Norwegian Enamel Guilloche Decorated Silver Thimble Attributed to David Andersen
Record status
Individual type · partial
This collectible sewing implement is a traditional Norwegian thimble crafted from sterling silver, featuring delicate decorative work attributed to the renowned firm of David Andersen in Oslo.
The body of the thimble is decorated with intricate guilloche enamel, a technique that creates fine, repetitive, engine-turned patterns underneath a translucent layer of enamel, resulting in a depth of texture and light reflection. The surface displays a distinct artistic vignette depicting a reindeer pulling a sleigh, rendered in contrast against the lighter background. The top of the thimble is finished with a functional dimpled opaline tip, designed to grip a needle during sewing tasks.
Standing at a height of 1 inch, this piece combines utility with high-quality decorative metalwork. The item is marked as 925 sterling silver, confirming its composition. Its construction exemplifies the classic style of Scandinavian silverwork, where precious materials are fused with fine enamel artistry to produce both functional tools and decorative objects intended for display or collection.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Physical characteristics
- Height
- 1 inch
- Material
- 925 sterling silver, enamel
Technical characteristics
- Feature
- dimpled opaline tip
Design
- Motif
- reindeer and sleigh vignette
- Decoration
- guilloche enamel
Identification
- Source note
- Described from a single auction-house listing published on Invaluable (reproduced with Invaluable's permission). Details apply to that one example; other examples of the type may differ, and the listing is supplementary evidence, not authentication.
- Maker named in listing
- David Andersen
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.