Few if any firms have produced as many design classics in silver as Georg Jensen, flatware patterns in particular. Most of the major Jensen designers created at least one flatware pattern, many of which are instantly recognisable.
The range of Jensen flatware patterns can, in a way, be seen as an illustration of the development of early to mid-20th century design, with all major styles represented by at least one Jensen pattern, from the art nouveau of Lilly of the Valley (Jensen 1906) to the space age modernism of Caravel (Koppel 1957).
There are in excess of 60 different flatware designs produced in silver at one time or another by Georg Jensen. Many of these however are not full patterns in the sense that they were available to build as a service. I have chosen to exclude these so called “ornamental” patterns, which are generally not named, and known only by design number. Also we will not consider those designs produced exclusively in stainless steel, which has been the material of choice for new designs since the 60′s.
This leaves us with 32 full patterns in silver, all but one of which* were first in production from 1906-1966. The more popular patterns were reproduced, and some are still in production today.
Each pattern is known by design number, and name, usually the Danish name being different from the design name in English. A few patterns where named differently when marketed in Britain than in the USA, but generally speaking the English language name applies in both countries. Confusingly the design numbers are not in sequence, the first pattern is #2, the second #4 and the sixth #145.
In the coming weeks on this blog, we shall be discussing some of the more important patterns in terms of investment.
James Baldwin
Bettina Jenkins
February 12, 2012
Some interesting information here- what is the illustrated pattern please?
James Baldwin
February 13, 2012
Thanks for the compliment: It’s Acanthus pattern.
In next week’s instalment I go in to a bit more detail on the specific Jensen silver cutlery patterns. Don’t miss it!
http://www.jamesbaldwinantiques.com
Stephen Stern
February 20, 2012
James,
Interesting article… I would have anticipated Jensen’s non-flatware products to also be worth investing in? Things like the Bell from your website perhaps: Is that as rare as you’d imagine? Or are there quite a lot of diversified types of silver Jensen worked?
Regards,
Stephen
http://www.jamesbaldwinantiques.com/stock.php?ProductID=33
James Baldwin
February 21, 2012
The bell in particular was a very rare piece.
Georg Jensen flatware represents an excellent investment as it holds its value well. Holloware is, if anything, more collectable, and so subject to the fluctuations of the market. Some of it is significantly more valuable than it was years ago while other pieces have dropped in value.
Georg Jensen Flatware: stability. Usable. Low risk, low return.
Georg Jensen Holloware: subject to fluctuation. Collectable. Higher risk, higher potential return.
I always tell my customers to buy what they love, not what they think will accumulate value. Investment is always a gamble, but Jensen in general is a safe bet because it is such a recognisable name.
I hope that answers your question!