Overview
This is a beautiful, hand-blown art glass paperweight featuring a swirling, oceanic design of deep teal, silver-colored foil inclusions, and controlled air bubbles.
Identification
Selkirk Glass 'Mariner' Paperweight, 1981
Photo reference
4 uploaded photos
Story
Selkirk Glass was founded in Scotland in 1977 by Peter Holmes and Stuart Drysdale, both formerly of the renowned Caithness Glass. A piece dated 1981 represents the studio's highly regarded early period, well before the company eventually closed its doors in 2006. The secondary market for late 20th-century Scottish studio glass is stable but highly accessible, meaning pieces trade frequently but rarely see massive price spikes.
Maker / Origin
Unattributed
Condition & Value
The seller notes that the original plastic display case is broken. While this removes any 'mint in original box' premium, the valuation assumes the glass paperweight itself is in good condition, free of chips, bruises, or deep scratches.
Full Research
See what it's actually worth.
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Market Analysis
The secondary market for late 20th-century Scottish studio glass is stable but highly accessible, meaning pieces trade frequently but rarely see massive price spikes. Buyers are typically dedicated paperweight collectors or decorative arts enthusiasts browsing platforms like eBay, Etsy, and specialized glass dealers. Standard production pieces move steadily in the $30 to $50 range, while limited editions or complex, larger magnum sizes command slight premiums.
Value Drivers
▲ Confirmed early production year (1981) places the piece in Selkirk's desirable early studio period.
▲ Complex furnace-blown technique with controlled bubbles and foil inclusions maintains strong collector appeal.
▲ Exact maker identification and model ('Mariner') anchors the $40+ floor based on direct comparable sales.
Concerns
▼ Unverified glass condition — any chips, bruises, or deep scratches caused by the broken case would drop the value significantly.
▼ Broken original plastic case removes the potential for a 'complete in box' collector premium.
Best Venue
List on a broad secondary marketplace like eBay or Etsy, where collectors actively search for vintage Scottish art glass. Price at $65 with 'Best Offer' enabled to capture the $45-$50 fair market value.
Upside Potential
If the base etching reveals this specific 1981 'Mariner' is a low-number limited edition (e. g., numbered out of 350, similar to the 'Sanctuary' comp), the value could push toward the $65-$75 high end of the range.