Norwegian Silver Plated Openwork Teapot Stand / Trivet
Hollowware / Table Accessory (Trivet or Teapot Stand) · Unknown Norwegian manufacturer or souvenir silversmith/metalworker, marked broadly with country of origin 'NORWAY'.
Pattern: Traditional Scandinavian openwork floral or wheel motif reminiscent of regional folk art designs.
Type
Hollowware / Table Accessory (Trivet or Teapot Stand)
Maker
Unknown Norwegian manufacturer or souvenir silversmith/metalworker, marked broadly with country of origin 'NORWAY'.
Material
Silver-plated base metal (likely electroplated nickel silver or Britannia metal, indicated by the '40GR.' stamp designating silver plating weight/quantity).
Dimensions
Estimated small to medium table accessory, approximately 12-15 cm in length, weight not definitively measurable from image but light due to hollow/plated construction.
Description
A charming mid-century Norwegian silver-plated trivet or teapot stand featuring an intricate openwork wheel or rosette design. The piece includes an integrated shaped handle stamped clearly with the word 'NORWAY' alongside a '40GR.' plating mark. It reflects traditional Scandinavian decorative motifs adapted for domestic utility and the mid-century tourist market.
Key Features
Clear 'NORWAY' export stamp, '40GR.' silver plating weight indicator, and pierced wheel-like openwork design.
Material & Composition
Silver-plated base metal (likely electroplated nickel silver or Britannia metal, indicated by the '40GR.' stamp designating silver plating weight/quantity).
Finish & Decoration
Satin to light polish finish with openwork pierced design featuring symmetrical geometric and stylized floral or cartwheel patterns.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamps include '40GR.' (indicating silver plating weight, common in Scandinavian silverplate) and 'NORWAY' in block lettering, indicating country of export or manufacture.
Construction Details
Die-struck or cast openwork head with an extended handle or foot, typical of Scandinavian souvenir or domestic table articles.
Functional Features
Designed as a small stand, trivet, or hot-plate rest to protect table surfaces from hot teapots or small serving vessels.
Handle & Grip Details
Integrated shaped handle forming part of the same cast or stamped body with undulating decorative contours.
Craftsmanship Details
Standard commercial mid-century manufacturing, utilizing die-stamping or casting with hand-finishing for the pierced apertures.
Authentication Indicators
The presence of the '40GR.' stamp and 'NORWAY' block text confirms mid-20th-century Scandinavian export manufacturing standards.
Origin & Manufacturing
Made in Norway, following Scandinavian traditions of metalwork and export souvenir production.
Era & Period
Mid-20th Century (circa 1930s-1960s), typical of the mid-century tourist and export silver-plate boom in Norway.
Age Estimate
Mid-20th century, circa 1940-1960, based on standard plating weight stamps and export marking conventions.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the mid-20th century European export market for traditional Scandinavian folk art motifs applied to everyday household items.
Condition Notes
Fair to good vintage condition. Shows surface scuffs, fine scratches, and minor tarnish consistent with age and use. Plating appears intact with normal wear.
Value Estimate
Low to moderate antique/vintage market value, typically ranging from $15 to $45 USD depending on decorative appeal and collector demand.
Care & Maintenance
Clean gently with a soft cloth and mild silver-plate cleaner. Avoid harsh abrasive dips to preserve the underlying base metal beneath the plating.
Similar Pieces
Norwegian and Swedish silver-plated bottle openers, cheese slicers, and small trivets from makers like Th. Martinsen or Norway Silverplate.
Interesting Facts
The '40GR.' marking system was commonly used in Scandinavian countries to denote the weight of pure silver used in the plating process over a specific surface area.