AKSEL HOLMSEN Norway BIG Sterling+RED Enamel BUTTERFLY Pin~1-15/16\" Vtg Brooch

Highlydetailed, withfiery orange-redcolor, accented withblack and white,this vintage sterling and enamel butterfly is so striking. The enameling, withthe delicate lines underneath, delineating the intricate patterns in the wings, is very effective and conveys velvety texture, depth and contrast, capturing the ethereal, translucent quality of real butterfly wings. Thereare patterns under the white enamel of the body as well: striated lines in the top section and those lines plus elongated rectangles in the lower section. The eyes are plain black enamel. What is truly remarkable are the patterns and the shapes that outline the patterns,some of whichlook at first like smudges but upon close inspection, are seen to be detailed designs under the enamel.

Thevibrant colorsreally \"Pop,\" making this butterfly extremely eye catching. And the orange redshade is most harmonious with the gold-plated sterling silver setting (vermeil). Simply exquisite!

The brooch measuresjust under 2\" wide (1-15/16\") by just over 1\" tall.

Itis signedon the back \"Made in Norway Sterling\"followed bybench tools that look like X\'s lying on their sides, which is the mark of Aksel Holmsen, as well as 925S. (Penultimatephoto.) Although smaller and less well known than other Norwegian makers, like David-Andersen,Holmsen\'s company was one of the leading proponents of Scandinavian jewelry design in the 1950s-60s. Looking at this butterfly, you can certainly see why!

It is inVery Good / Excellent vintage condition, with justlight surface scratches, dirt and tarnish due to age. There are slight inconsistencies inexecution that only add toits charm, the main one of which is on the right wing near theoutside corner of the tipwhere thereare twolines in the ground under the enamel thatare not matched by corresponding lines on the other wing, as if thetool slipped when carving the pattern into the silver. You should be able to see it if you look for itin the enlarged photos where itis a little lighter. It is extremely difficult to detect amongst all the lines in the patterns. And again, itis under the enamel,and cannot be felt on the surface of the piece. The gold plating shows tarnish over its gleam but appears entirely intact, especially on the back, and the pin has a lovely,warmvintage patina; cleaning and polishing are left to the buyer\'s discretion.

Several mid-century Scandinavian artists excelled in enamel work and butterflies were the ideal subject to show off their skills and artistry. This is a fine specimen for yourcollection! Managing to be at the same time both tailored and feminine as well as casual and dressy, this pin is striking and wearable in addition to being collectible. The sensational color combo is versatile and will go with everything; night or day, at work or play. Perfect for lovers of butterflies, Scandinaviansilver or enamel, it would also make aterrific gift, although I doubt you will want to part with it, and it will flutter out of here in a gift box - just in case! This is a wonderful vintage Norwegian sterling and enamel butterfly brooch by Aksel Holmsen in fiery orange red. Buy itnow to pin it down for your collection!

Please see our other listings for more great vintage jewelry, including Scandinavian.

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