-David Andersen 1910 Art Nouveau Enameled Guilloche Snuff Box In .925 Sterling Silver

A guilloche enameled pill box designed by David Andersen.

Extremely rare early 20th century enamel pill-box, created in Norway during the late Edwardian and art nouveau period at the workshop of David Andersen, circa 1910. This beautiful box was carefully crafted with impeccable details in solid .925/.999 standard silver with gilded interiors finish. Made of rectangular form with curved edges and fitted with a five barrels hinged lid, that can be raised by a simple thumbpiece. Engine turned guilloche decoration topped with applications of translucent silvered-white and light purple enamels and finally embellished with tiny flowers motifs decorations in high relief.

Weight: 59.40 Grams, (38.08 Dwt).

Measurements: 65 mm by 38 mm and a height of 13 mm (2.56 x 1.50 x 0.51 Inches).

Hallmarks: Stamped with French and Norwegian marks, the early maker's mark of a hammer and tongs inside a cartouche, associated to David Andersen, the designer's initials mark AV with a pigeon, the mark for the assay of the silver S .925 and stamped twice with the French import mark of the swan (Osprey-124). Very interesting arrangements of exports and imports marks.

Note: The box is stamped with the David Andersen makers mark used between 1888-1925.

Note: The hallmark of a swan facing to the left inside an oval punch (Osprey-124), was introduced in 1893 for small silver items imported into France. The silver product need to have at least a standard assay of .800/999 or over. The swan mark indicates that the item was produced in a non-treaty country and served as an import identification. The swan mark used until 1970.

David Andersen

David Andersen was born in 1843 in Østre Toten, Innlandet to Anders Svendsen and Anne Margrethe Gulbrandsdatter, and was the father of goldsmith Arthur David-Andersen. He was one of the most important Norwegian goldsmiths. From 1859 he was in apprenticeship with the jeweler Jacob Tostrup in Christiania (now called Oslo). He spent several periods abroad, in Berlin, Stockholm, Paris and London. During his stay in London he also imported Norwegian filigree works to the United Kingdom. He established his own goldsmith workshop in Christiania 1876, which eventually became a leading company in the goldsmith industry in Norway. A significant part of his filigree works was exported to Great Britain. As of 1899 his company employed 92 men and 29 women.

Guilloché 

Is a term used in fine jewelry or objects de Vertu to enhance the appearance of boxes, frames, brooches, rings or pendants. Guilloché enamel refers to metal pieces that have been given the Guilloché treatment and then covered with a translucent layer of enamel, giving the geometric patterns underneath the enamel a colorful hue.

The Edwardian Period

The Edwardian Jewelry Period was during the King Edward VII, after whom this period of jewelry history is named, reigned over England for only nine years, yet the style of jewelry known as “Edwardian” was created roughly between 1890 and 1920. Edwardian-era rings tend to be larger, opulent pieces, and stacked ring designs were popular. The metal surfaces of the rings were often diamond-encrusted for additional shimmer. Each of these rings is a work of art, showcasing a bygone era of grace, elegance and the royalty the Edwardian era is named for.

Collateral: This box is accompanied by a presentation jewelry pouch.

Condition: The overall condition of this box is impeccable. Beside the little normal wear, there is no trace of wear to the silver. The enamel is secured in the settings. This piece has been carefully inspected to guarantee the condition and authenticity.

INVENTORY REF: D071123ENMJ/1.762