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 Ingraham, Emerson Radio Corporation
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
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
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
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
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
$1,100
H 19.69 in W 15.75 in D 0.79 in
Vintage Art Deco Stained Glass Window Panel – Hand-Painted Horse Medallion
Located in Antwerp, BE
Gorgeous Art Deco stained glass window panel, featuring an exquisite, central hand-painted oval medallion of a horse in profile.This piece beautifully combines architectural geometry...
Blown Glass, Stained Glass
Solid Art Deco brass door knocker around 1920s
Located in Wien, Au
Solid Art Deco brass door knocker around 1920s Brass polished and stove enameled
Brass
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
$298
H 6.7 in W 5.71 in D 0.79 in
Art Deco Pouch or Evening Bag, Handbag Black Silk, Silver Sequins ca. 1920
Located in Andernach, DE
Absolutely unique, likely French – small pouch from black silk at the outside. The embroidery appears to be from genuine silver sequins, as it weights quite heavy, but the material r...
Metal
C1930 Bus Stop Sign No Parking - Police
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous No Parking Sign "Bus Stop" in the form of a upward painted metal Arrow by order of the police. Heavy hand cut steel. Hand painted lettering. Weathered with wear to the paint...
Steel
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