Unknown Antique European Closepack Millefiori Paperweight

Dimensions: 3-1/8 Diameter & 1-1/2" Tall

Makers Mark: Unsigned

Provenance: Unavailable  

Condition: Fair, large chip to the side and other minor scratches to the upper dome. 

This piece is probably from Belgium relating to a group of paperweights first described by Alan Thornton in the  2016 Annual Bulletin for the Paperweight Collectors Association having distinct "starfish" (or sea star) shaped canes. A closely related group was later described by Paul Dunlop in the 2020 Annual Bulletin of which I am not convinced is separate. Along with a colorful selection of complex millefiori this example features and engraved base, "G.F. 1877" which is useful placing an age.