Jugendstil Sterling Turquoise Enameled Hatpin by Heinrich Levinger (Item #AC-levingerhp)
$300.00
To inquire or purchase, please contact sales@theratstuff.com. Reference Item #AC-levingerhp.
Fantastic German Jugendstil Sterling silver double-sided hat pin clearly attributed to Heinrich Levinger or Levinger & Bissinger (Germany), circa 1910. Total length is 5 1/2". The "front" side features a strong geometric design with bezel set turquoise stone surrounded by several areas of blue *matte* basse-taille or guilloche enamel (i.e., transparent enamel over an etched design). The same design is repeated on the back with enamel in place of the turquoise. The design beneath the enamel is four dots arranged like a + sign. There is a *tiny* nick to surface of the enamel just above the turquoise, but it is not noticeable without a loupe. Marked at the base near the pin shaft: STERLING 935, SILVER. It is in excellent condition, and is of superb quality.
I am 100% certain that this is by Heinrich Levinger, but since it does not bear his mark it is "attributed". Many pieces from this firm exhibit the unique technique of using matte transparent enamel over the + etched designs. For instance, I own a (signed) Levinger button with this enamel in purple (see additional photos). There is a (signed) Levinger & Bissinger Jugendstil brooch on the Tadema website with the same enameling style in the same shade of blue as the hatpin. Please see the additional photos.