Svenskt Tenn Pewter (Tenntråd) Vessel or Dish with GAB Maker's Mark
Hollowware · GAB (Guldsmedsaktiebolaget) in collaboration with Svenskt Tenn. GAB was a major Swedish silversmith and metalware manufacturer founded in 1860 in Stockholm, known for high-quality craftsmanship. Svenskt Tenn was founded in 1924 by Estrid Ericson and is one of Sweden's most famous interior design and pewter/silver firms.
Pattern: Standard Svenskt Tenn production line, often featuring minimalist Scandinavian modernist or functionalist aesthetic.
Type
Hollowware
Maker
GAB (Guldsmedsaktiebolaget) in collaboration with Svenskt Tenn. GAB was a major Swedish silversmith and metalware manufacturer founded in 1860 in Stockholm, known for high-quality craftsmanship. Svenskt Tenn was founded in 1924 by Estrid Ericson and is one of Sweden's most famous interior design and pewter/silver firms.
Material
Pewter (Tennt), as indicated by the 'TENN' stamp and Swedish hallmark system, composed primarily of tin alloyed with small amounts of copper and antimony.
Dimensions
Standard dimensions for a medium decorative or utility hollowware vessel, weighing consistent with quality Swedish pewter goods.
Description
A classic piece of Swedish pewter hollowware bearing the prestigious dual attribution of GAB and Svenskt Tenn. The base displays crisp, deeply struck factory and control marks, including the iconic 'SVENSK. VARA' stamp denoting genuine Swedish manufacture. The minimalist aesthetic and high-grade pewter composition make it a quintessential example of Scandinavian design heritage.
Key Features
Dual maker attribution (GAB and Svenskt Tenn), crisp 'SVENSK. VARA' stamp, traditional Swedish three-crowns quality mark, and hand-stamped model numbers.
Material & Composition
Pewter (Tennt), as indicated by the 'TENN' stamp and Swedish hallmark system, composed primarily of tin alloyed with small amounts of copper and antimony.
Finish & Decoration
Satin or lightly brushed pewter finish with clean, modernist lines characteristic of mid-century Swedish design.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Clear manufacturer and standard stamps: 'GAB' monogram over 'TENN', flanked by a square box containing '1.8' (likely a model, weight, or alloy indicator), the Svenskt Tenn three-crowns-in-shield national mark, the text 'SVENSK. VARA' (Swedish Ware), and stamped inventory or model numbers '2418/21/3'.
Construction Details
Likely spun or cast pewter, typical of mid-20th-century Scandinavian workshop production, hand-finished with precision.
Functional Features
Designed as a decorative dish, bowl, or small hollowware container for domestic or interior display use.
Handle & Grip Details
Integral body form without applied handles, maintaining a sleek, uninterrupted silhouette.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality Scandinavian manufacturing standards, featuring cleanly struck hallmarks, balanced proportions, and expert surface finishing.
Authentication Indicators
Authentic Swedish stamping style with correct GAB maker's mark, standard Swedish national control marks, and legible inventory numbers.
Origin & Manufacturing
Made in Stockholm, Sweden, by Guldsmedsaktiebolaget (GAB) for retail and distribution through Svenskt Tenn.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern (circa 1930s-1960s), reflecting the rise of Swedish Grace and Scandinavian Modern design movements.
Age Estimate
Mid-20th century, circa 1930 to 1960, based on the typography of the GAB TENN stamp and the use of the Svenskt Tenn mark.
Cultural Significance
Represents the golden age of Swedish design (Swedish Grace and Scandinavian Modern), where traditional metalworking crafts were elevated to high art through avant-garde retail houses like Svenskt Tenn.
Condition Notes
Good vintage condition with typical surface hairline scratches and minor wear consistent with age and gentle use. No major structural dents or repairs.
Value Estimate
Moderate collector value ranging from $100 to $300 USD depending on the exact form, size, and current market demand for Scandinavian pewter.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with warm soapy water and a soft cloth. Avoid harsh chemical metal dips or abrasive scouring pads. Pewter develops a natural, desirable patina over time.
Similar Pieces
Pewter and silver-plated wares produced by Swedish makers such as Justs Pewter (Just Tinn) or Kronans Tenn.
Interesting Facts
Svenskt Tenn became world-renowned largely due to the creative partnership between founder Estrid Ericson and Austrian architect/designer Josef Frank, who fled to Sweden in 1933 and shaped modern Swedish interior design.