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.
Substantial Letter Opener by Just Andersen, 1920s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Large Bronze Letter Opener designed by Just Andersen in the 1920s. A beautiful piece for an elegant desk. * Bronze letter knife * Designer: Just Andersen * Model: B216 * Year: 1925-...
Bronze
Bronze Letter Opener by Just Andersen, 1930s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Large Bronze Letter Opener designed by Just Andersen in the 1930s. * Bronze letter knife * Designer: Just Andersen * Model: B1502 * Year: 1934 * Condition: Good vintage condition. ...
Bronze
Just Andersen - Letter-knife in Mint Condition - Original box - Art Deco, 1930's
By Just Andersen
Located in Stockholm, SE
One of a kind letter knife made by Just Andersen, Denmark in the 1930's with the original box from the Jeweller that the knife were bought from. Mint condition been laying in the bo...
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
Just Andersen, Vase, Disko Metal, Denmark, 1930s
By Just Andersen
Located in High Point, NC
A disko metal vase designed and produced by Just Andersen, Denmark, 1930s.
Metal
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
Antique Italian Dolphin Venice Bronze Letter Opener, 1920s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful antique bronze letter opener dating to the 1920s or earlier, crafted by an unknown sculptor. This beautiful Art Nouveau piece displays graceful, flowing lines and subtle ...
Marble, Bronze
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 Vase in Disko Metal, 1930s
By Just Andersen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A rare bottle-shaped metal vase with unusual ornamental relief panels. Designed and made by Just Andersen in Denmark circa 1935-39. Model: D2195 (stamped 'Just D2195, Denmark'). It i...
Metal, Pewter
Sold|$435
H 3.94 in W 5.52 in D 3.55 in
1920s Art Deco vase by danish sculptor and silversmith Just Andersen, Copenhagen
By Just Andersen
Located in København K, 84
This striking 1920s Art Deco vase by Danish sculptor and silversmith Just Andersen, crafted in his signature patinated Disco metal, exemplifies th...
Metal
Antique French Art Nouveau Bronze Letter Opener, 1920s or earlier
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful antique bronze letter opener dating to the 20th Century, crafted by an unknown sculptor. This beautiful Art Nouveau piece displays graceful, flowing lines and subtle scul...
Bronze
$1,498
H 7.09 in Dm 3.15 in
Art Deco Just Andersen Patinated Bronze Vase Stylized Handles, Denmark, 1930s
By Just Andersen
Located in Odense, DK
Rare solid bronze Just Andersen vase dessin model B 1746 with stylized handles made at his own workshop in the 1930s. Just Andersen (1884-1943) was a Danish decorative sculptor and ...
Bronze
Art Deco Bowl by Just Andersen, 1930s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Art deco bowl made by Just Andersen in the 1930s. A fine piece for a beautiful table. * Diskometal bowl in organic shapes. * Designer: Just Andersen * Model: D2006 * Year: 1938 * C...
Metal
Large Fluted Art Deco Vase by Just Andersen, Denmark, 1930s
By Just Andersen, GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Sune Bäckström
Located in Malmö, SE
A large and 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 Jus...
Metal
Antique French Art Nouveau Bronze Claw & Quill Letter Opener, 1920s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A beautiful antique bronze letter opener dating to the 1920s or earlier, crafted by an unknown sculptor. This beautiful Art Nouveau piece displays graceful, flowing lines and subtle ...
Bronze
Letter Opener by Just Andersen, 1930s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Bronze Letter Opener designed by Just Andersen in the 1930s. An elegant piece for a beautiful desk. * Bronze letter knife * Designer: Just Andersen * Model: B2067 * Year: 1980 * Con...
Bronze
Patinated Bronze Tray and Letter Opener, circa 1940, by Just Andersen
By Just Andersen
Located in Spencertown, NY
The Tray stamped 'Denmark' the letter opener with sunburst on each side.
Bronze