Antique Marius Hammer Solje Brooch Unusual Silver Signed Scandinavian Jewelry

For your consideration is this gorgeous Sølje brooch signed by Marius Hammer. It features an unusual design including a bacchus, demon, pan, or goat head and a stylized crosses. This lovely brooch appears to be gold over silver, and is marked 830S, indicating 830 silver. It likely dates from the early part of the 20th century. The brooch overall measures about 4.5" long and 1.2" wide, weighing around 16.1g. The brooch features an old-style c-clasp closure and is in excellent condition for its age. Check out my shop for more great antique jewelry, including solje pieces. Sølje is Norway's traditional silver jewelry. It was thought to reflect evil away from the wearer, protecting one from trolls and other dangers, especially in times of transition. Particularly appropriate for babies and brides.

Marius Hammer (1847 - 1927) The son of Master Goldsmith, Lauritz Hammer, Marius was born in the crafts town of Bergen, Norway and worked there until his death in 1927. Hammer was the third generation in his family of craftsmen.

He trained in his father's workshop but set his sights on doing more than running a small workshop like his father and grandfather had done before him. During his studies in Hamburg and Berlin, Germany, he saw new techniques and production methods.

He employed these soon after his return to Bergen. This helped the family's shop grow and, in a few years, become the largest in Bergen. Marius Hammer was one of the most important silversmiths in Norway, if not the most important. Hammer's work is distinguished by two marks, the conventional'M H' and also that of an inverted hammer on an upper case'M. Marius Hammer's work tends to be delicate and refined.

The combination of silver gilt, filigree and enamel is typical of Hammer, who also produced superbly crafted vessels of silver and plique-jour enamel, where transparent enamels used without backing create an effect rather like miniature panes of stained glass. Marius Hammer jewelry is highly sought after because of its delicate beauty and fine craftsmanship. Terms and Conditions - Please read! I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Suspected gemstones may be tested with Presidium Gem Tester II. This tester does not identify all possibilities but gives a good approximation of major gemstones.

Please note that it cannot differentiate between natural and created stones. Suspected diamonds may be confirmed with Diamond Selector II which differentiates between natural diamonds and imitations. Seed pearls will not be tested and may be cultured or imitation.

Stamped metals are not tested unless suspect. Unstamped metals may be tested using JSP acid testing solution. This test is subjective and determinations will be approximate. I always do my best to ensure the accuracy of my listings.

Unless jewelry is marked (as much of my jewelry is from England and bears assay marks,) the age is merely an educated guess. Also, antique jewelry will often have minor or major! Gift Wrapping: All jewelry orders come in presentable packaging by default. This may be a nice ring box or jewelry gift box. I do not include invoices with any of my packaging by default.

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