Years ago, when I was just beginning to buy vintage pieces, I found a little trinket dish on eBay for a few dollars. I bought it because I loved the shape, not because I knew anything about the piece.
Imagine my surprise today when I ran across the same little bowl on eBay...with a $699 Buy It Now price. The seller noted that the same piece is for sale on 1stdibs for considerably more, so of course I had to look. Sure enough, there it was. The listing said "1950s Danish Jensen Organic Shaped Silverplated Trinket Vide Poche Modern Mid Century" and identified the designer/silversmith as Hans Jensen. Price: $917
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| 1stdibs.com |
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| 1stdibs.com |
I rushed to inspect my dish. Turning it over, I immediately saw "Made in Denmark" stamped on the bottom. Hallmarks, yes...but so small! Putting on my trusty MagEyes, one looked like a crown with something beneath it. A bird? Initials? Another looked like a man holding a shield. No whale like the ones on eBay and 1stdibs.
And then I noticed something I had overlooked in my hurry to examine the hallmarks. Right underneath "Made in Denmark" it very clearly says "Stainless Steel." Damn.
Oh, well...I still love the shape. And I learned what
vide poche means. It wasn't a complete bust.
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| My stainless steel trinket dish |
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| Markings on my dish...Anybody recognize them? |
