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.
Just Andersen, Denmark 1930s Art Deco Pewter Stylised Bird Pipe Holder
By Just Andersen
Located in Rothley, Leicestershire
Just Andersen of Denmark, Pewter stylised bird pipe holder. Circa 1930's. Stamped on base. Measures: height 2.5 inch, width 4.25 inch, depth 1.5 inch Good condition. Wear consis...
Pewter
$350
H 2.5 in W 16.5 in D 1.5 in
Antique Chinese/Tibetan Silver Smoking Pipe, Late Qing Dynasty, Handcrafted Art
Located in Pomona, CA
This object is an antique Chinese/Tibetan silver smoking pipe, commonly associated with traditional tobacco or historical opium use. It features a long, cylindrical metal stem adorne...
Silver
$995
H 5.75 in W 9.5 in D 4.5 in
Art Deco Birdeye Maple Petite Radio by Emerson - Cabinet by Ingraham C1930
By Emerson Radio Corporation, Ingraham
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous and rare, timeless and very cool in original as found condition this Emerson radio is a petite model and the likes of which i have not seen before. Back of cabinet is missi...
Plastic, Bakelite, Birdseye Maple
Antique Medieval Helmet, 1930s
Located in Praha, CZ
Its replica from 1930s In original condition fully functional
Steel
$411Sale Price|20% Off
H 17 in W 23 in D 6 in
1930s Czechoslovak Art Deco Men’s Travel Shaving Kit in Leather Case
Located in Praha, CZ
A rare and stylish Art Deco men’s travel shaving set, produced in Czechoslovakia circa the 1930s. The kit is presented in its original textured leather case and includes a selection ...
Metal, Chrome
$285
H 6.25 in W 6.75 in D 1.75 in
Art Deco Stylized Cast Iron Doorstop Sphinx with Pyramid and Original Paint
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Elegantly cast Art Deco Stylized Sphinx with Pyramid and in original paint Door Stop. Finished on both sides and retains most of the original color.
Iron
Antique Siemens Art Deco Bakelite & Brass Fan, 1920s
By Siemens
Located in Hamburg, DE
This striking antique Siemens fan from the 1920s is a fine example of early industrial design and the elegance of the Art Deco era. The beautifully curved frame is made from rich, da...
Brass
Colorful Art Deco Beaded Pouch, circa 1920s
Located in Hamburg, DE
This vibrant antique beaded pouch dates to the Art Deco period of the 1920s and captures the bold spirit and energy of its time. Unlike traditional handbags, this piece has no clasp ...
Cotton, Glass
Bird Cage
Located in København, København
Antique French unique handmade, carved and painted dolls house-like birdcage - oversized and with many unique details which makes it look more like a birds-chateau and is very far fr...
Metallic Thread
1700s Scandinavian RUSTIC Folk Art Pine Spout Jug, Pipe Jug
Located in Skien, NO
Primitive antique spout jug / tankard, pipe jug with rustic patina and original country / farmhouse style scorched pattern. Hand-crafted from nature pine...
Wood, Pine
Brass and Wood Bike Pump, 1930s USA
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cool 1930s antiqued brass and wood bike pump with rubber hose. Metal base with 'Unbreakable Base' embossed on the surface. Amazing patina to body and woode...
Brass
$720Sale Price|20% Off
H 8.47 in W 14.18 in D 6.7 in
17/1800s Scandinavian Folk Art Hand-painted Pine Spout Jug, Pipe Jug
Located in Skien, NO
Primitive antique spout jug / tankard, pipe jug with original country / farmhouse style painting. Hand-crafted from nature pine, beautiful rustic patina....
Wood, Pine
$638Sale Price|35% Off
H 6.3 in W 11.82 in D 6.3 in
Nativity Engraved Stone Sculpture, Spanish Folk Art, Circa 1930
Located in Barcelona, ES
Nativity Engraved Stone Sculpture made by unknown manufactured from Spain circa 1930 In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use.
Stone
Sold
H 2.5 in W 4.25 in D 1.5 in
Pair Just Andersen, Denmark 1930s Art Deco Disko Metal Stylised Bird Pipe Rests
By Just Andersen
Located in Rothley, Leicestershire
Pair of Just Andersen of Denmark, Disko metal stylised bird pipe rests Disko metal, invented by Just Andersen by combing lead and antimony is a weighty metal Circa 1930's Stamped on ...
Metal
Sold
H 2.5 in W 4.25 in D 1.5 in
Pair of Just Andersen, Denmark 1930s Art Deco Pewter Stylised Bird Pipe Holders
By Just Andersen
Located in Rothley, Leicestershire
Pair of Just Andersen of Denmark, Pewter stylised bird pipe holders Although a pair, they are not identical - each has it's own characteristics Circa 1930's Stamped on each base ...
Pewter
Sold
H 2.5 in W 4.25 in D 1.5 in
Pair of Just Andersen, Denmark 1930s Art Deco Pewter Stylised Bird Pipe Holders
By Just Andersen
Located in Rothley, Leicestershire
Pair of Just Andersen of Denmark, Pewter stylised bird pipe holders Although a pair, they are not identical - each has it's own characteristics Circa 1930's Stamped on each base ...
Pewter