Mid-Century Modern Georg Jensen Sterling Silver Serving Spoon
Flatware - Serving Piece · Georg Jensen (Denmark), founded 1904. Renowned for pioneering the 'Danish Silver' style and collaborating with elite designers like Henning Koppel and Sigvard Bernadotte.
Pattern: Likely 'Bernadotte' or a similar minimalist flatware pattern. Introduced mid-20th century. High collector demand due to timeless aesthetic.
Type
Flatware - Serving Piece
Maker
Georg Jensen (Denmark), founded 1904. Renowned for pioneering the 'Danish Silver' style and collaborating with elite designers like Henning Koppel and Sigvard Bernadotte.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Solid construction with no base metal; hallmark indicates legal standard for Danish sterling exports.
Dimensions
Estimated length 20-23 cm (approx. 8-9 inches). Estimated weight 75-100 grams. This size indicates a buffet or vegetable serving spoon.
Description
An elegant example of Scandinavian design, this sterling silver serving spoon showcases the fluid lines synonymous with Georg Jensen. The piece features a broad, deep bowl reflected in a brilliant high-polish finish, tapering seamlessly into a sleek handle. It represents the height of functional art from the post-war era.
Key Features
Iconic Jensen 'dotted oval' hallmark, heavy gauge silver weight, and the signature 'egg-shaped' bowl profile characteristic of Mid-Century Danish design.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Solid construction with no base metal; hallmark indicates legal standard for Danish sterling exports.
Finish & Decoration
Mirror polish/High-gloss finish. The piece features a streamlined, modernist design with minimal ornamentation, relying on form and proportion over surface decoration.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The prominent stamp visible on the back of the bowl is the Georg Jensen 'dotted oval' maker's mark (used post-1945). The numbers '925' and 'S' signify sterling silver purity.
Construction Details
Forged and hand-finished. Georg Jensen flatware is known for its heavy gauge and seamless transitions between the bowl and the handle.
Functional Features
Oversized oval bowl designed for scooping large portions; ergonomic handle taper for balance during service.
Handle & Grip Details
Integrated solid silver handle. Features a slight flare at the terminal. Design prioritized ease of cleaning and sleek ergonomics.
Craftsmanship Details
Exhibits superior hand-finishing evidence; the transition from the bowl to the handle is impeccably smoothed with no visible solder lines, indicating a high level of silversmithing expertise.
Authentication Indicators
The hallmark is correctly struck into the silver (not cast-in), showing the crispness of an authentic Georg Jensen die. The weight and balance are consistent with Jensen's high-quality production standards.
Origin & Manufacturing
Copenhagen, Denmark. Manufactured in the specialized Georg Jensen silversmithy adhering to rigorous Danish quality controls.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern (1945-1970). Characterized by organic shapes and a rejection of the overly ornate Victorian or Art Nouveau styles.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950-1975 based on the style of the 'dotted oval' hallmark and the modernist aerodynamic profile.
Cultural Significance
A symbol of the 'Scandinavian Modern' movement which emphasized that high-quality design should be accessible and functional for everyday life, not just for display.
Condition Notes
Very Good. The surface shows light 'use scratches' (patina) consistent with age. No evidence of pitting or deep gouges. Moderate tarnish in crevices near the handle transition.
Value Estimate
$250.00 - $450.00 USD. Value depends on the specific pattern identification and current demand for Danish modernist hollowware.
Care & Maintenance
Polish by hand using Wright’s Silver Cream. Avoid automatic dishwashers, which can dull the mirror finish and cause heat damage to the metal structure. Store in a Pacific Silvercloth roll to prevent tarnish.
Similar Pieces
Georg Jensen 'Acorn' (more ornate), 'Cactus' (textured), or 'Bernadotte' (fluted). Competitor pieces include 'Royal Danish' by International Silver, which is heavier and more traditional.
Interesting Facts
Georg Jensen pieces were so distinct they helped define the 'Modernist' movement in silver, leading to a major exhibition at the Louvre in 1925 and becoming a staple in high-end 20th-century households.