman's paperweight auctions consistently attain the best prices for sellers and offer the greatest selection for buyers.

All sales prices include buyer's premium. Estimates do not include buyer's premium.