Rare Martin Elmblad Sweden Sterling Silver Deer & Elephant Panel Link Bracelet — Circa 1946

Measurements: 7.6"L x .9"W (19.30cm x 2.29cm)

Markings: MAE -Stockholm City Mark - 3 Crowns Mark - S - U8 Date Mark

Weight: 52g

A fantastic and substantial Swedish sterling silver panel bracelet by Martin Elmblad, Stockholm, precisely dated to 1946 by its U8 Swedish date mark.

The bracelet is composed of six articulated rectangular panels featuring an alternating parade of antlered deer and elephants worked in openwork relief. Each animal is framed within a clean geometric border, creating a wonderful contrast between the playful figural subject matter and the restrained Scandinavian construction.

The unusual alternating deer and elephant motif may reflect the mid-century Scandinavian fascination with both Nordic wildlife and exotic animals. In 1940s Stockholm, Skansen was a beloved cultural institution where Scandinavian animals and highly popular elephants were part of the public imagination, making this whimsical “Nordic meets exotic” animal parade especially evocative of its time. While no surviving Elmblad documentation has yet been found identifying the specific inspiration for the design, the pairing is a fascinating glimpse into the visual culture of postwar Sweden.

At a hefty 52 grams, this is a beautifully substantial bracelet with excellent presence on the wrist. The openwork panels allow the design to remain visually light despite its weight, while the articulated construction provides comfortable movement.

The silver has been professionally polished and presents beautifully. Minor surface irregularities and small casting or hand-finishing marks remain visible in places and are consistent with the original construction and age of the piece rather than later damage. The flat hook-style clasp is secure and functions properly.

The bracelet carries a particularly complete set of Swedish hallmarks, including the MAE maker’s mark for Juvelerare Martin Elmblad of Stockholm, the Stockholm city mark, Swedish Three Crowns control mark, silver fineness mark, and U8 date letter for 1946. Martin Elmblad’s MAE mark was registered in Stockholm beginning in 1933; the business later continued as Martin Elmblad AB.

A rare and wonderfully whimsical example of mid-century Swedish silver — equal parts Scandinavian modernism, animal jewelry, and wearable sculpture.

Martin Elmblad Juvelerare was a Stockholm jewelry firm whose MAE maker’s mark was registered from 1933 to 1969. The business later continued as Martin Elmblad AB through 1994. Period advertisements show Elmblad operating a full-service jewelry and goldsmith workshop in Stockholm, producing and selling gold and silver jewelry, engagement rings, decorative silver, and custom work, with repairs performed in-house. The firm was located at Skånegatan 71 by the late 1940s and later at Götgatan 94, an address still associated with Elmblads Guld today. Surviving signed pieces include both sterling silver jewelry and 18k gold rings from the 1940s and 1950s, confirming the workshop’s broad range and active production during the mid-century period.