J. Frisenberg

The J. Frisenberg goldsmith business

J. Frisenberg is a goldsmith business in Lillehammer, founded by Julius Frisenberg in 1868. Its history describes exports of filigree and enamel work. The name is relevant to Norwegian jewellery history and to the assessment of older goldsmiths' work associated with Lillehammer.

Several generations and types of goods

The history states that Karl Wilhelm Frisenberg took over around 1900 and describes production of bunad silver, silver cutlery and hollowware. The business therefore encompasses more than one person and one type of product. A company attribution should not automatically become a personal designer attribution.

The business describes both its own production and retailing of other brands. A company case or receipt can be valuable provenance, but should not alone be used to prove in-house manufacture.

Examining an older piece

Document the complete object, any model information, fineness marks and letter or symbol punches. Keep manufacturer, designer, engraver and retailer information separate. A known company date does not automatically date a particular punch or object.

If a mark is uncertain, compare it with dated, documented work. Do not attribute an isolated letter F or a filigree style to Frisenberg without further evidence. This article does not establish a complete historical catalogue of marks.

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Sources

J. Frisenberg: company history and business presentation.