Taxco suite of necklace and earrings, malachite and onyx stations, 1990s
Price: £250
This is a quite rare suite of necklace and earrings that come from the Taxco region of Mexico. Both comprise stations of malachite and onyx that go all the way around each piece. The stations are each individually hinged which gives these pieces a fluidity and quality that only comes from the Taxco workshops. Both have the typical box clasp and are marked 'TN-57' 'Mexico' '925'. The TN number indicates the workshop although there is no definitive list regarding the numbers attached and an exact provenance cannot be determined.
Taxco silver bangle with onyx and sodalite mosaic decoration, 1990s
Price: £75
This is a beautiful bangle comprising a very heavy and thick band of silver set with sodalite and onyx in an inlay mosaic design. It has a typical push closure and is marked 'TS-98' '925' 'Mexico'. The TS letters stand for the specific workshop in the Taxco region but here is no definitive list of the numbers attached, so an exact provenance is difficult to determine.
Zuni suite of necklace and earrings, New Mexico, 1990s
Price: £95
This is a suite of earrings and necklace by the Zuni silversmiths of New Mexico. They are known for their detailed mosaic work incorporating many different types of stone. Here we have mosaics on both the earrings and the pendant with turquoise, lapis, onyx and coral stones. There are also dangling feathers attached which is again typical of Zuni design. The chain is in a basket weave pattern and marked' 925'.
Modernist Taxco brooch 1980s
Price: £45
This is a lovely and substantial brooch that is fashioned in a stylised bow design. It could also be worn as a pendant. It is marked 'TC-132' 'Mexico' ' 925'. The TC letters stand for the specific workshop in the Taxco region but here is no definitive list of the numbers attached, so an exact provenance is difficult to determine.
Navajo suite of Necklace and Earrings set with sleeping beauty turquoise, 1990s
Price: £250
This is a beautiful and high quality suite of a silver necklace and matching earrings set with ‘Sleeping Beauty’ turquoise. The necklace has three linked stations employing the overlay technique of building up different layers on the design, which represents flying eagles against a background of stylised clouds. Both the necklace and earrings are fitted with bright blue turquoise bead drops, the purity and colour of the stone indicating a provenance from the ‘Sleeping Beauty’ mine, located in Globe, Arizona, which was the only source for turquoise of this type and closed in 2012 enhancing the rarity of the stone today. For many years it was extremely popular among Native American artists, particularly from the Zuni Pueblo region.
The Navajo are a Native American people of the Southwestern United States with the largest reservation in the country, mainly concentrated in Arizona and New Mexico. Their silverwork, which they began to produce in the late C19th, came to enjoy great popularity and often employed the use of turquoise. This matching suite is an excellent example of their work. The necklace is marked ‘Sterling’ for 925 silver and the same material would have been used throughout, providing a perfect backdrop to the ‘sleeping beauties’.
Outstanding Egyptian Revival necklace c1960
Price: £125
This is a very unusual necklace that features a large central pendant that depicts a beautiful design of Egyptian iconography. This includes cobras, ankh symbols, Horus the bird god and Ramses II. It is all done in bright gold with enamel work. This is on its original rope style chain fashioned to allow the pendant sit on the upper chest. It is probably of American manufacture.
Large faux coral Bakelite brooch, British c1940
Price: £45
A fine quality large floral brooch made from faux coral Bakelite with a bar pin to the reverse, carefully carved to represent the rose petals in fine detail. Dating from the 1940s this piece has remarkably survived in perfect condition making it the ideal statement fashion accessory.
Five Murano glass fish pendants
Price: £25
This is a rather random lot comprising five small Murano glass pendants. Each one has a hole in the fin so they are all ready to be worn as necklaces or to be put together as one fabulous necklace. It is all up to you! :)
Czech glass faux turquoise brooch c1930
Price: £65
This is a very rare brooch comprising a central faux turquoise glass stone surrounded by smaller beadwork set into white metal. This is a typical Czech glass design for makers such as the Neiger Brothers.
