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Lot 1
Pantin magnum three-dimensional dark green salamander paperweight with an upright multi-tiered pink flower on sandy ground. One of only twelve known "Great Lizards," created during the mid-nineteenth century by the little-known French factory called Pantin.

The artisans produced these rare reptiles as well as a small number of floral paperweights. The lizards, however, are among the most highly prized examples of this art. A great deal of mystery remains regarding their paperweight production. "The Pantin factory, often referred to as 'The Fourth Factory' (since Baccarat, Clichy, and Saint Louis produced more) is known for its technical superiority and the three-dimensional quality of the (salamanders) and delicate, realistic flowers. In addition, the veined leaves and sandy background in the reptile weights create a naturalistic environment and showcase the artist's ability to express himself freely."-Glass Collector's Digest (Vol. XIV, No. 2, Aug./Sept. 2000). "A Paperweight Full of Riddles" by Carol Baldwin.

The Salamander is a legendary figure in the art glass world, anciently associated with the element fire. Salamanders could purportedly travel to the fiery underworld and return, their preternaturally cool skin unscathed. According to the lore, they dwelled in the glassworker's furnace. Ex-patriot glass workers who dared peddle their skills in another country, were claimed violently by the creature in revenge. One supposes it was an effective myth, as few glass workers migrated from their towns during the Victorian Era.

Emerging now from a century in private collection, the rare Pantin Salamander belies its secretive manner, and brazenly flaunts its charms in glorious viridescent detail. The intricate workmanship and delicate flora found in this paperweight are a challenge to any modern day glass artist. Turning sinuously on itself, a harlequin diamond pattern wraps around its torso, while perfectly graduated dots travel the entire length of its body. With deep bottle-green velvet skin infused with golden threads, the Salamander is coiled on what appears
to be wet mossy ground-this paperweight's scene has a palpable, primeval aura.

With a subtle tilt to its head, the Salamander seems to engage with its counterpart flower. The bloom itself has cloverlike white petals opened to reveal a wine-blush interior. The crowning flower head towers over seven pleated leaves, edged in golden yellow. The size of this paperweight alone, over four inches, makes the annealing process a challenge even with today's computer-driven furnaces.

Dating from the late 1800's, this very rare masterpiece from the French Pantin glassworks, epitomizes the enduring appeal of glass paperweights. The Salamander's captivating power to entrance, lies in the prospect of catching, in your own hand, something mysterious and mythical. "These exotic (Pantin) reptiles hypnotize us with their mysterious roots of origin... They are highly prized, the rare jewel in a collection..."-Annual Bulletin of the Paperweight Collectors' Association, Inc. (1998) "The Seven Salamanders of Delmo Tarsitano," by Debbie Tarsitano.
Diameter 4 5/16". Estimate: $150,000 - 200,000

Check out the Press Release for this auction at http://selman.com/press/