Silversmithing, at its best, has always been about more than utility. The finest makers transform metal into living forms, giving bowls, brooches, and tea services a kind of quiet poetry. In the story of mid-20th-century Canadian silversmithing, few names shine brighter than Carl Poul Petersen.
In this week’s blog, we explore Carl Poul Petersen’s silver legacy, which is a rare blend of Danish modern artistry and Canadian craftsmanship.
Known for its flowing lines, organic motifs, and impeccable handwork, Petersen’s stands today as one of the most collectible Canadian silversmiths of the 20th century.
The Origins of Carl Poul Petersen Silver
Carl Poul Petersen was born in Copenhagen, Denmark, in 1895. At just 13 years old, he entered an apprenticeship at the Georg Jensen workshop, the most influential silversmithing studio in the country. There, he absorbed Jensen’s design philosophy, with its emphasis on natural motifs, fluid lines, and artistry in everyday objects.
In 1922, Petersen married Inger Jensen, Georg Jensen’s daughter, a union that tied him personally and professionally to one of Europe’s most famous design legacies. Seven years later, the couple emigrated to Montreal, bringing with them a distinctly Scandinavian sensibility that would soon leave a lasting mark on Canadian silver.
Petersen initially worked at Henry Birks & Sons, Canada’s most prominent jeweller, before establishing his studio, C.P. Petersen & Sons, in 1944. His workshop was a family enterprise, where Petersen and his sons produced flatware, hollowware, jewellery, and religious pieces entirely by hand. This commitment to craftsmanship meant his output was limited, making surviving examples rare and highly collectible.
Beyond the dining table, Petersen’s artistry became part of Canadian cultural history. In the 1940s and '60s, he engraved the Stanley Cup and even created its official replica in 1962. His studio was also responsible for crafting several NHL trophies, including the Conn Smythe Trophy, linking his name forever with the country’s national sport. When Petersen retired in the late 1970s, his workshop closed, leaving behind a finite body of work that today embodies a fascinating fusion of European artistry and Canadian heritage.
The Style of Carl Poul Petersen Silver
Petersen’s work bears clear echoes of his training with Georg Jensen. His silver often features naturalistic details such as clusters of grapes, curling leaves, or floral garlands, rendered with the hand-hammered textures that defined Danish modern design. At the same time, he adapted these motifs to Canadian tastes, incorporating themes that felt more local and less ornate than European counterparts. The result is silver that balances Scandinavian elegance with a distinctly North American practicality, equally suited to everyday use or display. Collectors often compare his work to Jensen’s, but the rarity of Petersen’s pieces, combined with their subtle Canadian influences, gives them a unique character and desirability.
Hallmarks and Authenticity
Identifying authentic Carl Poul Petersen Silver is relatively straightforward for seasoned collectors. His pieces were typically stamped with a hallmark consisting of the initials “PP” underlined three times, often accompanied by the words “Sterling” and “Hand Made,” as well as the Canadian national silver registration mark. These marks, combined with the unmistakable quality of hand craftsmanship, provide assurance of authenticity and value.
Collectibility and Value of Carl Poul Petersen Silver
Today, Carl Poul Petersen silver is considered some of the most collectible Canadian silver of the 20th century. His flatware is especially admired, with eleven distinct patterns including the “Viking” line that directly nods to his Scandinavian roots. Hollowware such as tea services, trays, and tazzas are equally sought after, while his jewellery, from brooches to necklaces, showcases the organic detailing that defines his style. Because Petersen produced on a smaller scale than larger firms like Birks, his pieces remain scarce, which adds to their value. His role in crafting the Stanley Cup replica and other NHL trophies only enhances his cultural importance, creating demand among both silver enthusiasts and collectors of Canadian memorabilia.
His reputation and the collectability of his silver are only enhanced by its presence in major museum collections. The National Gallery of Canada, the McCord Museum, and the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts all hold examples of his work, reflecting his importance not only as a silversmith but as a contributor to Canadian design heritage. This institutional recognition cements his place in history and underscores why his pieces remain so collectible.
Why Collect Carl Poul Petersen Silver
For collectors, Petersen’s work offers a rare combination of artistry, heritage, and scarcity. It connects directly to the celebrated Georg Jensen tradition while telling a uniquely Canadian story. Each piece embodies a level of craftsmanship that makes it both functional and beautiful, and because his workshop closed in the 1970s, the supply is finite. For those who value silver not only as an investment but as a reflection of cultural and design history, Petersen’s work is among the most compelling to pursue.
Fine Silver at Around the Block
Carl Poul Petersen Silver may be rare, but it represents only part of the remarkable tradition of fine silver that passes through our doors. At Around the Block, we are proud to showcase works from many of the world’s most admired silver brands. Our consignment collection often includes names like Birks, Birks Ellis Ryrie, Barker Bros. Silver Ltd., Christofle, Gorham, Georg Jensen, Mappin & Webb, Puiforcat, and Tiffany & Co. Each piece reflects the same commitment to artistry, quality, and heritage that makes silver collecting such a rewarding pursuit.
Whether you’re drawn to the flowing forms of Petersen, the French refinement of Christofle, or the timeless elegance of Tiffany, our showroom offers an ever-changing selection of treasures. Visit us at Around the Block in person or browse our sterling collection online to discover your next heirloom and add a piece of silver history to your own collection.
