O.H. Lagerstedt Art Deco Pewter and Enamel Playing Card Box

A charming and beautifully designed Swedish Art Deco playing card box by O.H. Lagerstedt AB, Eskilstuna, dating to 1931.

Made for an evening of cards and conversation, the substantial pewter box has a stepped rectangular form and a hinged lid decorated with elegant engraved scrolling motifs. At its centre, four small white enamelled plaques depict the four playing-card suits, each outlined in a warm gilt-toned metal and detailed with contrasting red and black enamel. These jewel-like details bring an unexpected sense of colour and playfulness to the otherwise restrained pewter surface.

Inside, a beautifully fitted mahogany interior creates separate compartments for playing cards, gaming counters and a die. The combination of softly aged pewter, rich reddish-brown mahogany and colourful enamel gives the box a wonderful balance of sophistication and charm.

There is something particularly appealing about an object made for such a social purpose. Designed to be opened, filled with cards and counters and passed around a table, it was made to be enjoyed. Its elegant Art Deco design gives it a decorative presence today, while the traces of use tell something of its life as a much-loved gaming piece.

The underside bears the distinctive O.H. Lagerstedt shield mark, together with the E8 Swedish date code for 1931, and is additionally stamped 1501-16.

The box is accompanied by two vintage Swedish decks of playing cards marked Aktieb. J.O. Öberg & Son, Eskilstuna, 1946, together with a die. The cards and gaming pieces are later than the 1931 box and are included as accompanying vintage contents.

Maker: O.H. Lagerstedt AB, Eskilstuna, Sweden
Date: 1931
Material: Pewter, mahogany and enamel
Dimensions: 26 × 16 × 4 cm
Mark: O.H. Lagerstedt shield mark, E8, 1501-16
Contents: Two decks of playing cards and die