Is this an early David-Andersen mark?

[hiohsilver]

I think this is an early David-Andersen bracelet but I have never seen this mark before. There are two circles. The one on the left contains a balanced scale with the letters D A above it. The circle on the right shows 830 with a discernable letter S beneath it.

My question is twofold: #1 - Can anyone confirm that the mark is David-Andersen? and #2 - I understand that the early silver standard for Norway was .830, indicating the minimum silver content. If my understanding is correct, could it be said that the silver content of this bracelet, assuming it is an early David-Andersen piece, may be even higher than .830? The answers to these questions and any other information furnished about this bracelet, would be highly appreciated. Thank you very much.

[admin]

Yep, it is a D-A and as far as I have been able to learn (but without exactitude), the scales mark has been used since around 1920. You can see some variations of it here. http://www.925-1000.com/david-andersen_marks.html

D-A is known for using sterling (.925) from around the same time period. Regularly for their exported wares, but I believe there is a good chance that they would have continued the use of .830 for the Norwegian market, the 830 standard is still used there today.

It is not likely that they would have stamped your bracelet .830 if it were of higher grade. However, whether 925 or 830, the standard has little importance. The silver bullion value of a bracelet or, for the matter, any small antique or collectible item is pretty close to pocket change. There are more important qualities to place value upon - beauty of the design, quality of craftsmanship, popularity of the maker and rarity of the item - to name a few. Your bracelet appears to have all of these. Interesting to see so purely a Nordic motif with Art Deco stylization, an interesting combo that I'd date to the thirties, though it may possibly be later.
Best, Tom

[hiohsilver]

Tom, this is the first time I've posted a question to the forum and I'm thrilled over your reply. Thanks so much for clearing up my misconception about the silver standard and I think you must be right about probable age. The bracelet does have Art Deco stylization. I can see this now. It's so exciting to see how the clues fit together. Do you happen to know anything about the symbology of the panel scenes? I've added another photo so that you can see them better. These two scenes alternate around the bracelet. One is obviously of a warrior going off to battle. The other shows a woman who seems to be feeding a sea creature that has feet. Foliage sprouts from the creature's head. The symbols seem to express an affirmation for prosperity, merging earth and sea in mutually supportive, life sustaining efforts. This is just a wild guess. Perhaps there is a more specific meaning that you, or some other viewer may recognize. If not, you have already helped me enormously. Thank you for taking time to respond. I appreciate it very much.

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[Tosten]

Hello
I am sorry if this answer is coming to late. I am comparative new at Silver Forum.
Yes it is of course David-Andersen. I am quite sure that the bracelet is design by Harry Sørbye. He started todesign pattern like this in the 1940.
The mark - two circles with the scalemark and 830 S - they started to use in 1940. First on tableware, and from 1949 on jewellery.
(David-Andersen 1876-1951, Oslo 1951).
Regards Tosten

[MLF]

The panels may illustrate a story from the legend of Viking hero Ragnar Lothbrok / Lodbrok ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ragnar_Lodbrok ). Of course, one would have to see all the panels to verfify this.

In the story (which is not described on the Wikipedia page), a Swedish girl has been given a dragon by her father, the earl of Gotland. As she feeds it, the dragon grows to such huge size that soon it can no longer fit inside her house but coils around the outside and becomes a threat to the earl. He then declares that whosoever can kill the dragon may marry his daughter. Ragnar, of course, succeeds.

Best wishes

Mikael

[emeraldT]

I have a bracelet that is very similar to this one. I have only 5 panels and no safety chain (nor place for one). The marker's mark is the same except no "D" or "A". Both marks have a recessed background that is hashed-marked (horizontal lines). Does that change the probable date of when it was made? I'm completely new to this. I've never researched anything before, let alone silver. I'd appreciate any information.

[Tosten]

David-Andersen also used the scalemark and 830S without the "DA", mostly from ca. 1940.
Regards Tosten