Art Deco industrial designer Walter von Nessen is best known for his glamorous Machine Age lighting designs and for his invention of the swing-arm lamp. Von Nessen was born in Germany, where he studied under Bruno Paul at Berlin’s Kunstgewerbeschule. After World War I, he worked for the architect Peter Behrens, in Berlin. He left in 1919 for Stockholm, where he designed furniture until emigrating with his wife, Margaretta, to the United States in 1923. In 1927, the couple opened Nessen Studios in Manhattan, designing and selling sleek, modern architectural lighting.
Art Deco was both novel and exciting in the late 1920s — as, indeed, was electricity itself — and Nessen Studios was at the forefront of the movement. Electric lighting designers at the time had no direct models to follow. The shapes and silhouettes of gas lamps, lanterns and chandeliers had been influenced by those of the kerosene-, oil- and candle-lit fixtures that preceded them, which in turn were informed by the fuels they used. Electric lighting required designs that accommodated essentials of the new technology, like cords and sockets. Von Nessen and his contemporaries thus had to create fixtures that addressed these challenges and looked modern without appearing overly mechanical.
Along with industrial-design visionaries of the period like Raymond Loewy, Gilbert Rohde and Donald Deskey, von Nessen crafted a style that was emblematic of the Machine Age. He produced lamps and home accessories from spun aluminum, with smooth surfaces that evoked the polished gleam of streamlined automobiles and airplanes. And he experimented with other popular materials of the era, such as Bakelite, chrome and fiberglass. His ingenious design for the now-ubiquitous swing-arm lamp earned him a reputation as an innovator.
Von Nessen’s work is represented in the collections of the Museum of Modern Art and the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian National Design Museum, among other institutions. Designed to complement the luxurious interiors of the 1920s and ‘30s, still look fresh nearly a century later.
Art Deco Chrome & Cobalt Blue Glass Candleholders by Walter Von Nessen for Chase
By Walter Von Nessen, Chase and Co.
Located in New York, NY
This stunning pair of Art Deco candleholders, designed by Walter Von Nessen for Chase in circa 1935, embodies the innovative elegance of Machine Age design. Von Nessen's work is cele...
Chrome
Art Deco Chrome "Taurex" Candlestick Holders by Walter Von Nessen for Chase
By Chase and Co., Walter Von Nessen
Located in New York, NY
This stunning pair of "Taurex" candlestick holders, designed by Walter Von Nessen for the Chase Brass & Copper Company, exemplifies the elegance and innovation of American Art De...
Chrome
Brass Vase by Walter von Nessen for Chase
By Chase Brass and Copper Company, Walter Von Nessen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Brass vase by Walter von Nessen for Chase, c.1930s, USA. The solid patinated brass Art Deco vase features a tulip opening and four incised rings around the bottom of the vessel. Impr...
Brass
$628Sale Price|30% Off
WALTER VON NESSEN 1930 For Chase Lacquered Toy-Soldier Figure In Gilt Brass
By Walter Von Nessen
Located in Miami, FL
Art deco figure designed by Walter Von Nessen for Chase Usa Co. This is a beautiful Streamline decorative desk figure created during the Art Deco period by Walter Von Nessen for the...
Brass, Enamel
Pair of Brass Vases by Walter Von Nessen for Chase
By Walter Von Nessen, Chase Brass and Copper Company
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of brass vases by Walter von Nessen for Chase, c.1930s, USA. The pair of solid patinated brass Art Deco vases feature a tulip opening ...
Brass
Pair of Art Deco Copper Candlestick Holders by Walter von Nessen signed Chase
By Walter Von Nessen, Chase and Co.
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite pair of Art Deco copper candlestick holders, designed by renowned modernist Walter von Nessen for Chase Brass & Copper Company, exemplifies the bold elegance and strea...
Copper
Walter Von Nessen For Chase Brass And Copper Candlesticks
By Walter Von Nessen
Located in New York, NY
1940's Walter Von Nessen designed for Chase, in vintage condition with some wear and patina due to age and use, they have been hand polished they show some w...
Brass, Copper
Pair of Copper Candlestick Holders by Walter von Nessen for Chase
By Chase Brass and Copper Company, Walter Von Nessen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of solid copper candle holders by Walter von Nessen for Chase, c.1930s, USA. The pair of Art Deco candle sticks feature geometric circles a...
Copper
Antique Art Deco Taurex Chrome Candlestick Holders Walter Von Nessen for Chase
By Chase Brass and Copper Company, Walter Von Nessen
Located in Detroit, MI
Set of four "Taurex" candlestick holders by German designer Walter Von Nessen (1889-1943) for the Chase Brass & Copper Company circa 1935. With sleek, geometric lines they exempl...
