Swedish Grace Silver-Plated Napkin & Letter Holder from G.A.B., 1930s

Details

Description

This refined desk or table accessory is a superb example of swedish art metalwork, dating back to the heyday of … Read more This refined desk or table accessory is a superb example of swedish art metalwork, dating back to the heyday of the celebrated swedish grace movement (1930s and 1940s). Crafted by the renowned stockholm-based guldsmedsaktiebolaget (g.a.b.), the piece perfectly embodies the dialogue between the formal rigor of early scandinavian modernism and the allure of the era's classical and eclectic influences.
the two mirrored sides, characterized by an elegant mixtilinear "cloud" profile, feature a finely chiseled relief decoration at the center, depicting a putto or a young bacchus holding a monumental bunch of grapes on his shoulder. The structure rests gracefully on four original spherical feet that elevate the slender body of the object. The outer base bears the original "g.a.b." factory hallmarks, alongside the official inscription "ns alp" (nysilver alpacca), certifying the thick silver plating typical of the prestigious, high-end pre-war production in stockholm.
thanks to its compact and dense proportions, the object boasts a dual and versatile functional identity: it lends itself magnificently as a refined napkin holder (napkin holder) for an elite dining table, or as a sophisticated letter holder or card holder (letter holder / desk organizer) to enrich the desk of a professional studio or a luxury office.
condition report:
the item is in excellent vintage condition, solid and structurally intact. To preserve the authenticity and high collectible value of the piece, the exterior silver surface has been extremely conservatively cleaned, maintaining its original luster and fascinating historical patina.
as a natural testimony to its almost century-long journey through history, the inside of the base displays light and honest oxidation spots and pitting, which attest to its period authenticity and which will remain completely invisible once napkins or correspondence are inserted.
due to the entirely artisanal assembly and welding process of the time, a ball foot exhibits a millimetric historical misalignment; this generates a very slight and entirely physiological oscillation on modern flat surfaces, which does not affect the stability of the object (especially when filled) and which constitutes a precious detail of manual manufacturing, differentiating it from contemporary industrial reproductions.
dimensions and weight:
height: 10 cm
length: 13.5 cm
depth: 3.2 cm
weight: approximately 175 grams this piece has an attribution mark,
i am sure that it is completely authentic and take full responsibility for any authenticity
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