Czech glass faux turquoise brooch c1930
Price: £65
This is a very rare brooch comprising a central faux turquoise glass stone surrounded by smaller beadwork set into white metal. This is a typical Czech glass design for makers such as the Neiger Brothers.
Bead necklace with jade carnelian and silver beads c1990
Price: £50
This is a very beautiful necklace comprising graduating beads that are yellow jade, bi colour jade and carnelian. There is a long drop comprising four strands with beads suspended on it to give it a many layered effect. The origin of this necklace is uncertain. it is super quality and is most certainly made by a jewellery designer. Marked 925.
Two watch fobs 1912 and 1923
Price: £35
This is a group of two gentleman's watch fobs. One says "Senior Rounder 1912" and the other "WLOC 1923". These would have been very meaningful to the person who had it on their watch chain. Unfortunately these details have been lost over time. Rounder was a game that resembled baseball so persumably that person played Rounder. These are very fine silver and are a piec ef ephemera that can be worn as a pendant.
Gentlemans waistcoat pin set with four watch fobs 1930s
Price: £150
This is a bespoke waiscoat pin with four hanging watch fobs. The owner was someone called R.S. Hollands as they all bear this name. They all have dates 1927, 1936 x 2 and 1934. There are different places on them and two have the designation of "Senior Rounder" and S.C.A.B.A. One also has the name Boosey and Co a company that manufactued brass instruments. Rounders is a game much like baseball. Mr Hollands definetly wanted to show these off. :) Thie is a piece of history that can be worn as a brooch, what could be better for a vintage collector?
Very fine Moroccan engraved silver bracelet c1930
Price: £95
This a silver bracelet comprising very finely engraved stations that are connected as links. These have been set with silver gilt camels and elephants together wilh Arabic letters. It has the usual barrel type clasp that is very secure. There are illegible hallmarks.
Deaking & Francis silver bangle, Birmingham 1955
Price: £125
This is a stunning wide bangle bracelet by well known silversmiths Deaking & Francis. It is very finely engraved with typica leave and scrollwork. It is hinged and has a safety chain. It is marked for Birmingham 1955 and it also says WAX FILLED. This is to indicate that the piece is not solid and is weighted with wax.
Art Deco Catalin Bakelite necklace, American c1930
Price: £125
This is a fabulous necklace comprising very large mustard coloured catalin beads in tubular, ovoid and globular shapes. Catalin is a form of plastic that is comtemporary with Bakelite. They are very similar as they are both composed of phenol and formeldehyde. The main difference is that Catalin was poured a poured liquid and Bakelite was moulded from a granular powder. Catalin is a brand name developed and trademarked in 1927 by the American Catalin Corporation of New York City, when the patent on Bakelite expired that year. It was used in a variety of applications, including costume jewellery, until the end of the second world war when it became too expensive, as every piece had to be individually cast and polished. Catalin jewellery is often incorrectly referred to as bakelite but has a distinction all of its own and this necklace is prime example of the fashion designs produced in the 1930s.
Art Deco Catalin Bakelite necklace, American c1930
Price: £125
This is a fabulous necklace comprising very large mustard coloured catalin beads in tubular, ovoid and globular shapes. Catalin is a form of plastic that is comtemporary with Bakelite. They are very similar as they are both composed of phenol and formeldehyde. The main difference is that Catalin was poured a poured liquid and Bakelite was moulded from a granular powder. Catalin is a brand name developed and trademarked in 1927 by the American Catalin Corporation of New York City, when the patent on Bakelite expired that year. It was used in a variety of applications, including costume jewellery, until the end of the second world war when it became too expensive, as every piece had to be individually cast and polished. Catalin jewellery is often incorrectly referred to as bakelite but has a distinction all of its own and this necklace is prime example of the fashion designs produced in the 1930s.
