Georg Jensen ‘Antik’ No. 1 Sterling Silver Serving Spoon
Flatware - Serving Spoon/Ladle · Georg Jensen Silversmithy, Copenhagen, Denmark. Founded in 1904, Jensen is the most renowned name in 20th-century silver, known for merging fine art with craft.
Pattern: Pattern No. 1, also known as 'Antik' or 'Old Danish'. Introduced in 1904 as one of Jensen's earliest and most iconic designs.
Type
Flatware - Serving Spoon/Ladle
Maker
Georg Jensen Silversmithy, Copenhagen, Denmark. Founded in 1904, Jensen is the most renowned name in 20th-century silver, known for merging fine art with craft.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Solid construction with no mixed materials.
Dimensions
Approximately 18-21 cm in length; estimated weight 65-85 grams. This is a medium-sized serving piece, likely for preserves or small vegetables.
Description
An exquisite example of early Georg Jensen design, this 'Antik' serving spoon embodies the Skønvirke style—the Danish equivalent of Art Nouveau. The piece features a beautifully balanced handle with hand-cut piercings and subtle planishing marks from the silversmith's hammer. As one of the first patterns designed by Jensen himself, it represents the foundational DNA of the brand: organic forms, functional beauty, and visible hand-craftsmanship.
Key Features
Pierced decorative terminal, 'HANDSMEDET' block-letter stamp, early 'GJ' initials within a circle, and visible hand-hammered surface texture.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Solid construction with no mixed materials.
Finish & Decoration
Satin hand-hammered finish with oxidized recesses. Features organic pierced openwork in the terminal and a distinct Art Nouveau leaf-and-bud motif.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Includes the 'GJ' monogram mark in a beaded circle (used 1933-1944), '925 S' purity mark, 'Sterling', 'Denmark', and the specific 'HANDSMEDET' (Hand-wrought) stamp.
Construction Details
Hand-forged and hand-wrought (indicated by the HANDSMEDET stamp). The pierced handle is hand-cut from a silver sheet and finished with files.
Functional Features
Wide, deep oval bowl for efficient serving; ergonomic curved handle with openwork for weight balance and aesthetic lightness.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid sterling silver integral handle. Smooth, flat-backed terminal with pierced decorative apertures. Condition shows honest use-wear.
Craftsmanship Details
Superb hand-finishing evidence. The edges of the piercings are smooth and beveled, indicating manual filing rather than raw machine punching.
Authentication Indicators
Hallmark style is consistent with the 1930s-40s range. The HANDSMEDET stamp is correctly struck. The hammer marks are rhythmic and authentic, not machine-rolled.
Origin & Manufacturing
Copenhagen, Denmark. Produced at the Georg Jensen main workshop, adhering to strict Danish guild standards.
Era & Period
Art Nouveau/Skønvirke (Danish Arts and Crafts). This specific piece was manufactured during the early Art Deco/Late Interwar period (1930s).
Age Estimate
Circa 1933-1944. Dated by the specific Georg Jensen hallmark style and the presence of the HANDSMEDET stamp used in this era.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of luxury during the Arts and Crafts movement; moving away from Victorian excess toward nature-inspired, functional art.
Condition Notes
Very Good. Displays light surface scratches (swirls) consistent with regular use. Hallmarks are crisp and deep. Tarnish is minimal but present in the oxidation of the design recesses.
Value Estimate
$250 - $450 USD. Value is supported by the Jensen brand and the specific 'Hand-wrought' status which identifies it as a higher-tier production piece.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with mild soapy water and a soft cloth. Use a specialist silver cream like Wright's only when necessary; avoid dipping solutions that would strip the intentional oxidation in the pattern.
Similar Pieces
Jensen 'Acorn' (more geometric), Jensen 'Blossom' (more ornate 3D decoration), or Hans Hansen 'Arvesølv' patterns.
Interesting Facts
Pattern No. 1 was Jensen's personal favorite and remained the standard for 'Danish Modern' silver for decades. The HANDSMEDET stamp was reserved for pieces that underwent significant manual labor compared to die-struck flatware.