The Saint Louis glasshouse started making paperweights again in the early 1950s - for the first time in roughly 90 years. All the trade secrets had been lost in the intervening years but between 1952 and 1955 St. Louis produced an estimated 300-400 weights. The glassworkers were still experimenting with millefiori and lampwork techniques, so these first weights appear somewhat unsophisticated and lack the vibrancy of the colours that had distinguished their mid-19th century counterparts. In 1970 St. Louis launched the first of its Annual Limited Editions - just 3 designs. Modern St. Louis weights contain an SL signature/date cane. Annual Editions - plus occasional one-off pieces - continue to be produced, although nowadays only a few designs are issued in small editions.

Click on an image for the zoom function or to enlarge; plus sizes & details.