Monumental Mille Fiore glass bead necklace c1970
Price: £175
This is a very large long necklace comprising different types of Mille Fiore Venetian glass beads. The largest beads measure 31 mm these are the joins for a double strand of round and tubular beads on the higher part with barrel shaped beads on the lower part of the necklace. For vintage jewellery collectors this is one in a million. And for fashionistas this would go with everything. :)
Blue Millefiore beads c1950
Price: £65
This a beautiful necklace comprising graduated beads that are the rare blue colour millefiore glass. These tended to be Venetian glass. They have the original barrel clasp and should probably be restrung.
Art Deco opaline glass necklace 1930s
Price: £125
This is a stunning strand of large tear drop opaline glass beads strung with conical silver beads. Opaline glass has been around since the 19th century and can be seen in jewellery from this time. These beads are of exceptional quality and appear to glow in both low light and daylight. There are flashes of pink and yellow that make these beads dance like they are lit from within. They are better quality than most authentic opals of this type. Has been fitted with a modern extender.
Faceted Opalite statement necklace c1970
Price: £95
This is a dazzling necklace comrising Opalite beads. These are facetted pear shaped beads as well as round beads. The luminosity within these stones are incredible they appear to be glowing in both sun light and indoor light.
Opalite is a type of synthetic glass often mistaken for a gemstone due to its alluring translucence and the play of colors similar to those seen in opals. Unlike natural gemstones, opalite is man-made, primarily from dolomite and metal to create its distinctive shimmering and milky appearance. It typically exhibits a soft, opalescent sheen with a blue or orange glow when light passes through it, making it popular in jewelry and decorative objects.(geologyscience.com)
Fun celluloid elephant motif earrings 1960s
Price: £25
This is a great pair of earrings made from Ivorine or celluloid, It has three concentric circles with small elephants in the centre. The are screw back and do not appear to be silver. These are very light and easy to wear for long periods despite being quite a statement.
Cornucopia design suite of necklace and earrings 1990s
Price: £45
This is an incredible set of necklace and earrings. The necklace has a cornucopia with one side set with diamantes and the other side is a twisting floral design set with diamantes and faux sapphires. It is made of gild metal with a polychroming effect in soft greens and peachy tones. The earrings mirror this design and are just as striking as the necklace. The origin of this set is uncertain; it could perhaps be American but it will certainly attract attention!
Cold painted brass necklace 1920s
Price: £50
This is a lovely and delicate necklace comprising stations of autumn maple leaves that cold painting in green and red to represent the change of the seasons. It has a bead chain and a hook clasp. Cold painting on metal refers to an enamel paint being applied to the cold metai i.e. not fired. The metal is gilt brass.
Nine strand authentic seed pearl necklace 1980s
Price: £45
This is a lovely and delicate necklace comprising 9 strands of real seed pearls. Three of the strands also have gold tone beads. It ends in a gold tone box clasp. Probably Japanese in origin. Pearls have a very high lustre and are of great quality.
Czech Egyptian Revival bracelet 1930s
Price: £30
This is a simple and elegant bracelet comprising stations of Egyptian motif panels and four station set with turquoise glass.
Fun 1970s button bangle
Price: £25
This is a super bangle comprising buttons encased in lucite. it has a rather homemade quality so it might have been made from a kit. This just adds to the vintage look and makes it even more fun! :)
Taxco Noahs Ark Earrings c1980
Price: £45
This is a pair of earrings that are very finely modelled. They depict Noah's Ark showing many of the animals. There are elephants, giraffes and lions on the deck with other animals looking out the portholes. There are even dolphins in the water! Although this theme can be found elsewhere in jewellery, these are a masterclass in design that only the Taxco silversmiths can deliver. They are both marked 'MEXICO' '925' and date to the 1980s.
Native American turquoise bead necklace with original clasp c1960
Price: £350
This is a very rare necklace comprising perfectly graduated turquoise discs. The stones represent the many different shades of turquoise that are found in and around Arizona and New Mexico. Each bead is separated by a very small amber bead, used because amber is soft and will not scratch the turquoise. The necklace ends with a matching clasp set with a turquoise stone that perfectly complements it. It has been restrung in recent times using very strong steel wire giving it durability for many years to come.
