Marius Hammer Silver & Guilloche Enamel Pendant Necklace

A fabulous and rather rare silver pendant necklace by Marius Hammer. Working in Bergen (Norway), Hammer produced high quality pieces from the late 19th century until his retirement in 1915. The company continued under the management of his sons Torolf and Max, until it's closure in 1930. This stunning piece typifies Hammer's work with its architectural and symmetrical motifs and dates from 1900-1915. The design features a cobalt blue enamel border and central hemisphere, with engine turned detail under translucent enamel - a hallmark technique perfected by Hammer. The main frame has delicate openwork wire scrolls and enamel silver 'seed pearls', echoing Norwegian Solje styles, often modernized into geometric shapes by this innovative designer. Marked 930S to the reverse, it is in complete harmony with the trademark designs of his work and is supplied with a woven rope-twist silver chain. This master's work was advertised in the Liberty's of London Christmas catalogues of 1896 and 1898 and just prior to this, Hammer was advertising himself as 'by special appointment to the Prince of Wales.' A superb piece by one of the greatest names in Scandinavian jewellery design.