Set of Six Vintage Norwegian Sterling Silver Gilt Guilloché Enamel Coffee Spoons by Theodor Olsens Eftf, Bergen, c.1960s

A colourful boxed set of six vintage Norwegian sterling silver gilt coffee spoons by Theodor Olsens Eftf of Bergen, dating from approximately the 1960s. Each spoon features a silver-gilt bowl and a slender handle decorated with translucent guilloché enamel in a different colour: deep blue, turquoise, pale blue, green, yellow and red.

The linear guilloché pattern beneath the enamel creates a finely textured surface that catches the light, while the contrasting colours give the set a distinctive mid-century Scandinavian character. The spoons are clearly marked 925S STERLING, NORWAY and with the Theodor Olsens Eftf maker’s emblem. They are presented together in a fitted vintage box.

Details

• Item: Set of six vintage Norwegian coffee spoons
• Maker: Theodor Olsens Eftf
• Origin: Bergen, Norway
• Date / Period: Circa 1960s
• Style: Mid-century Scandinavian silverware
• Material: Sterling silver gilt with guilloché enamel
• Silver Purity: 925 sterling silver
• Marks: 925S STERLING, Theodor Olsens Eftf maker’s emblem and NORWAY
• Decoration: Translucent linear guilloché enamel in six individual colours
• Set Includes: Six coffee spoons and fitted vintage presentation box
• Weight: 58.4 grams total, excluding the box

Condition

Very good vintage condition with age-related wear consistent with use. The coloured enamel remains attractive and well preserved overall, with light surface wear and minor edge marks visible on close inspection. The silver-gilt bowls show surface scratches, patina and some rubbing to the gilt finish. The fitted presentation box has visible age-related wear, including marks to the lining, scuffing and wear around the edges and fittings. Please review all photographs carefully for the full condition of the set.

Historical and Collector Context

Theodor Olsen established his silverware workshop in Bergen in 1868, drawing on international experience and becoming an important figure within the city’s established silversmithing tradition. After his death in 1890, the workshop continued under the Theodor Olsen name and was later acquired by the brothers Magnus and Knut Aase. The company’s history is continued today by Arven.

Norwegian sterling silver gilt and enamel coffee spoons became particularly popular during the mid-20th century. Their combination of practical tableware, vivid translucent enamel and Scandinavian design makes complete multicoloured sets especially appealing to collectors. Comparable Theodor Olsens Eftf sets are commonly dated to the 1960s and are marked with the same 925S sterling silver standard, Norwegian origin mark and maker’s emblem.

Please review all photographs carefully, as they form part of the description. We are happy to provide further details or images on request.