Here are some highlights that were auctioned in 2024 by several auction houses using Barnebys' auction software Skeleton.
Oil painting, Marcus Larson, 1861
Marcus Larson created the oil painting Skepp till havs in 1861. Larson, who early on focused on marine painting, was an important representative of the national romantic style and belonged to the Düsseldorf school. He depicted the forces of nature in a dramatic yet romantic way. The painting captures the beauty of the stormy sea, a golden-hued sky, and the swaying movement of the ships. The piece generated significant interest and was sold after an intense bidding war for 250,000 SEK (22,500 USD) at Olséns Auktioner – well above the estimated price of 60,000–80,000 SEK (5,400–7,200 USD).
Dragoon Sword m/1701
Dragoon swords, used by dragoons—bodyguards to princes and high-ranking individuals during the 16th to 18th centuries—are an important part of Swedish military history. A clear demonstration of their collectible value was seen when a Swedish Dragoon Sword m/1701 with a gilded brass hilt was sold for 135,000 SEK (12,200 USD) at Probus Auctions. The sword, with a blade measuring 97 cm and a total length of 113 cm, has a fascinating provenance. It originates from the Töjhusmuseum in Copenhagen and was one of the swords taken by the Danes during the surrender of the Gottorp Fortress in Tönningen in 1713.
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Mercedes-Benz SL 300, Convertible, 1988
When the bright red 1988 Mercedes-Benz SL 300 Convertible was put up for auction at Ystads Auktioner, it sparked significant interest. After 19 bidders battled it out in the virtual auction room, the beauty was finally sold well above the estimated price of 350,000 SEK (31,500 USD). The car, equipped with an automatic transmission and 179 horsepower, along with a hardtop and light leather upholstery, had only one previous owner and had traveled just 3,629 kilometers. In other words, it was a rare opportunity for car enthusiasts. After an intense bidding war with participants from around the world, the car was sold for 590,000 SEK (53,200 USD).
See also: 10 Most Expensive Classic Cars Ever Sold at Auction
Sofa, Sandhamn, Axel Einar Hjorth
On September 9, a sofa from the Sandhamn series, designed by Axel Einar Hjorth for Nordiska Kompaniet in the 1930s, was hammered down for 530,000 SEK (47,800 USD), 662,550 SEK (59,800 USD) including fees at Dalarnas Auktionsbyrå. The sofa, featuring the rare original "Trasmatta" upholstery and made of sulphur-treated pine, was ordered by factory owner Erik Andersson in Mora and delivered in 1935. Accompanying the piece were a drawing and a copy of the original receipt, which showed that the sofa originally cost 350 SEK (30 USD) – equivalent to over 13,000 SEK (1,170 USD) in today's money.
See also: World Record for Swedish Pine Sofa
Armchair, Karuselli, Yrjö Kukkapuro
Yrjö Kukkapuro's Karuselli armchair, designed in the 1960s and hailed as the world's most comfortable seat by The New York Times, is now one of the greatest design classics of our time.
In April 2024, the armchair, along with its matching footstool, produced in the 1970s and with a provenance that includes well-known Swedish figures Siw Malmkvist and Fredrik Ohlsson, was sold at Kanonauktioner. After starting at just 500 SEK (45 USD) and attracting 46 bids, it was ultimately hammered down for 54,000 SEK (4,900 USD).
See also: The World’s Best Chair
Oljemålning, Kai Fjell, 1941
The Norwegian artist Kai Fjell was primarily active in oil painting, but he also illustrated books and created stage designs for the National Theatre in Oslo. His artistic development was characterized by an expressionist style, where depictions of people often combined naturalistic features with geometric forms. This oil painting on panel, dated 1941 and signed by Fjell, is a clear example of his distinctive style. With an estimated price of 3,000-4,000 SEK (270-360 USD) and after 103 bids, the painting was eventually sold for 62,000 SEK (6,000 USD) at Knutson & Bloom.
Rug, Skvattram, Märta Måås-Fjetterström
Märta Måås-Fjetterström, one of Sweden’s and the world’s most celebrated textile artists, started her weaving workshop in Båstad at the age of 46. There, she designed around 700 patterns inspired by nature, older Skåne textiles, and oriental rugs. Her textile treasures are regarded as masterpieces in Swedish art and craftsmanship.
Märta Måås-Fjetterström’s rug in relief weave, Skvattram, designed in 1938 and produced before 1942, was offered at Markus Auktioner with an estimated price of 50,000–60,000 SEK (4,500-5,400 USD). After a total of 261 bids, it was finally sold for 131,400 SEK (11,800 USD), more than double the estimated price.
