In addition to having invented an alloy that drastically reduced the foundry production costs associated with making bronze, copper and brass, Danish designer and silversmith Just Andersen created sculptural furnishings, accessories and decor that are widely coveted and collectible today. Disko, an alloy made of lead, tin and antimony, shares characteristics with brass, and many of Andersen’s antique candle holders, vases and vessels and other decorative objects — produced in Art Nouveau, Scandinavian neoclassical and Art Deco styles — contain this material.
Growing up in Greenland, Andersen was originally a sculptor and painter. He moved to Copenhagen and attended the Royal Academy of Art and the School of Danish Crafts. At the latter, he studied under Jens Møller Jensen.
Andersen trained in silversmithing in Copenhagen with Mogens Ballin and with the revered Danish silver firm Peter Hertz. Working in Ballin’s workshop after it had changed hands when the founder’s wife fell ill during the early 1900s, Andersen sharpened and refined his skills. He completed unfinished projects of Ballin’s when he passed away in 1914, sometimes partnering with Jean Rene Gauguin in order to do so. Andersen opened Just Andersen Pewter in 1918, where he produced objects in silver and gold but also in pewter, bronze and his alloy, disko, which he named after Greenland’s Disko Bay.
Andersen created designs for Georg Jensen, Peter Hertz, A. Michelsen and other manufacturers. He opened showrooms in several cities including Berlin and Los Angeles. Andersen’s work is held in the collections of museums all over the world.
Find antique Just Andersen decorative objects, lighting and ceramics on 1stDibs.
Pewter Casket by Just Andersen, 1950s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Minimalist pewter box made by Just Andersen in the 1950s. * Lidded pewter box with a fitted wooden interior. Originally designed as a cigarette box. * Manufacturer: Just Andersen * ...
Pewter
Trio of Pewter Bonbonnières by Just Andersen, 1920s, Denmark
By Just Andersen, GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget
Located in Værløse, DK
Elegant trio of round pewter bonbonnières designed by Just Andersen in the early 1920s. * Set of three (3) round pewter boxes with fitted lids and spherical finials * Designer: Just...
Pewter
Art Nouveau Pewter Matchbox by Just Andersen, 1920s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Art Nouveau pewter matchbox made by Just Andersen in the 1920s. * Pewter matchbox with floral knop and original inner cardboard box (matches not included) * Designer: Just Andersen ...
Pewter
Diskometal Vessel by Just Andersen, 1920s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Art Nouveau diskometal casket made by Just Andersen in the 1920s. * Diskometal casket / jewellery box with floral knop and inner in wood. Original cigarette box. * Designer: Just A...
Metal
Art Nouveau Pewter Box by Just Andersen, 1910s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Art Nouveau Pewter Box designed by Just Andersen in the late 1910s. * Round hammered pewter box with lid with flower knop and floral chasings * Designer: Just Andersen * Manufactur...
Pewter
Pewter Casket by Ellen Schlanbusch by Just Andersen, 1950s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Refined pewter box designed by Ellen Schlanbusch for Just Andersen in the 1950s. * Lidded pewter box with a fitted wooden interior. Originally designed as a cigarette box. * Designe...
Pewter
Art Nouveau Pewter Box by Just Andersen, 1910s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Art Nouveau Pewter Box designed by Just Andersen in the late 1910s. * Round hammered pewter box with lid with flower knop and floral chasings * Designer: Just Andersen * Manufactur...
Pewter
Pewter Casket by Just Andersen, 1930s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Lidded Pewter Casket designed made by Just Andersen in 1930. A timeless piece for an exquisite place * Lidded pewter box with a velvet inner box. * Designer: Just Andersen * Style: ...
Pewter
Pewter Box with Squirrel designed by Just Andersen, 1920s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Art Deco Pewter Box designed by Just Andersen in the 1920s. * Round hammered pewter box with lid with squirrel knop and chasings * Designer: Just Andersen * Manufacturer: Just Ande...
Pewter
Set of Pewter Bonbonnieres by Just Andersen, 1910s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Elegant pair of round pewter bonbonnières designed by Just Andersen in the early 1920s. * Pair of two (2) round pewter boxes with fitted lids and spherical finials * Designer: Just ...
Pewter
Pewter Boxes designed by Arne Erkers for Just Andersen, 1950s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Elegant set of Pewter Boxes designed by Arne Erkers for Just Andersen in the 1950s. * Two (2) lidded boxes in pewter with wooden inner boxes. Originally cigarette boxes. * Designer...
Pewter
Bonbonniere by Just Andersen, 1920s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
A bonbonniere made by Just Andersen in the 1920s. A timeless piece for a beautiful home. * A metal bonbonniere / jewelry box * Designer: Just Andersen * Model: D30 (stamped 'Just D...
