RARE Norway Designer Hjortdahl Sterling & Enamel Butterfly Brooch Circa 1930/40s

Measurements: 1.6"W x .75"H (4.06cm x 1.91cm)

Markings: Maker's Mark 925S Sterling Norway

Weight: 5.7g

Gorgeous sterling silver and Royal Blue guilloche enamel butterfly brooch. The enamel is clean, bright with absolutely no damage or repairs. Clean matte tone gilding to the backside, that has some fading, comparable to age. Based on the maker's mark, this piece dates between 1931-1954. Included with purchase a converter so it can be worn as a pendant on a chain if preferred.

Olaf Fritjof Hjortdahl was a renowned goldsmith from Oslo Norway. While training and after completing his Journeyman's examination he worked under C. Berg, Aksel Holmsen and O. Olberg. He spent several years in Berlin, Germany studying and mastering gold work. In 1914, he returned to Oslo and opened his own company with Bernhard Meldahl until 1931 when Meldahl left the company to start his own business. This dropping Meldahl's name from the company, Hjortdahl ran the company solo from 1931 till his death in 1954. In addition to being the Chairman of the Gold and Silver Commodity Wholesalers and Manufacturing Association of Norway for several years, Olav was also a Board Member and Secretary of the Silver Enamel Manufacturers' Group of Norway his last 7 years of life. He was an incredibly talented designer and fiercely respected by member of the community. His pieces are highly desirable and sought after collector's pieces.