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Unraveling the Tale of an Antique German Solje Brooch: A Research Journey

In the enchanting realm of antique jewelry, each piece carries a story waiting to be unveiled. Today, we embark on a journey to explore the mystique surrounding an exquisite Antique German Solje brooch, a dazzling representation of Edwardian and Art Nouveau design from the early 1900s. Join me as we delve into the depths of online communities and forums, piecing together the puzzle of this captivating relic.


the back of the brooch with the AG makers mark and a front view of the same brooch

My journey began by introducing the brooch to a specialized Facebook group dedicated to makers marks. The distinctiveness of the mark sparked a collective curiosity among the group members. This is where I discovered that it is possibly a solje. Despite the engagement, the mystery persisted, prompting me to explore further.



Taking the search to a wider audience, I ventured into an antique enthusiasts' forum. Here, a similar solje brooch was discussed with the same makers mark as the one we have, with some members leaning towards the possibility of it being Gundorph Albertus for Georg Jensen-Bunad. However, a significant hurdle emerged—the marked differences in the Georg Jensen mark raised questions about this attribution.


 Gundorph Albertus for Georg Jensen-Bunad logo

Determined to find clarity, I compared the unique mark on our brooch with known examples of Gundorph Albertus for Georg Jensen-Bunad pieces. The dissimilarities became apparent, leading me to question the forum's speculations and reinforcing my belief that the brooch stands on its own as a distinctive creation.




The forum discussion also pointed to the existence of another mystery brooch here. While some suggested a German origin inspired by Norwegian jewelry from the 1900s, the makers mark remained elusive. The collective sentiment echoed my own—there's more to this story, and the mystery persists.





In a bid to uncover the maker's identity, I consulted a comprehensive database of German silver hallmarks. Despite a thorough search, the distinctive mark on our brooch remained unaccounted for, leaving the mystery intact.


After an extensive research journey, I am confident in my belief that the antique German Solje brooch is a testament to German craftsmanship replicating Norwegian design in the early 1900s. The divergence in marks from known Georg Jensen attributions reinforces its unique origin. However, the identity of the master behind this creation remains shrouded in mystery. As the quest continues, I invite fellow enthusiasts and experts to join the exploration. If you recognize the mark or have information that could illuminate this antique gem's history, please reach out hi@myrubytuesday.ca. Together, let's uncover the secrets woven into the fabric of this captivating piece.



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