Metal
Wood Casket and Pewter Candlestick Holders by Just Andersen, 1950s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Wood Casket and matching Cubic Pewter Candlestick Holders made by Just Andersen in the 1950s. * Lidded box in wood with pewter inlay and matching cubic pewter candlestick holders *...
Pewter
Discometal Matchstick Box by Just Andersen, 1920s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Discometal Matchstick Box by Just Andersen in the early 1920s. A fine piece for a beautiful place. * Discometal Matchstick Box * Designer: Just Andersen * Model: D32 Year: 1918-1...
Metal
Round Lidded Pewter Box by Just Andersen, 1920s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
A lidded Pewter Box made by Just Andersen in the 1920s. A lovely piece for a beautiful spot. * A round lidded box in hammered pewter with inner box in wood. The lid has ornaments an...
Pewter
Just Andersen, Small Vase, Pewter, Denmark, 1930s
By Just Andersen
Located in High Point, NC
A small pewter vase designed and produced by Just Andersen, Denmark, c. 1930s.
Pewter
1940s Danish Just Andersen Pewter Vase
By Just Andersen
Located in Knebel, DK
Danish Just Andersen pewter vases produced by Just Andersen A/S in the 1940´s - 1950´s The vase is in good vintage condition and marked with Ju...
Metal, Pewter
Mini Pewter Vase by Just Andersen, 1930s Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Asaa, DK
Mini Pewter Vase by Just Andersen, 1930s Denmark. Danish Art Deco miniature pewter vase made in Denmark in the 1930s. Stamped underneath: Just Denmark and model no: 2492. 5 cm ta...
Pewter
Just Andersen Art Deco Pewter Centerpiece Bowl, Denmark, Late 1920s
By Just Andersen
Located in Stockholm, SE
An elegant Art Deco pewter centerpiece bowl designed by Just Andersen in Denmark during the late 1920s. The bowl features a beautifully scallop...
Pewter
$4,542
H 2.76 in W 10.83 in D 2.76 in
Stunning Art Deco Bronze Jewelry Box by Sune Backstrom, Sweden, 1920s
By Just Andersen, Einar Backstrom, GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Sune Bäckström
Located in Malmö, SE
A large and beautiful hinged lid bronze box with amazing patina. Art deco / Swedish Grace. Could be used as a jewelry or pencil box. Original key. Interior upholstered in purple velv...
Bronze
$1,591
H 5.52 in Dm 3.15 in
1920s Art Deco vase by danish sculptor and silversmith Just Andersen, Copenhagen
By Just Andersen
Located in København K, 84
This 1920s Art Deco vase, designed by Danish sculptor and silversmith Just Andersen in Copenhagen, is a striking example of his pioneering work in...
Pewter
Just Andersen pewter vase design by Arne Ekers, Copenhagen Denmark 1952
By Just Andersen
Located in København K, 84
This charming 1952 pewter vase, designed by Arne Ekers and manufactured by Just Andersen in Copenhagen, is a refined example of mid-20th century Danish metalwork...
Metal, Pewter
Art déco vase 'D23' by Just Andersen, Denmark, 1920s
By Just Andersen
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Small vase designed and produced by Just Andersen in Denmark during the first half of the 20th century.
Metal
1940s Danish Just Andersen Circular Pewter Vase
By Just Andersen
Located in Knebel, DK
Danish Just Andersen pewter vase produced by Just Andersen A/S in the 1940 - 1950's. The vase is marked with Just. Andersens triangle mark...
Metal, Pewter
$773
H 3.55 in W 3.94 in D 3.15 in
Antique Jewelry Box "The Hunt", 1910s, Silvered, Art Nouveau, Iron Craftmanship
Located in Greven, DE
Exceptional antique jewelry box with fine depictions of hunting themes and forest animals. Heavy iron work, silvered in a very good condition. Lined with turquoise fabric in a good c...
Iron
Art Deco Bronze Bowl by Just Andersen, Denmark, 1920s
By Just Andersen, GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful art deco bronze bowl designed by Just Andersen in 1920s and produced by his own company in Denmark. Good condition, some light scratches and wear to the patination. Stam...
Bronze
Lidded Art Deco Bronze Box by Sune Backstrom, Sweden, 1920s.
By Sune Bäckström, GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Einar Backstrom, Just Andersen
Located in Malmö, SE
A small, beautiful, fluted Art deco / Swedish Grace lidded bronze box with amazing patina. Designed by Sune Bäckström and produced by Einar Bäckström Metallvarufabrik in Malmoe, Swe...
Bronze
Art Deco Vase by Just Andersen, Denmark, 1930s
By Just Andersen, Sune Bäckström, GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful art deco vase designed by Just Andersen in 1930s and produced by his own company in Denmark. Made from Disko metal (an alloy of different metals invented by Just Andersen...
