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Other items in these categories can be found on our Great Buys Page.

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When you own a piece by Hector Aguilar, you have a treasure. Mexican silver by Aguilar is always of the finest construction, materials, and design.  Aguilar's silver designs borrow heavily from pre-Columbian motifs--his style was bold, dramatic, and beautiful in it's simplicity.

Aguilar began his career as manager of William Spratling's Taller de Las Delicias in Taxco. In 1939, he left Spratling and established his own workshop, the Taller Borda which he ran until 1966. Aguilar died on September 19, 1985, the day of the earthquake that nearly destroyed Mexico City. 

His work has been featured in numerous books and in exhibits throughout the United States.  Information can be found in Mexican Silver by Carole Berk and Penny Morrill, Silver Masters of Mexico, by Penny Morrill and William Spratling and the Mexican Silver Renaissance.  His work was included in the traveling exhibit, William Spratling and the Mexican Silver Renaissance.

You can order Mexican Silver, $59.95 (item #SMB001) or Silver Masters of Mexico, $49.95 (item #SMB002) from MODERN SILVER magazine books  Please add $3.95 for shipping for each book.

Hector Aguilar circle swirls belt, c.1940s; 20 handwrought sterling swirls on a black, suede belt; length is approximately 31" (will adjust to a smaller size and to at least 1" longer) and width is about 3/4"; each circle is about 1-1/4" diameter;  buckle is about 1" square when closed and is marked: "TALLER BORDA, 940 HA, TAXCO MEXICO," and an eagle mark with number "9"; great patina; fine condition.

A version of this belt with ten slightly larger circle swirls is pictured in the catalog, William Spratling and the Mexican Silver Renaissance, page 54.

$2,700.00 (item #MVX003)

A photograph of this belt can be seen in Silver Master's of Mexico, by Penny Morrill, page 108.

$2,300.00 (item #MVX005)

Two charming, vintage, 940 silver, hand hammered salts with original spoons by Hector Aguilar, c. 1940s; each salt is about 1-3/16" high x 1-3/4" diameter; each spoon is about 2-1/4" long; salts are each marked: "HA, TAXCO, 940," and each spoon is marked: "HA;" one of the salts is a bit out of round and one of the spoons is slightly bent, but these are easy fixes and only add to the charm of this incredible handmade vintage set.

SOLD (item #SMX001)

Early Hector Aguilar sterling pin with pre-Columbian design, c. 1940s; about 3-3/4" x 1-1/4"; marked "HA (in circle), MADE IN MEXICO, STERLING;" fine condition.

$350.00 (item #X761)

Great looking Hector Aguilar sterling and onyx bracelet; probably c.1950s; about 7-1/2" long x 5/8" wide; marked: "940, HA, TAXCO, MEXICO, TALLER BORDA" and eagle stamp with number "9"; great patina, fine condition.

$1,200.00 (item #X730)

Hector Aguilar signed Campeche chair;  great condition.

email for more information and price.  Thank you!

This bracelet is pictured in Silver Masters of Mexico by Penny Morrill on page 135.

SOLD (item #CJX035)

Early Hector Aguilar 940 Sterling pin, c. 1940s; approximately 3" x 1/2"; incredible patina and surface; marked: "TAXCO, 940," and "HA" within a circle; older style C catch; because it does not stay well when closed we will include a stick pin catch for security, otherwise fine condition.

$375.00 (item #X706)

Hector Aguilar hand-wrought copper bowl with brass trim; about 11-1/8" diameter x 2-5/8" high; marked with conjoined "HA, MADE IN MEXICO, TAXCO;" copper is oxidized in the interior of the bowl and it is a bit "out of round;" otherwise good condition.

$1,430.00 (item #X7344

Huge hammered copper scalloped bowl by Hector Aguilar; about 15-1/2" diameter x 5-1/4" high (at the highest point--middle of the scallop); wonderful old patina; one place where the edging has come loose and the bowl is slightly out-of-round; marked with conjoined "HA, TAXCO, MEXICO."

