Antique 830S Silver Norwegian Commemorative Birkenbeiner King Haakon IV Haakonsson Large Round Pin Brooch - Scandinavian Norwegian Silver

Historic Norwegian commemorative round detailed brooch pin:

~ Depicts a famous scene meaningful to those interested in the history of Norway

~ The wording reads BIRKEBEINERNE FORE DEN UNGE HAAKON HAAKONSSON PAA SKI TIL TRONDHEIM and translates to THE BIRKEBEINERS LEAD THE YOUNG HAAKON HAAKONSSON ON SKIS TO TRONDHEIM

~ The story goes like this ...... It was 1204 and King Haakon had died. He had been unmarried and had no known heirs. After his death, a woman named Inga had come forward with a child she claimed was his, stating she had been his concubine for a time in 1203. In the winter of 1205/1206 the young child was unsafe as others wanted the throne for themselves. A plan made was to bring young Haakon to safety, but the mountainous route was blocked by heavy snow. Two warriors, known as ‘Birkenbeiner (or birch legs) Warriors’ for the bark shoes they wore; took the youngster and skied him to his destination. The child would go on to become King of Norway and be know as King Haakon IV Haakonsson. Håkon IV Håkonsson was king of Norway from 1217 to 1263.

~ This brooch illustrates the Birkenbeiner on their skies. If you look just behind the shield of the figure in the front you can see the face of little Haakon peeking out. Classic Scandinavian flourishes grace the top edge

~ Large, hand crafted, and rich in symbolism

~ This image is similar to or even may have been based on the 1869 painting ‘Birkebeinerne’ by Knud Larsen Bergslien - see photo. There is also at least one film that I know of on the event.


Ready and waiting for your lapel, collection, or gift giving - you will love this!

AGE OR ERA: Authentic antique / vintage jewelry piece - guessing early 20th century - early 1900's to 1910's. Pre - 1920's anyway as 830S was the standardized silver content and the 830S mark became compulsory in Norway from circa 1882 - 1920. In Norse Dragestil or Dragon style ran parallel in time with America's Arts and Crafts movement and often used popular Viking motifs

MARKINGS: Applied plaque on the back side that reads 830S and has an elusive mystery makers mark that resembles a butterfly that I am unable to identify (not for lack of trying!)

METAL / MATERIAL: 830 / 1000 sterling grade silver

CLASP / CLOSURE: East - west set early "C" catch catch

MEASUREMENTS: Aprox 1 3/4" in diameter

WEIGHT: 15.0 grams on my scale

TESTING: x

U.S. RING SIZE: x

INVENTORY NUMBER OR NOTE: x

CONDITION = Great vintage condition - no flaws or quirks found to mention. Hardware in good working order and brooch free from dents or unsightly mars. There is a small spot of edge debris that looks like it should clean off nicely with the method of your choice at about 4:00. In an excellent state of preservation

"A picture is worth a thousand words"

Please view & enlarge photographs to closely inspect fine details and to determine the amount of patina and/or wear. Most older pieces by nature normally have some degree of both and, unless severe, aren't considered damaged and not mentioned. Especially if obvious and/or prominent in the photos. Individuals do have varying levels of desire and tolerance for "vintage charm" so do utilize the scroll arrows beside the photos to allow yourself the opportunity to view them all, as they are an integral part and extension of the description.

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