Navajo turquoise ring c1960
Price: £125
This is a large ring with a beautiful and organically shaped turquoise stone set in a typical Navajo silver design. It is signed with a silversmith's mark as well as others but some elements have worn away over the years. The turquoise is from the Kingman mine in Arizona. Originally made for a man it is, of course, 'unisex' now and will grace the hand of whoever chooses to wear it!
North American turquoise ring c1990
Price: £75
This is lovely ring with a good size cabachon turquoise stone set it silver. It appears to be North American turquoise but it could possibly be from the central Chinese province of Hubei, another source of high quality turquoise stones. Unmarked, it has a modern design with a halo effect and the bead work detail is typical of North American work.
Taxco torque statement necklace and bracelet, Daniela, 1980s
Price: £250
This is a fabulous set of necklace and cuff bracelet comprising two pieces of silver formed in a wave shape. One side is polished silver and the other side is oxidized silver. It is then set with a polished silver sphere that adds to the modern space age design. It is signed "Taxco Daniela 950" and "TD-09 Mexico 950". Daniela is the designer and TD-09 would be the Taxco registration.
Art Deco Bakelite beads c1930
Price: £150
This a very rare long strand of graduated Bakelite beads in an octahedron shape. They are strung on what might be the original black cord and fitted with a barrel clasp. The beads have been Simichrome tested and are definitely Bakelite.
They are of the most intense ruby red colour and the smaller spacer beads are the same shape.
Victorian pinchbeck brooch with paste stone c1900
Price: £45
This is a lovely brooch in a cartouche shape. It is built up to a dome shape with mounted flowers and leaves. It is also set with very bright paste stones.
Pinchbeck is an alloy of copper and zinc, mixed in proportions to resemble the appearance of gold. It was invented by Christopher Pinchbeck, a London clock and watchmaker, around the early 18th century.
Opera length mille fiore station necklace and earrings c1950 and later
Price: £45
This is a striking and very long necklace comprising stations of mille fiore glass beads and red and black glass beads with paste stones in between. It is very elegant and detailed. It is meant to wrap around the neck and then hang down to the waist although it could be also wrapped around the neck a few times. It is paired with complementary earrings that have black glass and paste stones. The necklace is not silver and most likely would have had gilding in its time. The earrings still have a gold tone. The necklace dates to the 1950s and the earrings are later, most likely 1970s.
Perfume Bottle Brooch, probably French mid C20th
Price: £55
A perfume bottle brooch, the bottle and stopper suspended from a white metal clasp with a ‘pull’ fastening pin and beading at the edge, the glass heart shape body encased in silver metal filigree work, the face with a beaded border surrounding blue metal trellis work with studded rosettes, the reverse with a similar border surrounding a clear glass panel, the white metal cover with a red bead at the top and similarly decorated with a glass wand attached and a screw fitting matching the top of the bottle. There are no ready parallels for the decoration here but the work is most likely continental and probably French with a dating to the mid twentieth century.
Tibetan amulet necklace featuring Buddhist deity c1900
Price: £25
This is very interesting necklace that comprises a very large amulet or talisman in a flower shape, which is built up in steps and features a figure holding a sword. It is made from brass, that would have had bright gilding in its time. It is mounted with garnets and enamel work. There are some stones that appear to be turquoise and coral although these might be enamel. There is also an embossed lotus flower on the back.
The chain on this necklace is quite short for it to fit over a modern head so it would probably need a clasp in addition.
Silver and marcasite statement brooch, 1956
Price: £125
This is a real showstopper of a brooch. It is very large in a floral spray and ribbon design. It has numerous silver marks including an English import mark from 1956. The other marks indicate that it is most likely continental possibly Belgian or Swiss.
What stands out with this brooch is the quality of the workmanship. It is encrusted with hundreds of marcasite stones that are all prong set. There is not one missing stone. We get so used the costume versions of a brooch like this; it is such a pleasure to see an original.