Metal
Just Andersen Sculpture Produced by Just Andersen in Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare carp fish sculpture by Just Andersen. Produced by Just Andersen in Denmark.
Metal, Bronze
$414
H 5.12 in W 3.94 in D 2.76 in
Mythological Diskometal Figurine with Walrus & Faun by Just Andersen, 1930
By Just Andersen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
- Mythological figurine by Just Andersen designed, circa 1930 - Composed of Just Andersen's own alloy called Disko Metal - The figurine is sig...
Metal
Diskometal Casket by Just Andersen, 1930s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Elegant Diskometal Casket made by Just Andersen in the early 1930s. * Lidded diskometal casket / jewelry box with inner wood box. * Designer: Just Andersen * Style: D1604 * Year: 1...
Metal
Art Deco Pewter Cigarette Box by Just Andersen, Denmark, 1930s
By Just Andersen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Simplicity and clean design comes to mind observing the pewter box designed by Just Andersen in Denmark during the mid-late 1930s. It's linen with cedar wood and suitable for storing...
Pewter
Sold
H 1.19 in W 7.68 in D 3.35 in
Pewter Box Trio designed by Arne Erkers for Just Andersen, 1950s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Collection of three Pewter Boxes designed by Arne Erkers for Just Andersen in the 1950s. An elegant trio for a beautiful place. * Two (3) lidded boxes in pewter with wooden inner bo...
Pewter
Pewter Casket by Just Andersen, 1920s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Small Lidded Pewter Casket made by Just Andersen in the 1920s. A timeless piece for an exquisite place * Lidded pewter box with a velvet inner box. * Designer: Just Andersen * Style...
Pewter
King of Hearts Card Box designed by Just Andersen, 1920s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Lidded Casket for Playing Cards designed by Just Andersen in the early 1920s. A fine piece for a beautiful place. * A lidded casket in discometal with King of Hearts on the lid and...
Metal
Art Deco Box With Deer by Just Andersen, 1930s
By Just Andersen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A stylish relatively large box with an ear-less deer decorating the removable lid. Distinct Art Deco styling. Designed and made by Just Andersen in Denmark circa 1930-40. Design numb...
Metal
Sold
H 1.58 in W 4.73 in D 3.55 in
Pewter casket by Ellen Schlanbusch by Just Andersen, 1950s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
A pewter box designed by Ellen Schlanbusch for Just Andersen in the 1950s. An elegant piece for a beautiful place. * A lidded box in pewter with a wooden inner box. Originally cigar...
Pewter
Sold
H 1.19 in W 7.68 in D 3.35 in
Set of Pewter Boxes designed by Arne Erkers for Just Andersen, 1950s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Set of Pewter Boxes designed by Arne Erkers for Just Andersen in the 1950s. An elegant set for a beautiful place. * Two (2) lidded boxes in pewter with wooden inner boxes. Originall...
Pewter
Early Jewelry box by Just Andersen, 1920s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
A lidded metal casket designed by Just Andersen in the 1920s. It is early work by the Danish designer and a timeless piece for a beautiful home. * A metal casket / jewelry box with...
Metal
Lidded box by Just Andersen, 1920s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
A lidded metal casket made by Just Andersen in the 1920s. It is early work by the Danish designer and a timeless piece for a beautiful home. * A metal casket / jewellery box with a...
Metal
Early Pewter box by Just Andersen, 1920s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
A lidded pewter box made by Just Andersen in the 1920s. A timeless piece with 100 years of stories. * A lidded pewter box with a wooden inner box. Originally cigarette box. * Desig...
Pewter
A large lidded Pewter box by Just Andersen, 1950s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
A lidded pewter box made by Just Andersen in the 1950s. A timeless piece for a beautiful spot. * A lidded pewter box with a wooden inner box. Originally cigarette box. * Style: 261...
Pewter
Sold
H 1.19 in W 7.68 in D 3.35 in
Set of Pewter boxes designed by Arne Erkers for Just Andersen, 1950s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
A trio of pewter boxes designed by Arne Erkers for Just Andersen in the 1950s. * Three (3) lidded boxes in pewter with wooden inner boxes. Originally cigarette boxes. * Designer: Ar...
Pewter
Sold
H 5 in W 6.6 in D 4.38 in
Just Andersen Denmark Pewter Covered Curved Box with Dove Handle, Danish Modern
By Just Andersen
Located in St. Louis, MO
Sculptor Just Andersen Denmark designed covered box in pewter, footed form with curved sides and ornamental dove bird in repose on lid, stamped "Just 904" to underside. Exterior is n...
Pewter
Art Deco Pewter Cigarette Box by Just Andersen, Denmark, 1930s
By Just Andersen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Simplicity and clean design comes to mind observing the pewter box designed by Just Andersen in Denmark during the mid-late 1930s. Its linen with cedar and suitable for storing cigar...
Pewter