Cohu Silverware 'Atla' Danish Silver Plated Flatware Piece
Flatware - Likely a Serving Piece or Fork handle section · Cohu Silverware (Carl M. Cohr), Fredericia, Denmark. Cohr was one of Denmark’s most prominent silversmithies, founded in 1860, known for high-quality production alongside masters like Georg Jensen.
Pattern: Atla collection, a line of premium silver-plated items introduced in the early 20th century; discontinued but highly collectible.
Type
Flatware - Likely a Serving Piece or Fork handle section
Maker
Cohu Silverware (Carl M. Cohr), Fredericia, Denmark. Cohr was one of Denmark’s most prominent silversmithies, founded in 1860, known for high-quality production alongside masters like Georg Jensen.
Material
Silver Plate (Electroplated Nickel Silver - EPNS). The 'ATLA' brand specifically designated Cohr’s highest grade of silver plating over a base metal of nickel silver.
Dimensions
Estimated length 15-20cm; weight typically heavier than sterling due to the nickel silver core, approximately 40-70g depending on exact form.
Description
An elegant example of Danish silver-plated flatware from the famous Cohr workshop. The 'Atla' line was marketed as the 'silver plate that lasts a lifetime,' featuring heavy deposits of silver over a durable white metal core. This piece showcases the transition from traditional ornamentation to the sleek, functional lines that defined mid-century Scandinavian decor.
Key Features
The 'ATLA' brand stamp, the numerical '30' silver weight mark, and the distinct Cohr maker's logo featuring the stylized three towers of Copenhagen/Fredericia.
Material & Composition
Silver Plate (Electroplated Nickel Silver - EPNS). The 'ATLA' brand specifically designated Cohr’s highest grade of silver plating over a base metal of nickel silver.
Finish & Decoration
Satin brushed or slightly textured finish on the handle with polished recessed areas; features a stylized, minimalist Danish Modern influence with clean contours typical of mid-century Scandinavian design.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Contains the 'ATLA' stamp (brand name), the 'C' with three towers (Cohr maker's mark variant), and '30' in a square (indicating the amount of silver used in grams for the plating process).
Construction Details
Die-struck and machine-manufactured with hand-finishing for edges. The '30' mark indicates precision industrial electroplating standards.
Functional Features
Tapered handle with ergonomic grip; designed for durability in 20th-century formal and everyday dining settings.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid metal construction (nickel silver base) with a contoured shape for thumb placement; original integrated handle design.
Craftsmanship Details
Excellent industrial craftsmanship; edges are well-rounded and the stampings are deep and crisp, indicating high-quality steel dies and professional finishing.
Authentication Indicators
Authentic Cohr hallmarks are clearly struck; the specific '30' marking is a unique Danish silverplate standard rarely faked by counterfeiters due to the low profit margin of plated goods.
Origin & Manufacturing
Fredericia, Denmark; manufactured in the Cohr workshop which was renowned for upholding high standards even in their plated lines.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern / Danish Modern (mid-1920s to 1960s). Reflects the functionalist aesthetic prevalent in post-war Denmark.
Age Estimate
Circa 1930–1955. The hallmark style and '30' weight designation are consistent with internal Cohr dating for the mid-war to post-war period.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of luxury in early 20th-century Europe, where high-quality plated 'Atla' silver allowed middle-class families to own Danish-designed table settings.
Condition Notes
Very Good/Good. Visible surface scratching consistent with age and use; some light 'bleeding' of base metal may occur on high points, though no major silver loss is evident in the image.
Value Estimate
$10 – $35 USD per individual piece depending on the specific form (serving pieces command higher prices than basic forks/spoons).
Care & Maintenance
Hand wash only; use a mild silver foam or cream like Wright's. Avoid the 'foil and baking soda' method which can strip the heavy Atla plating too quickly.
Similar Pieces
Georg Jensen plated pieces (often marked 'EP'), or Frigast 'Sølvplet' (Silverplate). Atla is generally considered superior to standard commercial silver plate.
Interesting Facts
Cohr was the largest silver factory in Denmark for decades and provided many pieces for the Danish royal family and embassies worldwide.