Orrefors 1939 Copper-Wheel Engraved, Rare Swordfish Motif, Crystal Handblown Vase, Hald or Lindstrand

The catalog listing states that this piece is a Lindstrand design, but the engraving gives credit only to Hald. I'll work on sorting this out tomorrow! Anyway, it is a unique find, a giant swordfish set in undulating glass, among shiny bubbles and waves. I wish credit had been given to the engraver!

Vicke Lindstrand (1904-1983) was born in Goteborg, Sweden, and started his career with Orrefors in 1928, where he remained until 1940. The tales of his departure vary, but it is known that he was under an agreement not to work in glass for a decade. Between 1943 and 1950 he became creative leader at Uppsala Ekeby, where he designed many different stoneware objects ranging from pots to figural sculptures. In 1950 he joined Kosta Glasbruk as an artistic director. He was the dominant designer until his retirement in 1973, lending his name to many now classic designs. As a glass designer, textile and ceramic designer, and painter, he is considered a pioneer of Swedish art.

This beautiful vase is a medium size, about 6" tall and it weighs about 2 pounds. The style code 1917 tells me it was designed in 1939, as it appears in Orrefors Catalog 14. Sadly, there are no other marks. I will polish out the small water spot on the top rim before I pack it - more photos to come.

This is a special piece, the only one of its kind I've ever seen.