Swedish Modern Wall Sconce, Etched Viking Motif, Brass, Frosted Glass, 1940s, Signed
Highlights:
Manufacturer: Glössner & Co., Sweden
Period: 1940s
Origin: Sweden
Style: Swedish Modern, Scandinavian
Particulars: Thick-walled semicircular frosted glass with deeply etched Viking longship (Drakkar) motif and stylised waves; manufacturer's signature etched into the glass; polished brass clip mounting; every detail executed by hand
Ideal for: Hallways, living rooms, Scandinavian-style interiors, collectors of Swedish Modern and vintage Scandinavian lighting
Description:
This wall sconce by the Swedish manufacturer Glössner & Co. is a distinguished example of Swedish Modern craftsmanship at its finest. Founded in 1918 by brothers Karl-Erik and Harry Glössner, the company became one of Sweden's most respected addresses for high-quality lighting design, with pieces installed in prestigious buildings including the Swedish Embassy in Washington.
The centrepiece of this sconce is its thick-walled, semicircular frosted glass shade, into which a Viking longship — the iconic Drakkar — has been deeply and finely etched, surrounded by stylised waves. The motif is rendered with remarkable precision, a testament to the high standards of Swedish applied arts in the 1940s. The polished brass clip mounting holds the glass with elegant simplicity, allowing the etched decoration to take full visual priority.
The manufacturer's signature is etched directly into the lower edge of the glass — an exceptional detail that confirms authenticity and significantly enhances collectibility.
Condition:
The sconce is in very good vintage condition. The frosted glass is intact and shows no cracks. There is one minor chip at the upper left interior edge, which is not visible once the piece is mounted. The brass hardware retains its original polish. The electrical components have not been updated and should be inspected by a qualified electrician before use.
Note:
Please note: This item is a vintage lamp. It was manufactured many years ago and may not conform to current technical standards. Before use, the electrical components should be inspected and, if necessary, updated by a qualified electrician. Bulbs are only included if explicitly stated. This item is sold as a collectible/antique and not as a standards-compliant electrical appliance.
WEE Nr.
70030832
Product Safety
This lamp is an original vintage piece. Prior to sale, a visual and functional inspection was carried out (cable, plug, socket, strain relief) as well as a test run. It has not been comprehensively tested in accordance with current VDE standards. Due to its age, the electrical components may pose risks (e.g. aged insulation, missing earth conductor). Before connecting to the 230V mains, it is therefore strongly recommended to have the lamp inspected and, if necessary, updated by a qualified electrician. Use is at the owner's own risk.
Manufacturer
The Swedish company Glössner & Co. was founded in 1918 by brothers Karl-Erik and Harry Glössner and developed over decades into a significant address for high-quality Swedish design and craftsmanship. While the company was known in its early years primarily for handcrafted furniture in the traditional Gustavian style, it underwent a stylistic shift towards Modernism and Functionalism in the 1930s and 1940s. Glössner & Co. gained particular renown through its exclusive lighting fixtures, often created in collaboration with distinguished designers such as Bo Notini, Leo Holmgren and Kjell Löwenadler. These designs were distinguished by the combination of fine materials such as brass and artfully etched glass, and were even used in prestigious buildings such as the Swedish Embassy in Washington. Until the cessation of business in the 1970s, the company remained true to its reputation for artisanal precision, which is why original pieces are today valued collector's objects at international design auctions.