Max Neiger / Neiger Brothers Art Deco Czech glass 1920's art deco beaded necklace:
~ Features very fine beads in a loaded mix of classic Egyptian motifs including scarab beetles, mummies, and elephant beads
~ All of the creamy off white decorative pressed or molded glass beads are uranium glass and glow when exposed to uv or black light
~ Yellow ochre highlights elevate the designs
~ Bright brick or cranberry red accent beads
~ All beads are double sided and each side is a mirror image of the other - with the exception of the largest focal scarab bead - which has a flat back and displays Egyptian symbols or hieroglyphics on the reverse or back side
~ Loaded with uniqueness, personality and character
~ Not only a versatile piece of antique jewelry, but also a valuable work of art and piece of history
Ready and waiting for your neckline, wardrobe, collection or gift giving - you will love this!
AGE OR ERA: True antique / vintage jewelry piece - 1920's. More specifically - post 1922 as with the discovery of King Tut's tomb in November of 1922, their creations very much reflected their shift in interest towards the wildly popular Egyptian (and other complimentary exotic ethnic) themed motifs
MARKINGS: None that I could find - which is typical for their jewelry
METAL/MATERIAL: Uranium glass beads, brick or cranberry red accent beads (mostly of a smooth glossy glass - sans the ones closest to the clasp which have a slight wood grain texture and appear to be of a different material - possibly wood or plastic), and silver toned spring ring clasp and loop
CLASP / CLOSURE: Silver toned spring ring clasp
MEASUREMENTS: Aprox 31" of wearable length. Beads from the largest focal scarab down add another 3 1/4" or so of visual length. Considered "Opera" length and designed to fall at or just below the bust line. Wide range of bead shapes and sizes - the largest middle or focal scarab is 1 1/8" long x 7/8" wide. The mummy shaped pendants are 1 3/8" long x over 1/2" wide, the scarabs running up the sides of the strand are 5/8" long x 1/2" wide
WEIGHT: x
TESTING: UV light reactive - see pic(s)
U.S. RING SIZE: x
HISTORY, PROVENANCE, ANECDOTAL, METAPHYSICAL, SYMBOLISM &/or LORE: Neiger Brothers jewelry is well known and beloved for incorporating beautiful Czech art glass beads, large (mostly) figural focal beads and pendant drops, and detailed metal caps & findings.
Max and Norbert Neiger were Czechoslovakian brothers who made pieces with mainly glass components in Gablonz, Czechoslovakia - circa 1905 to the 1930s. They were Czech citizens, as were their ancestors, but they also had German Nationality. Style wise - the Neiger brothers took full advantage of the Egyptian Revival craze, beginning with the discovery of King Tut’s tomb in 1922. As well they should have, like so many of the art deco jewelry designers did at that time. They continued to add more “exotic” ethnic lines, including with Chinese and Indian motifs. They produced hypnotizing brooches, beautiful beaded necklaces and fascinating bracelets, all eye-catching and of the highest quality. Today smart collectors are giving Max and Norbert's creations a well-deserved renaissance. Their hard to find, hand made, original wares are scarce (especially in nice condition) due to the small number of pieces made and limited production time as they experienced a tragic end...... As the Germans advanced near Gablonz in 1939, the two Jewish brothers left their factory and escaped to Bohemia. They continued to create jewelry in a scaled-down operation for just a few years. They were unfortunately arrested in Prague in 1942 and passed at Auschwitz.
*** The photo included is of Max himself taken from his 1924 driver's license
JUST FOR FUN - AI DESCRIPTION - (GENERATED BY ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE): This stunning necklace is a rare find for any collector of vintage jewelry. The Neiger Brothers necklace from the 1920s features beautiful mixed colors of glass beads. The necklace measures over 31 inches in length and is a perfect gift for any special occasion, including birthdays, weddings, and graduations. The necklace's unique style is a blend of Egyptian art deco and retro fashion, with a touch of handmade charm. The uranium glass adds a pop of color and makes this necklace a standout piece. The necklace is an original and authentic piece from the Czech Republic, perfect for anyone who appreciates the beauty of antique jewelry
CONDITION: Great vintage condition given the rarity and collectibility - I couldn't find any quirks or damage to note. In an excellent state of preservation.
INVENTORY NUMBER OR NOTE: x
"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 important integral part and extension of the description.
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