Edwardian silver and turquoise brooch c1910
Price: £55
This a very unusual brooch created from silver set with turquoise stones. It is in a crown shape and has nine large stones and numerous smaller stones. It is continental with the turquoise being most likely from the Middle East. It is unmarked and comes in its original box.
Scottish amethyst specimen necklace c1950
Price: £35
This is a lovely and delicate necklace comprising five graduated stations of Scottish amethyst. The patterns within the stones are very common in Scottish stones and this necklace shows the beauty of the irregularity of the stones. Scottish amethyst is sourced from various localities in Scotland, such as the Isle of Mull, Dundee, Fife, and Dumfries & Galloway.
Stunning Art Deco Indian silver neck ring and bracelet c1920
Price: £650
This is a very rare set of a necklace and bracelet that is Indian in origin. It is very heavy and has a twisted design with dual rams’ heads. The rams’ heads are very detailed, and this quality continues throughout both pieces.
Both have a very strong bolt type clasp that allows the two pieces to open and then it is locked in place. The clasp mechanism is crafted from iron and not silver. This is to ensure that it remains strong and in position.
This design is very well known in many cultures but is probably best known in Greek and Etruscan jewellery. These pieces might have been commissioned and were most likely made for a man. The size fits both genders but it is so chunky that it doesn’t seem likely to have been made for a woman during the 1920s.
They would look great on anyone today!
Hertfordshire puddingstone Brooch c1940
Price: £35
This is a very unusual brooch set with a hertfordshire puddingstone and mounted in silver.
Hertfordshire puddingstone is a conglomerate of rounded flint pebbles in a matrix of fine pale sand all cemented together (basically a ‘fossil beach’). As the pebbles, the sand and the cementing material are all silica the rock is very hard and breaks evenly across pebbles and sandy matrix.
The story of hertfordshire puddingstone is also the story of climate changes over the last 80 million years ranging between extremes of hot and cold. (Ref: East Herts Geology Club, https://ehgc.org.uk/hertfordshire-puddingstone/puddingstone-formation/ )
Scottish agate specimen bracelet c1970
Price: £95
This is rather interesting as it is a quite large bracelet comprising numerous stations of carved agate stones. It showcases all colours and types of agate from banded agate to chalcedony and makes a real statement. This bracelet definitely has star power. It is strung on elastic, as it typical for these types of bracelets, so it is very easy to get on and off and it is super sturdy in addition.
Long strand of butterscotch amber coloured beads c1960
Price: £25
This is a bold statement necklace comprising graduated round beads. These are made from an early plastic called Catalin. They have been Simichrome tested and they are not Bakelite. There are glass spacer beads and no clasp.
One of the beads has small pin prick holes as someone must have done a heated needle test for amber. See images.
Victorian carved bovine bone necklace, Indian c1900
Price: £175
This is a very striking necklace that features a large bovine bone pendant mounted with a very detailed carving of a maiden holding a spray of flowers. It is set together with two carved horn shaped bone carvings.This is most liley Indian in origin.
Early Neiger Brothers book chain necklace c1910
Price: £325
This is quite an early necklace by the Neiger brothers that features a large stylized central pendant depicting Sobekneferu or it might be conglomeration of different figures. This then has a hanging pendant with a molded glass plaque that depicts another Egyptian figure. The chain is interesting as it is a book chain style particularly popular in the Edwardian era.
Neiger Brothers necklace with Egyptian Revival glass plaques c1930
Price: £225
This is Neiger piece with beautiful lapis glass molded plaques depicting Egyptian iconsography. It features an Art Deco design with machine age elements combined with more traditional marcasite stones. This one combines different styles that are perfectly balanced.
Art Deco convertible brooch dress clips c1930
Price: £95
This is a wonderful example of these types of brooches. It is silver and is set with very high quality marchasit stones. It is marked silver on both the piece and the clips.
Art Deco concave cut agate ring c1930
Price: £55
This is a very usual ring due to its central stone. The stone is a typical Scottish agate that has been carved into a concave shape. It is set in silver and surrounded with milgrain work.