$1,450.00 (item #X640)

Hector Aguilar copper and brass star light fixture, c. 1940s; approximately 16" long from base plate; great original, unpolished patina; fine condition.

$3,585.00 (item #X781)

A wonderful set of what I believe are salt spoons by Hector Aguilar, probably c. 1950s-60s; each one is about 4" long; marked: "TALLER BORDA, TAXCO, 940," Aguilar "HA" stamp and eagle stamp with number "9;" great patina and condition.

$425.00 (item #X768)

Large sterling-handled meat fork by Hector Aguilar, probably c. 1950s; handle appears to be stainless steel; about  11-3/4" overall; marked" "940, HA (in circle), TAXCO;" very substantial piece, light surface wear, good patina, fine condition.

 $875.00 (item #X719)

Beautiful, large and heavy sterling candle snuffer by Hector Aguilar, c. 1950s; about 12-3/4" long; marked: "STERLING, HA (in circle), TAXC0," and eagle mark with number "9"; great patina, some light surface wear, otherwise fine condition.

 $395.00 (item #X720)

Early sterling silver long spoon by Hector Aguilar (most likely c. 1940s), great patina; about 10-1/8" long; bowl is approximately 1-3/8" diameter and 1/2" deep; marked "940, TAXCO, HA;" some surface wear, otherwise fine condition.

$575.00  (item #X721)

Hector Aguilar long knife with sterling and wood handle, probably c. 1940s; blade appears to be steel; about 15-3/8" long (total length); handle is approximately 5" long x 1" wide x slightly over 12" thick; blade is marked: "MADE IN MEXICO, TAXCO, and HA (in circle); blade has some surface rust and discoloration, otherwise fine condition.

 $795.00 (item #X722)

Hector Aguilar sterling frog buttons; c. 1940s; each is about 1-1/4" diameter; one is marked: "HA (conjoined in a circle), 940" and "TAXCO" (partially under the button bale; nice patina; fine condition.

$295.00 (item #CJX036) NEW!

Beautiful Hector Aguilar 940 sterling leaf bowl, c. 1940s; approximately 4-1/4" x 4-3/8" x 1" high; marked with Hector Aguilar conjoined HA stamp, "TAXCO, 940;" nice patina, one tiny indentation in the bowl, and light surface wear, otherwise fine condition.

SOLD  (item #X718)

An exceptional piece for any serious Mexican silver collection; Jorge "Chato" Castillo handwrought brooch in silver, copper, and brass, c.1940s; specially created by Chato for the Los Castillo taller; depicts the full-length figure of Aztec god,Quetzalcoatl, the “Feathered Serpent;” embellished with six cascabeles dangling from the “plumed” tail—a design conceit in homage to William Spratling; 3-3/8” x 1-3/8”, weighs 17.7 grams; fine, vintage condition; marked on applied oval, silver cartouche at the back: "MADE BY CHATO, LOS CASTILLO; 35."

$575.00 (item #TJ001)

Antonio Castillo and his brothers, Jorge (Chato), Miguel, and Justo were trained at the Spratling workshop, Las Delicias in the 1930s.  In 1939, they left to form their own company, Los Castillo.  Throughout the years, they produced handcrafted jewelry in many different techniques including repoussé, mixed and married metals, and inlay, often employing more than 100 artisans. Jewelry and hollowware by Los Castillo is desired by collectors for its beautiful handcrafted surfaces, superb quality, and innovative designs.

