327: A FINE LARGE PLIQUE A JOUR VESSEL SIGNED MARIUS HAMMER

The Norwegian silver vessel in the form of a Dragestil long boat is built by hand in elaborate openwork floral motifs and decorative bands sculpted from silver stock and filled with jewel-tone glass enamels in the technique plique a jour - French for 'letting in daylight.' The oval base of solid silver is embellished in red guilloche enamel on the inside and stamped with the maker's hallmark of letter M and hammer on the underside, along with the Norwegian silver standard stamp of 930s, higher silver contact than Sterling.
Measures 4.25 x 8 x 2.25 inches.
Very good condition, good patina, there are no chips, cracks, repairs, losses or areas of heavy wear. The piece appears slightly uneven when viewed from the end as in image number 9.
Provenance: The collection of Josephine Bird Hall (1888 - 1948) by descent to her son, the present owner. Josephine's father was a founder of Kansas City's Emery, Bird, Thayer Department Store.
$1,500 - $2,500