Norsk Mønster (NM) 830S Silver Flatware Piece by Magnus Aase
Flatware (Likely a Spoon or Fork handle section) · Magnus Aase, a prominent silversmith based in Bergen, Norway. Founded in the late 19th century, Aase was renowned for high-quality Bergen craftsmanship and traditional Norwegian designs.
Pattern: Norsk Mønster (NM), which translates to 'Norwegian Pattern'. This stamp indicates the design was a standardized national pattern or produced under the Norsk Mønster hallmark guidelines common in the mid-20th century.
Type
Flatware (Likely a Spoon or Fork handle section)
Maker
Magnus Aase, a prominent silversmith based in Bergen, Norway. Founded in the late 19th century, Aase was renowned for high-quality Bergen craftsmanship and traditional Norwegian designs.
Material
830/1000 Silver (83% purity). This is the traditional Scandinavian silver standard, slightly lower than sterling (.925) but more durable for daily flatware use.
Dimensions
Standard flatware thickness, approximately 2mm. Weight depends on the full length of the piece, but 830S pieces are typically substantial and slightly heavier than silver-plated counterparts.
Description
This is a genuine piece of Norwegian heritage silver featuring the marks of master silversmith Magnus Aase. Stamped with the 830 pure silver grade, it represents the utilitarian elegance of Scandinavian design. The presence of the NM mark ensures it adheres to standardized Norwegian design quality of the era. The piece bears the honest patina and 'spider-web' scratching of decades of family use.
Key Features
The Magnus Aase Pelican mark is the primary identifier. The 'NM' mark is a specific regional authentication for Norwegian patterns, and the '830S' confirms its Scandinavian origin versus 'Sterling' for American/British markets.
Material & Composition
830/1000 Silver (83% purity). This is the traditional Scandinavian silver standard, slightly lower than sterling (.925) but more durable for daily flatware use.
Finish & Decoration
Bright-cut mirror finish with significant surface abrasions (scratches). The design style typically associated with these marks is Nordic Traditional or 'Dragestil' (Dragon Style) revival, though this specific surface appears plain or subtly beveled.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Three distinct stamps: '830S' indicating silver purity; a circular pictorial mark of a bird (specifically a pelican or stylized swan), which is the maker's mark for Magnus Aase; and 'NM' which stands for Norsk Mønster (Norwegian Pattern).
Construction Details
Precision die-struck from silver sheet. The crispness of the 'NM' and '830S' stamps suggests machine-assisted striking with a hand-finished polish.
Functional Features
Tapered handle design intended for ergonomic grip and durability. The 830 grade provides the necessary stiffness for functional utility without bending.
Handle & Grip Details
Monoblock construction (solid silver throughout handle). The surface shows heavy usage wear consistent with a frequently used dining utensil.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial craftsmanship. The stamp alignment is precise, and the edges of the handle are well-rounded, indicating a high level of quality control in the Aase workshop.
Authentication Indicators
Clear, deep hallmarks consistent with authentic Magnus Aase dies. The specific font of the '830S' matches known Bergen output from the mid-20th century. Wear patterns are consistent with authentic solid silver rather than plating.
Origin & Manufacturing
Bergen, Norway. Magnus Aase was a cornerstone of the Bergen silver industry, following the long-standing guild traditions of that city.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Norwegian (1930s-1960s). While Aase began earlier, the specific typography of the '830S' and 'NM' stamps is characteristic of mid-20th-century production.
Age Estimate
Circa 1940-1960. The style of the mark boxing and the 'NM' designation point toward the height of Norwegian silver export and domestic production in the post-WWII era.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Hjemmets Sølv' (Home's Silver) tradition in Norway, where silver was collected piece by piece for weddings and special anniversaries, serving as a family's portable wealth.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. There are heavy micro-scratches and surface abrasions across the metal. No signs of 'silver rot' (corrosion) or structural cracks, but it requires a professional buffing to restore the original luster.
Value Estimate
$25 - $60 USD for a single spoon or fork, primarily based on silver weight (melt value) plus a modest premium for the Norwegian maker's mark.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a mild silver cream (e.g., Wright's). Avoid 'dips' which can strip the oxidation that highlights the pattern. Store in a Pacific Silvercloth roll to prevent further tarnish.
Similar Pieces
Th. Marthinsen (Valdres pattern), David Andersen (830S lines), or Brodrene Lohne. These makers also used the 830S and NM stamps but have different pictorial maker's marks.
Interesting Facts
830 silver was the legal minimum standard in Norway for decades because it was believed the higher copper content (compared to Sterling) made the silverware significantly more resistant to bending during heavy meals.