Mid-Century Modern Georg Jensen No. 600 Pattern Sterling Silver Plate
Hollowware (Small Plate/Bread & Butter Plate) · Georg Jensen Silversmithy, founded 1904 in Copenhagen, Denmark. Renowned globally for elevating silver to the level of sculpture, Jensen is a cornerstone of Scandinavian design excellence.
Pattern: Pattern No. 600, a Mid-Century Modern minimalist line designed by Harald Nielsen or Sigvard Bernadotte for Georg Jensen. Production was active mid-20th century.
Type
Hollowware (Small Plate/Bread & Butter Plate)
Maker
Georg Jensen Silversmithy, founded 1904 in Copenhagen, Denmark. Renowned globally for elevating silver to the level of sculpture, Jensen is a cornerstone of Scandinavian design excellence.
Material
Sterling Silver (925/1000 purity). Consistent with Danish silver standards for export pieces designed for the international market.
Dimensions
Estimated diameter of 15cm (6 inches) for a bread/butter plate. Weight approximately 150-180 grams of solid sterling silver.
Description
This sterling silver plate represents the pinnacle of Danish Modernism. Eschewing the floral excesses of the early 20th century, it focuses on the interplay of light on a hand-hammered sterling surface. The planishing marks are intentional, providing a soft, glowing luster that disperses reflections, a signature technique of the Jensen workshop.
Key Features
Visible planishing (hammer marks), distinctive 'Jensen' gray-toned patina, minimalist circular form, and high-gauge silver thickness.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (925/1000 purity). Consistent with Danish silver standards for export pieces designed for the international market.
Finish & Decoration
Hand-hammered 'planished' surface with a soft satin patina. The decoration is purely functionalism: wide flat rim with a subtle bevel, emphasizing form and metalwork over applied ornament.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Expect the oval Georg Jensen dotted mark, '925 S' for sterling purity, 'Denmark', and the design number '600' stamped on the reverse underside.
Construction Details
Hand-raised and planished from a flat sheet of silver. The subtle hammer marks (visible in the macro image) indicate a craftsman's touch rather than a machine-spun production.
Functional Features
Wide rim for easy handling; shallow well designed for bread, butter, or hors d'oeuvres; stackable profile typical of Danish modernism.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A - Rim serves as the grip; edges are rounded and smooth for ergonomic tactile feedback.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality hand-finishing is evident in the even distribution of hammer marks across the curve. The edge is perfectly uniform, indicating a master silversmith's control.
Authentication Indicators
The density of the planished texture and the specific radius of the rim curves are consistent with 20th-century Jensen hollowware. Genuine pieces show wear that blends into the hammered finish.
Origin & Manufacturing
Copenhagen, Denmark. Manufactured in the Georg Jensen workshop, known for maintaining high apprenticeship standards and rigorous quality control.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern (1945-1965). The period saw a shift from the ornate 'Acorn' style to this clean, geometric, 'form-follows-function' aesthetic.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950-1960. The surface wear and design language are quintessential for Jensen's post-war production.
Cultural Significance
Scandinavian silver of this era redefined luxury as simplicity and quality of material rather than quantity of decoration, influencing global industrial design.
Condition Notes
Good overall condition but shows significant surface scratches and 'knitting' from use (utensil marks). No deep gouges or rim dents are visible in the localized view.
Value Estimate
$300 - $550 USD depending on size and specific hallmark date. Weight is a factor, but the Jensen brand name carries significant retail premium.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a soft sponge and mild soap. Periodically use a high-quality silver cream like Hagerty to maintain the 'moonlight' glow. Avoid machine washing.
Similar Pieces
Georg Jensen 'Beaded' or 'Bernadotte' plates. Competitors include Hans Hansen or A. Michelsen, though Jensen pieces hold the highest secondary market premium.
Interesting Facts
Georg Jensen once famously said silver is the best material because it possesses 'the glow of the moon'—a quality maximized by the hammered finish seen here.