Metal, Chrome
Art Deco Copper and Brass Watering Can by Chase
By Walter Von Nessen, Chase Brass and Copper Company
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Art Deco copper and brass watering can c.1930's, Chase USA. This piece features a copper body and brass handle and spout. Vessel is impressed with [Chase USA] and feature the Chase M...
Brass, Copper
A pair of metal and copper Art Deco bookends by Walter Von Nessen circa 1930s
By Walter Von Nessen
Located in Houston, TX
A pair of Art Deco bookends by Walter Von Nessen feature two concentric rings of metal and copper with three sphere accents on each. 5.25” H x 5” W x 2.5” D $450
Metal
Pair of Chrome Elephant Bookends by Walter von Nessen for Chase USA
By Walter Von Nessen, Chase Brass and Copper Company
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of chrome bookends by Walter von Nessen for Chase, c.1930s, USA. The pair of bookends feature two chrome plated brass elephants with curved tubular bodies and geometric shaped h...
Brass, Chrome
Art Deco Copper bowl Walter Von Nessen Studio
By Walter Von Nessen
Located in Montreal, QC
Walter Von Nessen Studio, Art Deco copper bowl c. 1927, USA, hammered copper sheet metal, the exterior and interior bowl decorated with Nordic st...
Copper
Brass Paperweight with Elephant Motif by Walter Bosse
Located in Vienna, AT
A solid brass paperweight designed by Walter Bosse, executed by Herta Baller, featuring a stylized elephant motif. Well-crafted with a warm, even patina and characteristic mid-centur...
Brass
Art Deco Disko Metal Candleholder by Just Andersen, 1930s
By Just Andersen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
- Large candelabra in disko metal designed by Just Andersen - Manufactured during the 1930s in his workshop in Copenhagen - This is model 155 and it features an octagonal base and ...
Metal
Vintage Art Deco Resin Candlestick Holders
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Indulge in the timeless charm of Vintage Art Deco Candlestick Holders, a delightful duo that effortlessly merges sophistication with a touch of whimsy. These pairs come adorned in a ...
Metal
$750 / set
H 9.5 in W 8.5 in D 4 in
Pair of Chrome 'Taurex' Candlestick Holders by Walter Von Nessen for Chase
By Chase Brass and Copper Company
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of chrome candle holders by Walter Von Nessen for Chase Brass and Copper Company of Connecticut, c.1930s, USA. The pair of Art Deco candle sticks feature a "J" shaped stem. The ...
Chrome
Italian Handmade Ceramic Vase by Flavia Montelupo
By Flavia Montelupo
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
Unique Italian glasses vase with beautiful colors by Flavia Montelupo.
Ceramic
Art Deco Streamlined Chrome Bud Vase by Chase
Located in New York, NY
This elegant Art Deco bud vase, crafted by Chase, showcases the streamlined design and modernist flair characteristic of the 1930s. Made from polishe...
Chrome
Art Deco Revival Pair of Crystal Candlesticks
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Pair of lead crystal candle holders was made in Czech Republic for Mikasa. Vintage reproduction of Art Deco style, the candle holders are ...
Crystal
$260Sale Price|20% Off
H 9 in Dm 3.5 in
Art Deco Tubular Chrome Bud Vase by Ruth & William Gerth for Chase Co
By Ruth and William Gerth, Chase and Co.
Located in San Diego, CA
Wonderful Art Deco tubular chrome bud vase by Ruth & William Gerth for Chase & Co., circa 1930s. The design features a central chrome tube attached to which are three tubes of varyin...
Chrome
$665Sale Price / set|30% Off
H 11 in W 8.25 in D 4.5 in
Pair of Carl Walters for Stonelain Rooster Vases
By Carl Walters
Located in Minneapolis, MN
Here is a wonderful, whimsical pair of rooster vases by Carl Walters (1883-1955) for Stonelain Pottery. Stonelain Pottery was started in 1950 by the Associated American Artists. They...
Ceramic
1930s Pair of Art Deco Pewter Candlesticks by Just Andersen
By Just Andersen
Located in Knebel, DK
Pair of Art Deco pewter candlesticks by Just Andersen The candlesticks are in good vintage condition. Marked Just. A. no, 2574. H.
Pewter
Carl Auböck Model #3794 'Aorta' Brass Vase
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Chalk Hill, PA
Carl Aubo¨ck Model #3794 'Aorta' Brass Vase. This exceptionally crafted vase by Carl Aubock is a wonderful example of the marriage of form and functionality that has made the Aubock ...
