Rare David Andersen Norway Gilt Sterling Silver & Enamel Viking Rock Carving Brooch Circa 1950's

Measurements: 2.55"W x 1.25"H (6.48cm x 3.18cm) 

Markings: Rock-Carving From Norway 1000-500 B.C. D-A Norway Sterling 925S Nora G.

Weight: 24.7g

Stunning craftsmanship and detailing in this gorgeous large brooch designed by Nora Gulbrandsen for the iconic David Andersen. Brooch is 18k gold over sterling silver and guilloche enamel in rich colors of green, black and yellow. Brooch depicts an ancient rock carving found in Norway between 1000-500 B.C. The brooch is in superb condition, with no damage to the enamel of any kind and the gilding is crisp and bright. It literally looks almost new! 

Mannequin is a life-size torso representation

Nora Gulbrandsen (1894-1978) was one of Norway's most prominent porcelain designers of the 20th Century, who, for a period of time in the late 1950's and early 1960's produced a small scale production of handmade jewelry for David Andersen. - Bio courtesy of the book "Northern Lights - The Beauty of the Forgotten Scandinavian Enamel Jewelry Artists" by Lois Olson and Dwight Olson

The company was founded in Christiania (now Oslo), Norway by David Andersen in 1876. Andersen (1843-1901) was a gold and silversmith with a keen sense of quality and the high standards of his workmanship brought early success to the firm. By 1888, Andersen was able to expand his workshop into a steam powered plant and a second retail location was opened in Oslo in 1892.
David Andersen died in 1901, his son, Arthur Andersen, took the reins of the firm at that time. Arthur instituted some important changes, he decided to hyphenate the family name to David-Andersen, and as chief designer, he introduced the use of enameling on the company's gold and silver jewelry as well as hollowware. The new line was so successful that enamelled jewelry has become nearly synonymous with the David-Andersen name. The firm has remained a family business and is now run by members of the fourth generation, Uni and Jon David-Andersen.