Etruscan style garnet cross earrings c1910
Price: £65
These are a lovely and delicate pair of earrings comprising square cut stones surrounding a large cabachon. They are marked illegibly. Most likely Italian in origin.
Art Deco emerald cut paste stone ring c1920
Price: £55
This is a very elegant ring made up of silver set with marcasite stones with a large octogan cut purple paste stone. It is unmarked.
Art Nouveau style Lily bouquet brooch c1950
Price: £65
This is a large brooch with a lily spray design. It is marked 'silver' and there is a makers mark. The origin of this piece isn't clear.
Etruscan style rock crystal and turquoise round brooch c1900
Price: £65
This is a very striking neck brooch comprising a very large facetted rock crystal stone drilled and set with a turquoise stone. It is unmarked silver. Probably Italian or Greek.
Art Deco style earrings with onyx and amethyst c1970
Price: £85
This is a pair of earrings that have a quintessential Art Deco design. They are set with onyx stones (not enamel), marcasites and amethysts. They are marked 925. These are not from the Art Deco period but show how popular these designs remain in the present day.
Art Deco brooch with Shibayama style mother of pearl plaque c1920
Price: £225
This is a very rare silver brooch comprising a large oval onyx stone set with a very detailed and fine carved mother of pearl plaque. This is either a nod to Japanese shibayama designs or it was indeed imported from Japan and set into the brooch. The floral pattern shimmers and dances with the light and there is so much detail. It is a real work of art. It is set wth marcasite stones around the edge. It is marked illegibly but it is continental. Most likely French or Belgian.
Pietra Dura jasper moth brooch c1920
Price: £175
This is a very rare pietra dura brooch that features inlay jasper in the shape of a moth. There are thee types of jasper finished off with malachite around the edge of the wings. There are also glass beads inset to mimick that markings. It is set in typical rolled gold.
Art Nouveau William Comyns silver buckle, 1901
Price: £250
This is a piece of true Art Nouvea design. It is a ladies silver buckle by silver maker William Comyns. It bears the hallmarks for Comyns, London 1901. There is also a design patent number Rd No 564 383.
William Comyns founded the company in 1858. He initially operated from the former premises of silversmith Robert Tagg at 2 Carlisle Street, Soho, London, where he registered his first maker’s mark (W.C in a four-tipped oval) in 1859. Comyns’ silverware was retailed by some of the world’s most prestigious firms, including Tiffany & Co., The Goldsmiths & Silversmiths Company, and leading London retailers such as Henry Lewis and Howell & James.
Art Deco brooch with large zircon stone c1930
Price: £175
This is a silver bar brooch set with European cut diamonds and a large blue zircon. It is set in an elegant Art Deco design that shows off the central stone. It is unmarked.
Egyptian Revival souvenir bracelet c1900
Price: £95
This is very beautiful bracelet comprising very detailed cast brass station depicting Egyptian iconography. This is most likely from the Paris Worlds Fair in 1900 that showcased Egyptian modernity, antiquities, and culture. There are six stations with a wonderful Tutankhamun charm at the closure.
French enamel egyptian revival bracelet c1900
Price: £125
This is a very delicate bracelet comprisng stations with enamel work that depict Egyptian iconography. This was most liklely a souvenir from the Paris Worlds Fair in 1900 where Egypt featured prominently.
Unique Butler & Wilson Neoclassical Tiara 1980s
Price: £195
This is a very unusual piece of vintage Butler & Wilson from the 1980s. It is at the very least quite unique and it is possibly bespoke. It it extremely ornate and beautifully made with mounted festoons, putti and swans. It is finished with a large crown which is quintessential B & W. It is set with faux pearls. There are faux pearls that encircle the swans necks and hanging faux teardrop pearls along the edge. All this is built on a stiff mesh frame. It bears the Butler & Wilson mark.
As most people who love costume jewellery know, Butler & Wilson have been and are a powerhouse British brand that have been designing costume jewellery since the 1970s. Pieces like this one are quite collectable due to their age and design. There are many collectors around the world that collect both vintage and new pieces. This one is for you!
