What is EPA vintage glass series by Bengt Edenfalk?

Designer modernist shot glasses featuring textured, stylized patterns of gears and tractor tire tracks. A cult serving series called EPA, created by Swedish designer Bengt Edenfalk.

The series is named after the homemade EPA tractors. During World War II, Sweden faced a shortage of spare parts for vehicles, and many people in rural areas couldn’t afford a new car or tractor.

In response, the Swedish government liberalized the regulations on vehicle ownership: any motorized vehicle, even one assembled by hand from old parts, with no more than two seats (a driver and one passenger), could officially be classified as a tractor.

These vehicles could legally drive at speeds of up to 30 km/h outside of cities. They were called EPA tractors. Not only were they loved by farmers and hunters, but also by rural youth. EPA tractors could be driven from the age of 15.

To this day, the EPA is considered a symbol of Swedish freedom.

Manufactured by Skruf Glassworks, 1960s.