Brass
$272Sale Price|20% Off
H 5.71 in W 3.04 in D 3.04 in
Vintage French Ceramic Vase by Raymonde Leduc 'circa 1970s', Small
By Raymonde Leduc
Located in London, GB
Vintage ceramic vase (or pencil holder if you prefer) by Raymonde Leduc (circa 1970s). Sandstone coloured small vessel with plant motifs inlaid on all four sides. In good overall con...
Ceramic
Pair of Ring Bookends by Walter von Nessen for Chase USA
By Chase Brass and Copper Company, Walter Von Nessen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of brass and copper art deco machine age bookends by Walter von Nessen for Chase, c.1930s, USA. The pair of bookends feature two circles, one larger in a patinated satin copper ...
Brass, Copper
Sold
H 4.75 in W 4.5 in D 3.5 in
Pair of Brass and Wood Block Bookends by Walter von Nessen for Chase USA
By Chase Brass and Copper Company, Walter Von Nessen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of brass and wood bookends by Walter von Nessen for Chase, c.1930s, USA. The pair of bookends feature two brass figures with curved tubular bodies and geometric shaped wood head...
Brass
Single Brass Elephant Bookend by Walter von Nessen for Chase USA
By Chase Brass and Copper Company, Walter Von Nessen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Brass bookend by Walter von Nessen for Chase, c.1930s, USA. The single bookend or sculpture features a brass elephant with curved tubular body and geometric shaped head with delicate...
Brass
Sold
H 8.5 in W 4.5 in D 4.75 in
Art Deco Copper & Brass Cat Door Stop by Walter Von Nessen for Chase & Co.
By Chase and Co., Walter Von Nessen
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice and hard to find Art Deco brass and copper cat door stop by Walter Von Nessen for Chase & Co., circa 1930s. The piece is in original condition with a fine patina, some li...
Brass, Copper
Pair of Ring Bookends by Walter von Nessen for Chase USA
By Chase Brass and Copper Company, Walter Von Nessen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of nickel and copper art deco machine age bookends by Walter von Nessen for Chase, c.1930s, USA. The pair of bookends feature two circles, one larger in a black satin enameled c...
Copper, Enamel, Nickel
Sold
H 8.5 in W 4.5 in D 4.75 in
Art Deco Stylized Cat Door Stop by Walter Von Neesen for Chase, circa 1935
By Chase and Co., Walter Von Nessen
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous simple yet elegant design by Walter Von Neesen for Chase circa 1935. Brass & copper stylized in the form of a arching cat. Rare find. In excellent vintage condition with min...
Brass, Copper
Pair of Brass Elephant Bookends by Walter Von Nessen for Chase USA
By Chase Brass and Copper Company, Walter Von Nessen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of brass bookends by Walter von Nessen for Chase, circa 1930s, USA. The pair of bookends feature two brass elephants with curved tubular bodies and geometric shaped heads with d...
Brass
Sold
H 2.5 in W 2 in D 2 in
Art Deco 1930's Walter Von Nessen for Chase Brass & Enamel Dinner Bell W/Bird
By Chase and Co., Walter Von Nessen
Located in San Diego, CA
Fine Art Deco Walter Von Nessen designed bird figural dinner bell made by Chase. The bess was made in the 1930's. Made of chrome plated brass. The bird is brass with a black enamel o...
Brass, Chrome
Walter Von Nessen Black Stainless Steel Cat Door Stop for Chase USA
By Chase and Co., Walter Von Nessen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Art Deco stainless steel door stop by Walter Von Nessen c.1930's, for Chase USA. This fun piece features a black painted stainless steel arched body with wid...
Stainless Steel
Sold
H 6.25 in W 4 in D 2.5 in
Pair of Stainless Steel Horse Bookends by Walter von Nessen for Chase USA
By Chase and Co., Walter Von Nessen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of patinated stainless steel bookends by Walter von Nessen for Chase, c.1930s, USA. The pair of bookends feature a black painted metal base with geometric horse figures in a gol...
Stainless Steel, Metal
Enameled Brass Ashtray by Chase
By Chase and Co., Walter Von Nessen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Art Deco brass ashtray c.1930's, Chase USA. This bird ashtray features a brass body finished in black and cream enamel. The beak tilts to allow ash into the ...
Brass
Art Deco Copper and Brass Watering Can by Chase
By Chase and Co., Walter Von Nessen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Art Deco copper and brass watering can c.1930's, Chase USA. This piece features a copper body and brass handle and spout. Vessel is impressed with [Chase USA] and feature the Chase M...
Brass, Copper