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 "Taurex" Candlestick Holders by Walter Von Nessen for Chase
By Walter Von Nessen, Chase and Co.
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
Art Deco Chrome & Cobalt Blue Glass Candleholders by Walter Von Nessen for Chase
By Chase and Co., Walter Von Nessen
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
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
Art Deco Bookends by Walter Von Nessen for Chase Brass, USA, 1930s
By Chase Brass and Copper Company, Walter Von Nessen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of mixed metal art deco machine age bookends by Walter von Nessen for Chase, c.1930s, USA. The pair of bookends feature patinated swirls on a brass base. They are impressed with...
Brass, Metal
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
Walter von Nessen “Cat” Bookend/Object in Brass
By Walter Von Nessen, Chase Brass and Copper Company
Located in Miami, FL
A sculptural Art Deco “Cat” bookend/object designed by Walter von Nessen for the Chase Brass & Copper Company. Made in brass, the simple fel...
Brass
Pair of Art Deco Copper Candlestick Holders by Walter von Nessen signed Chase
By Chase and Co., Walter Von Nessen
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 “Cat” Doorstop in Copper and Brass
By Walter Von Nessen, Chase Brass and Copper Company
Located in Miami, FL
A sculptural Art Deco “Cat” doorstop designed by Walter von Nessen for the Chase Brass & Copper Company. Crafted in copper and brass, it's feline form has a sleek, understated p...
Brass, Copper
Walter von Nessen “Cat” Doorstop in Copper and Brass
By Walter Von Nessen, Chase Brass and Copper Company
Located in Miami, FL
A sculptural Art Deco “Cat” doorstop/object by Walter von Nessen for the Chase Brass & Copper Company. Crafted in copper and brass, the sleek feline form captures the elegance a...
Brass, Copper
Brass Vase by Walter von Nessen for Chase
By Walter Von Nessen, Chase Brass and Copper Company
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
Antique Art Deco Taurex Chrome Candlestick Holders Walter Von Nessen for Chase
By Walter Von Nessen, Chase Brass and Copper Company
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 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
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 Copper Candlestick Holders by Walter von Nessen for Chase
By Walter Von Nessen, Chase Brass and Copper Company
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
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
$235Sale Price|33% Off
H 7.09 in W 5.12 in D 1.19 in
Walter Bosse Brass Cat Figurine Pretzel Holder, Ring Holder
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Wien, Au
Austrian brass cat figurine, usually made to be used as a pretzel holder, a decorative piece, very suitable as a ring holder.
Brass
$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
Copper and brass conbination watering can vienna around 1950s
Located in Wien, Au
Copper and brass conbination watering can vienna around 1950s Brass and copper polished and stove enameled
Brass, Copper
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
Walter Bosse Candleholder 'cat' 'Marked'
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, Au
Walter Bosse candleholder (cat) (Marked) (The selling is without the candle it is only decoration for the photo shooting) Original condition.
Brass
Walter Bosse Brass Bronze Cat Figurine, Baller Austria, 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Early 1950s Austrian Bosse Cat Figurine An elegant early 1950s Bosse cat figurine, crafted in Austria and exemplary of mid-century Austrian bronze design. The piece displays Bosse’s...
Bronze
Walter Bosse Shoehorn Shows a Cat, circa 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, Au
Walter Bosse shoehorn shows a cat, circa 1950s Original condition.
Brass
Gold Minimalist Watering Can
Located in Geneve, CH
Gold Minimalist watering can Dimensions: D 37.2 x W 17 x H 23.1 cm Materials: Steel. Also available in black. The opening of the globe watering can is elegantly off-centered...
Steel
Vintage Art Deco Copper & Brass Watering Can by Chase and Co.
By Chase and Co.
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice vintage art deco copper and brass watering can by Chase & Co., circa 1930s. The piece is in good vintage condition with no leaks and a wonderful patina and measures 5"W ...
Brass, Copper
Watering copper can vienna around 1950s
Located in Wien, Au
Watering copper can vienna around 1950s Original condition Nice original patina Partly hammered
Copper
$460
H 6.25 in W 5.5 in D 1 in
Walter Bosse Brass Cat Figurine Pen Holder Stand, Baller Austria, 1950s
By Walter Bosse, Herta Baller
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic early 1950s Austrian Bosse cat Figurine Collectible. Nice addition to your room or just for your collection of Austrian bronze items. Found at an estate sale in Vienna, Austr...
Bronze, Brass
Copper and brass conbination watering can vienna around 1950s
Located in Wien, Au
Copper and brass conbination watering can vienna around 1950s Brass and copper polished and stove enameled
Brass, Copper
Art Deco Brass Vases by Walter Von Nessen with Cobalt Blue Accents
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 Ring Bookends by Walter von Nessen for Chase USA
By Walter Von Nessen, Chase Brass and Copper Company
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 Walter Von Nessen, Chase Brass and Copper Company
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 Walter Von Nessen, Chase Brass and Copper Company
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 Walter Von Nessen, Chase and Co.
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 Walter Von Nessen, Chase Brass and Copper Company
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 Walter Von Nessen, Chase and Co.
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 Walter Von Nessen, Chase Brass and Copper Company
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 Walter Von Nessen, Chase and Co.
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 Walter Von Nessen, Chase and Co.
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 Walter Von Nessen, Chase and Co.
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 Walter Von Nessen, Chase and Co.
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