Pewter jar

This rare jar with game markers, produced by Guldsmedsaktiebolaget (GAB) in Sweden in 1936, is an exceptional example of functional Scandinavian metalwork that blends playful design with precise craftsmanship. Made from pewter and brass, the jar reflects the period’s aesthetic values—elegant simplicity, material honesty, and a touch of ornamentation rooted in practical use.

The exterior of the jar is defined by a vertically ribbed pewter body, offering a tactile texture and visual rhythm that contrasts subtly with the smooth, warm-toned brass of the lid. This juxtaposition of materials is characteristic of Scandinavian Art Deco and early modernist sensibilities, where contrast and refinement coexisted within restrained forms.

Crowning the lid is a distinctive and finely executed handle shaped like a stylized arrangement of playing cards, rendered in brass with enamel inlays. The inlays depict the four traditional suits—hearts, diamonds, clubs, and spades—using vivid red and black coloration. The level of detail in the handle is both decorative and thematic, referencing the jar’s intended purpose as a storage container for game pieces while adding a whimsical note to the otherwise structured design. The brass lid has developed a natural patina, lending depth and character to the surface without detracting from the clarity of the enamel work.

Inside, the jar reveals a thoughtfully organized interior containing the original game markers. The markers are made in four distinct colors—red, yellow, green, and purple—and are each housed in separate circular compartments or coasters. This internal layout exemplifies the Scandinavian focus on order and functionality, ensuring that the contents are both accessible and neatly contained. The interior surfaces show signs of use, including minor discoloration and marks, consistent with the object’s age and gentle wear.

Measuring 9.5 cm in diameter and 8.5 cm in height (3.74 × 3.35 inches), the jar is compact and finely proportioned, with a strong presence due to its detailing and historical resonance. The underside is marked with the GAB hallmark, verifying its production by one of Sweden’s foremost manufacturers of fine metalware during the 20th century.

This jar represents a unique intersection of decorative arts and leisure culture in interwar Sweden, where quality materials, inventive form, and precise execution come together in a compact, characterful object. It stands as both a collectible design piece and a cultural artifact of Scandinavian domestic life in the 1930s.