Kurt Eric Christoffersen

comprising decanter and eight cordial cups in the original fitted box

International Silver Company advertisement, New Yorker, December 5, 1958, p. 75
Dorothy T. Rainwater, "Kurt Eric Christoffersen Designer and Silversmith," Silver, July-August 1995, pp. 10-13
Jewel Stern, Modernism in American Silver, New Haven, 2005, pp. 205-213 (for related works by Chrisoffersen)

the decanter impressed CP700 the cups impressed CP100 Overall in excellent original condition. This set shows a wonderfully streamline aesthetic that characterized many designs of this period. The minor discoloration shown in the catalogue illustration is light tarnish and the pieces have been recently polished for the exhibition. The velvet lined original box for the crodials with some minor wear and discoloration to the velvet of the interior. A wonderful example of this rare design.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The special line of International's Sterling Craft Associates was founded in 1952 as a studio in an 18th century house in Meriden, Connecticut by the silversmith Alphonse La Paglia who, a year later suffered a tragic fatal accident. Kurt Christoffersen's special line designs for International's Sterling Craft Associates date from his beginning with the Associates in January 1955. International promoted Christoffersen's decanter set "uncompromising in its sophistication" and the "newest of the for-tomorrow designs" and Christoffersen designed a comprehensive range of table and bar items for International Sterling Crafts Associates whose soaring conical forms echo the high spirit and drama of mid-century modern design readily recalled in furniture and automobiles. In the 1950s the decanter itself, priced at $75.00, was among Christoffersen's most expensive designs. The distinguished modern American silver historian Jewel Stern noted the decanter set as a rarity and wrote: "Many [silver manufacturers] produced traditional cordial cups; few made modern set with decanters."