David-Andersen Norwegian Sterling Silver Guilloché Enamel Nut Bowl
Hollowware/Small Nut or Nut Bowl · David-Andersen, founded 1876 in Oslo, Norway. Famous for world-class enamel work and Scandinavian modern design excellence.
Pattern: Traditional Guilloché Enamel, featuring a feathered or scalloped engine-turned pattern; mid-century production period.
Type
Hollowware/Small Nut or Nut Bowl
Maker
David-Andersen, founded 1876 in Oslo, Norway. Famous for world-class enamel work and Scandinavian modern design excellence.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925) base with vitreous glass enamel. Interior is coated in translucent enamel over silver.
Dimensions
Approx. 3.5 to 4.5 inches square; weight approximately 80 to 120 grams depending on side wall thickness.
Description
An exquisite example of Norwegian silver-smithing, this dish features a vibrant teal enamel over a complex feathered engine-turned pattern. The translucent nature of the enamel allows light to reflect off the silver beneath, creating a shimmering effect.
Key Features
Vibrantly colored vitreous enamel, engine-turned radial pattern, 'D-A Norway' hallmark, and the distinct soft-square silhouette.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925) base with vitreous glass enamel. Interior is coated in translucent enamel over silver.
Finish & Decoration
Guilloché (engine-turned) pattern under translucent teal/turquoise enamel. The silver rim and exterior are typically left bright or lightly gilded (vermeil).
Hallmarks & Stamps
Usually stamped on the underside with 'D-A', '925S', the 'Scale' logo (pre-1925) or modern marks, and 'Norway Sterling'.
Construction Details
Machine-struck or spun silver base plate, engine-turned by machine, followed by hand-applied and kiln-fired enamel layers.
Functional Features
Soft square shallow form with rounded corners; wide-mouth design for serving small candies, nuts, or as a trinket dish.
Handle & Grip Details
None; handleless dish design with a smooth, continuous rim.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality precision engine turning; the enamel application is smooth with no visible pitting, despite the later damage (cracking).
Authentication Indicators
Visual consistency with known David-Andersen enamel palettes; appropriate 'feathered' engine turning; characteristic silver rim thickness.
Origin & Manufacturing
Oslo, Norway. Manufactured in the David-Andersen workshop, known for rigorous quality control in firing vitreous enamel.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern (c. 1950s-1970s), showcasing the vibrant colors and clean lines typical of post-war Scandinavian design.
Age Estimate
Circa 1955-1965 based on the teal enamel hue and the square-lobed form.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Scandinavian Design' movement which prioritized clean forms and bold colors, influencing global household aesthetics for decades.
Condition Notes
Good overall but shows a visible hairline crack/fracture in the enamel at the top left corner. This significantly impacts value and structural integrity of the coating.
Value Estimate
$150 - $250 if pristine; the visible crack reduces current market value to approximately $40 - $70 for study or as-is display.
Care & Maintenance
Never use ultrasonic cleaners. Clean only with warm soapy water. Do not drop, as glass enamel is brittle and can shatter or chip easily.
Similar Pieces
Tostrup (Norway) enamelware, which uses similar colors but different hallmark symbols; Meka (Denmark) enamel items which are often smaller/lighter.
Interesting Facts
David-Andersen's enamel pieces were highly sought-after souvenirs for travelers in the mid-20th century, representing the pinnacle of Norwegian craft export.