A rare find, this brooch is a particularly early example (1895-1900) of the master silversmith David-Andersen’s work. The company is well known for its slightly later guilloche enamel leaves and butterflies.
The earlier pieces are reminiscent of antique Russian enamel and silver work, with silver wiring used to outline the subject, and a non-transparent enamel used to fill in the shape, which in this case is the butterfly.
It is by the famous maker Gustav Gaudernack, whose work pre-1900 was indeed highly reminiscent of antique Russian silver work.
This brooch was catalogued as #1412 in the David-Andersen catalogues.
The butterfly is a motif David-Andersen is well-known for having used throughout the time his workshop has produced jewellery, developing and changing the shapes over time.
Rare Early David-Andersen Enamel and Sterling Silver Butterfly Brooch, ca. 1900
Condition
These early enamel brooches are incredibly rare, and despite some minor wear to the enamel on this example, it is in very good condition in comparison to most others of its kind and age.
Marks
This piece is an example of D-A's earlier work, bearing the ‘hammer and tongs’ mark used as far back as 1888, when the workshop was still noted as located in ‘Christiania’ rather than ‘Oslo’ which is the modern name for the Norwegian capital.
Measurements
Width, wing tip to wing tip: 2,5 cm / 1 in
Height: 1,9 cm / 0.75 in
Weight: 3 g / 0.11 oz
