Carl Poul Petersen Hand-Wrought Sterling Silver Oval Dish
Hollowware (Nut Dish, Bonbon Dish, or Small Tray) · Carl Poul Petersen (1895-1977), a Danish-born silversmith who moved to Montreal, Canada. He is renowned for his work with Georg Jensen and for creating Canada's most iconic sports trophy, the Stanley Cup's current design.
Pattern: Hand-Wrought Modernist Style - No specific pattern name; unique artisan production.
Type
Hollowware (Nut Dish, Bonbon Dish, or Small Tray)
Maker
Carl Poul Petersen (1895-1977), a Danish-born silversmith who moved to Montreal, Canada. He is renowned for his work with Georg Jensen and for creating Canada's most iconic sports trophy, the Stanley Cup's current design.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Composition is solid silver throughout.
Dimensions
Estimated length 5-7 inches; weight approximately 120-180 grams based on similar hollowware forms.
Description
This hand-wrought oval dish by Carl Poul Petersen represents the pinnacle of Canadian silver craft. Petersen, who trained under Georg Jensen, brought the Danish aesthetic to Montreal, creating pieces with substantial weight and subtle, hand-hammered textures. The piece features a soft, glowing patina and demonstrates the transition from traditional craftsmanship to the clean silhouettes of the mid-20th century.
Key Features
Prominent 'CP' maker's mark, 'HANDMADE' stamp, and distinctive planished surface texture that reflects light in a soft, diffused manner.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Composition is solid silver throughout.
Finish & Decoration
Planished (hammered) surface as evidenced by the faceted reflections. Hand-stamped lettering and hallmarks on the base. Minimalist, clean lines typical of Scandinavian-influenced Canadian silver.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped 'PETERSON' (incomplete/worn), 'HANDMADE', 'STERLING', and 'CANADA'. Features the distinct 'CP' lion logo within a shield or circle, and a hand-engraved '509' inventory or design number.
Construction Details
Raised and shaped by hand from a single sheet of sterling silver. The visible hammer marks indicate a labor-intensive planishing process rather than machine pressing.
Functional Features
Sloping sides for containing small items; stable flat base with integrated foot rim formed during the raising process.
Handle & Grip Details
None; this is a rimmed dish design meant to be grasped by the edges.
Craftsmanship Details
High-level artisan work. The hand-stamping on the base is deep and irregular, typical of a workshop environment where items were finished individually rather than by automated machinery.
Authentication Indicators
Characteristic 'CP' hallmark for Carl Poul Petersen, authentic hand-engraved design number, and uneven spacing in the hand-stamped letters which is standard for his workshop.
Origin & Manufacturing
Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Produced in the C.P. Petersen & Sons workshop.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern (post-WWII era, circa 1945-1960) showcasing Danish Modern influence on North American craft.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950. The hallmark style and the '509' numbering are consistent with mid-career production.
Cultural Significance
Petersen is considered the most important silversmith in 20th-century Canadian history, bridging European court-level skill with Canadian modernism.
Condition Notes
Good to Very Good. Significant surface scratching and small pits are visible on the base. The stamps show uneven wear but remain legible. Moderate tarnish in the recessed lettering.
Value Estimate
$300 - $600 USD. Value is driven by the Petersen name and the hand-wrought nature of the piece rather than just melt weight.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a high-quality cream polish like Wright's. Avoid automated dishwashers or abrasive pads which will damage the delicate hand-hammered finish.
Similar Pieces
Georg Jensen hollowware (similar Danish roots but often higher price premium) or Birks Henry Birks & Sons 'Hand Wrought' line (largely mass-market in comparison).
Interesting Facts
Carl Poul Petersen was commissioned by the NHL to redesign the Stanley Cup in 1947 and to maintain it for many years; he also made the original Hart and Lady Byng trophies.