Dansk History
I seem to remember an article in Modernism a while back. Not sure how detailed the information is. I'll have to dig it up....right after I learn how to post pictures on this site. I have a copy of Danish Pepper by Mark Perlson, but like its title says, it is mainly about the pepper mills.
Diors. Interesting to see other white liner versions with what I assume must be one of the oldest stamps. Mine also is a two peg version. But did you notice one difference? Mine has a flush bottom while your bucket has a recessed one.
Timeline for Dansk Congo Ice Buckets (long)
This post will demonstrate that I have way too much time on my hands. Anyway, I thought I'd share some research compilation that I've done on the Congo bucket. I had previously tried to find a timeline to help determine whether specific features (marks, liner colors, base detailing) corresponded to the age of the bucket. Inquires to Dansk's current parent company, Lenox, proved fruitless.
After examining photos of many buckets online (mostly through eBay and Etsy), I have come up with the following identification summary:
Dansk Teak Congo Ice Buckets
15" tall: model #810
19" tall: model #811
Dating by marks (earliest to latest), see below for images
A. STAVED TEAK and DANMARK in a football pattern, with reverse image four ducks logo inside and JHQ below.
B. DANSK, DESIGNS, DENMARK, IHQ, © in stacked rows, with a positive image four ducks logo above.
C. DANSK, DESIGNS, DENMARK, IHQ, © in stacked rows, without a four ducks logo.
D. DANSK, INTERNATIONAL, DESIGNS LTD, IHQ DENMARK, © in stacked rows, without a four ducks logo.
E. DANSK, INTERNATIONAL, DESIGNS LTD, THAILAND, JHQ, © in stacked rows, without a four ducks logo.
F. DANSK, INTERNATIONAL, DESIGNS LTD, MALAYSIA, IHQ, © in stacked rows, without a four ducks logo.
Dating by base detail...
continued . . .
Dating by base detail (earliest to latest):
Flat bottom
Rimmed bottom
Dating by liner color (generally earliest to latest, but may have been multiple liner colors in one year):
White
Orange
Black
Liner colors can be present with different marks and bases. I have seen examples of 11 different combinations of the Congo ice buckets, which I believe are dated as follows from earliest to latest:
1. A-White-Flat bottom
2. A-Orange-Flat bottom
3. A-White-Rimmed bottom
4. A-Orange-Rimmed bottom
5. B-Orange-Rimmed bottom
6. B-Black-Rimmed bottom
7. C-Orange-Rimmed bottom
8. C-Black-Rimmed bottom
9. D-Black-Rimmed bottom
10. E-Black-Rimmed bottom with recessed circle
11. F-Black-Rimmed bottom
I have made the assumption that only one mark and base detail was used during a particular production year, during which multiple liner colors may have been used. It is possible that 2 and 3 could be switched, but it seems less likely to me that the base design would flip back and forth. I'm not really interested in the SE Asian pieces, but thought I'd include their info for fun, and to also help establish black as the most recent liner color.
Some combination conclusions:
1. All white liners have the A logo mark.
2. All flat bottom buckets are earlier than rimmed bottoms (this is more of an educated guess)
3. No black liners have the A logo mark.
4. All buckets made outside of Denmark have a black liner.
Hope this helps anyone looking for a bucket. And sorry if I have made it harder for those who already figured out the above to get a good deal on the elusive white liners.
If anyone has seen a different combination than above or have noticed a flaw in my logic, please let me know.
Thought I'd resurrect this old thread to make a funny observation about supply/demand and value.
I always keep an eye out on Dansk eBay auctions with the hope that a good vintage piece will be offered for auction with no reserve and slip through the cracks. Last week, a couple of pieces from the "Cane and Teak" series were offered by the same seller: a pepper mill and an ice bucket. The pepper mill auction started at $99.99 and ended at $314.50. The ice bucket started at $19.99 and ended at $31.09, ten times less expensive than the pepper mill (there is a small split in the bucket liner, but cane/teak condition is excellent).
The pre-1964 Dansk catalog from the tpederzani Wiki site has list prices as follows:
1510 - ice bucket - $29.95 (inflation adjusted 1964-2014 = $229)
1525 - pepper mill - $12.95 (inflation adjusted 1964-2014 = $99)
The pepper mill collectors are still in full swing. Lucky for me, I'm more of a ice bucket guy.
I see now that there was a #1525 cane and teak pepper mill auction that ended in August for $392. I had just picked up the same mill at the Antique Expo in Portland, OR for $40 a few weeks back. I did not know they were selling for that much on Ebay. I am amazed that a #1510 ice bucket auction would end at only $31.
Thanks for resurrecting this thread. Lots of useful information I especially like the timeline and back stamp information. I shows how Dansk was never content with just good design. The base of the ice bucket is a prime example. Recessing the base reduced the contact with (possibly) damp surfaces, which in turn reduces the risk of the base cracking. Smart!
But enough of my musings and on to my mystery.
I have 19" Staved Teak Ice bucket -flat bottom, white liner-- so it is an earlier piece. It is a classic Congo Ice bucket -- form, height, weight, patina -- There are 2 dowels per side to attach the handle, but I have seen reference to this on an earlier marked piece.
However, it is not marked. Not even at my most hopeful can I see a mark on the base.
So, my question is; if it looks like a duck and stands like a duck, is it a Dansk?
Could it just have slipped though the back stamp cracks?
Could the backstamp have worn / washed off? This icebucket was used as a flower pot. The outside shows no water damage, but the base looks like there is no finish left. I'm still cleaning the liner. Sigh
Any thoughts would be appreciated
While there are buckets out there that have a passing resemblance to the Dansk Congo bucket, I don't believe there are any exact knockoffs. Based on the details from your two photos, I am 99% sure that yours is Dansk. The mark could have worn off or been sanded off.
tex, just noticed your comment from December, but not sure if I understand it. If your mark looks like the one I noted as "B" and it has a black liner and rimmed bottom, then it would fall under the #6 combo that I listed.
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