Elephant Paperweight
By Jerry & Carol Curtis

In all our years of collecting Carnival Glass, we have only heard and read of the elusive Elephant Paperweight and never seen one first hand.  That changed recently when we found one at an Estate Sale.  We have no information as to the maker or references in any catalogs that illustrate drawings or sales information.  It is shown in Dave Doty’s Handbook on Carnival, on his web-site and the Fry’s web-site as well.  It is also listed in Edward’s Price Guide only - see  Standard Encyclopedia of Carnival Glass 11th Edition - 2008   .

The Elephant Paperweight has a golden or “lemony” iridescence with light reddish tones.  It measures 3 inches long by 2 ½ inches high and were it not for the relatively broad base; it would probably topple over easily since it is definitely top heavy.  This elephant came with Pink eyes which may or may not be original.  According to Dave Doty’s Handbook - see David Doty's New Field Guide to Carnival Glass for 2008, the last Elephant Paperweight to sell at auction was in 1998 and brought $700.

There two other carnival glass paperweights that may have been made by the same manufacturer.  All three are similar in design and method of production.  Each animal (Lion, Elephant and Grizzly Bear) stands on a similar mount.  The Lion and Elephant paperweights are shown in Dave Doty’s book (see above), but no information to date has been found on the Grizzly Bear paperweight which is shown here.

We would appreciate any information you might know about these pieces. Contact Jerry & Carol Curtis