Art Deco citrine and pink sapphire brooch c1920
Price: £175
This is a lovely silver stickpin style brooch set with large citrines and pink sapphires. It is in a spray design with scrollwork and beading. This is Indian in origin and it unmarked.
Butterfly brooch by Marius Hammer (1847-1927), Bergen, Norway
Price: £450
This is a very fine example of the work by the well known Norwegian goldsmith Marius Hammer (1847 - 1927). It is one of his most popular designs, a butterfly with guilloche enamel wings and body. The wings are turquoise, the body is blue and the eyes are red enamel. It is all done in silver with a gold finish on the reverse and it is marked Sterling 930S and then with his monogram which is an M with a hammer intersecting it. This is quite a unique piece as it is one of the largest examples of the butterfly designs with a wingspan of 8 cm (the most commonly found size is 6.2 cm). The gilt detail on the edge of the wings is also seldom seen.
MARIUS HAMMER BIO:
Marius Hammer built up and managed Norway's largest goldsmith's workshop in the decades around 1900. By investing heavily in marketing and international launch, he helped make Norwegian enamelwork an important export item. In a golden age for Norwegian handicrafts, Hammer's company also delivered many works that are among the main works of Norwegian goldsmithing.
Hammer was a third-generation goldsmith in the traditional craft town of Bergen. In his father's workshop, he received training in an ancient guild craft, but his ambitions were greater than running a small workshop, as his father and grandfather had done. During his studies in Hamburg and Berlin around 1870, he gained insight into new techniques and production methods, and from 1871 he built up his workshop to become the largest in Bergen in a few years. He had modern aids such as gas and electricity installed early on.
The workshop made all types of goldsmith's wares: centerpieces, jugs, coffee sets, cutlery, jewelry and much more. However, from the 1880s, Hammer focused on the tourist market and became a major producer of souvenirs and other luxury items in filigree and enamel. He built up a network of branches in the well-known tourist destinations in Western Norway, and he also supplied large quantities of goods to businesses abroad, including London. From 1885, Hammer's company was court supplier to the Prince of Wales, and somewhat later the German Emperor Wilhelm II became an avid customer. The main product was filigree work with window enamel – glass mosaics in all the colors of the rainbow built up on a fragile network of thin, gilded threads. Small and large Viking ships in various price ranges for tourists, boots, teaspoons, jewelry and much more were produced in a wide variety and in large quantities. Around 1914, the company reached its peak with about 130 employees.
The key to Hammer's success in the tourist market was very active marketing, including through participation in the major world exhibitions. Together with the Kristiania firms Tostrup and David-Andersen, Hammer made enamelware one of the most important Norwegian exports.
In addition to souvenir production, Hammer also had an important production of corpus works, i.e. objects such as bowls, jugs and mugs. He invested heavily in prestige works for exhibition purposes and for the upper bourgeoisie, and a number of essays and other large corpus works are of greater artistic interest than souvenir production. Hammer engaged outstanding designers, and over the prosperous years from about 1900 to about 1920 the firm produced works that are now considered masterpieces in the goldsmith's art of the period.
Marius Hammer became Bergen's richest craftsman; he lived at the elegant country estate Christinegård in Sandviken and had himself driven in a two-horse carriage to his shop in Strandgaten. He built up a large collection of antiques and also traded in these in his shop.
With the outbreak of World War I, the tourists disappeared, and after the war, times became tougher for the luxury production that Hammer had focused on. The company was converted into a limited liability company in 1915, with his eldest son Torolf as director. However, he died in 1920, and from then on the company went into decline. Neither the old Marius Hammer nor his youngest son Max, who took over as manager, were able to carry out the radical restructuring that was necessary to adapt to the changing times. Shortly after Marius Hammer died in 1927, the company's properties and most of the machinery were sold, and the remnants of the company went into bankruptcy in 1930. (REF: https://nbl.snl.no/Marius_Hammer)