06-016.
Found on February 18, 2006 in Minneapolis, MN.
Jens Quistgaard
Variation V dinner fork
Dansk International Designs Ltd.
USA, 1955
8.25 x 1 x 0.75"
Stainless steel
Manufacturer's mark and designer's initials
In my opinion, there are only a handful of truly great eating utensil designers in the modern tradition. Virtually all of these are in some way connected with Dansk, and Jenson, Quistgaard, and Torun are three that I'd put at the top of the list. Victoria Torun designed for Dansk, Jens Quistgaard founded Dansk, and Georg Jensen mentored Jens Quistgaard in his formative years. With that kind of pedigree, it is no surprise that Quistgaard's Variation V is among the top of the top of modern flatware design.
What does surprise me, however, is how I only seem to find one piece at a time of this pattern. In most cases I'll find silverware in big batches. I've not yet had that luck with Variation V yet, but hold out hope that I can some day find enough for a full table setting. Sure, I could purchase it from an online dealer fairly easily, but what is the sport in that?
Jennifer commented: I found a complete set of this today in my local thrift store for $25!!! It is beautiful: two sizes of forks, knives and spoons. It's all in the dishwasher but I think I have 8 of each piece - all made in Finland or Germany. I'm doing some research now and was excited to find your post and find out the year of design and your comments. Thanks.