Information can be found in Mexican Silver by Carole Berk and Penny Morrill, Silver Masters of Mexico, by Penny Morrill and William Spratling and the Mexican Silver Renaissance.  Work from Los Castilo was included in the traveling exhibit, William Spratling and the Mexican Silver Renaissance. (You can order Mexican Silver or Silver Masters of Mexico from MODERN SILVER magazine books)

An exceptionally beautiful box by Los Castillo; box is made from sterling silver and copper with rosewood interior; top is inlaid with malachite, mother-of-pearl and terracotta-colored small tiles; box weighs about 1 pound 3 ounces and is about 4-5/8" x 3-5/8" x 1-3/8" tall; fine condition with nice patina; marked on the bottom: "HANDWROUGHT, LOS CASTILLO, MEXICO."

$725.00 (item #CJX021)

Exceptional Los Castillo onix negro sterling link bracelet; front panel is approximately 1-1/2" x 1-1/4", bracelet is slightly over 7" around when closed; marked: 'HECHO EN MEXICO, ONIX NEGRO, Los Castillo, TAXCO, and eagle mark with what appears to be #15, and "60"; great condition and patina for a bracelet of this type.

SOLD (item #HPX039)

Los Castillo small dish with charming figure of a bull, c. 1955; copper with brass and silver, c. 1950's; approximately 4-3/4" diameter; marked: "HANDWROUGHT, HECHO EN MEXICO, LOS CASTILLO, TAXCO, 200;" patina shows some wear, otherwise good condition.

A very similar dish is shown on page 92 in Mexican Silver by Berk & Morrill.

$275.00 (item #X776)

Charming Los Castillo copper snail (perhaps a stamp holder) with brass antennae; about 3" long x 2" high; marked " LOS CASTILLO;" nice soft patina, fine condition.

SOLD (item #X743)

$975.00 (item #X726)

Great Los Castillo necklace in sterling silver and gold-washed silver with white quartz beads and carved or etched quartz pendant with pre-Columbian design; 20" chain, pendant is about 2" long; clasp is marked: "STERLING, LOS CASTILLO, TAXCO;" some loss to the gold wash, otherwise fine condition.

$825.00 (item #X584)

Circular married metals pin with entwined dancers by Los Castillo; copper, brass, and silver; about 1-7/8" diameter; marked: "LOS CASTILLO, TAXCO, HECHO EN MEXICO, 109" and eagle mark with illegible number; light surface wear, otherwise fine condition.

$125.00 (item #X507)

Fred Davis (1880-1961) was an American who moved to Mexico in 1910.  Because of his interest in the jewelry worn by Mexican woman, he began to create designs based on this aesthetic, which included pre-Columbian motifs.  Many of the pieces marked "FD" include amethysts and carved stones with silver. His work is highly collectible for both its age, quality, and beauty.

Information can be found in Mexican Silver by Carole Berk and Penny Morril  and William Spratling and the Mexican Silver Renaissance.  His work was included in the traveling exhibit, William Spratling and the Mexican Silver Renaissance.

You can order Mexican Silver, $59.95 (item #SMB001) or Silver Masters of Mexico, $49.95 (item #SMB002) from MODERN SILVER magazine books  Please add $3.95 for shipping for each book.

Early Fred Davis sterling bracelet with turquoise; about 7" long x 1-3/4" wide; marked: "FD (conjoined, for Fred Davis), 925, SILVER, MEXICO;" turquoise shows age with a lovely blue-green color, a few of the silver balls have minor dents, otherwise fine condition.

$1,725.00 (item #X597)

Fred Davis sterling & onyx pin, c. 1930s; about 2-1/4" x 1-1/2"; marked with "FD" maker's mark; "SILVER, MEXICO;" some wear to the edges; otherwise fine condition.

 SOLD (item #X717)

Classic Fred Davis sterling and amethyst ring;  about 7-3/4; marked with maker's mark: "F inside D," and "MADE IN MEXICO;" great condition and patina.

SOLD (item #HPX037)

Exquisite hand-wrought sterling box with carved stone Aztec face, (I am unsure of the stone, but it is a soft blue and tan); circa 1930s; approximately 5-1/4" x 3-3/8" x 1-1/2" high; marked with conjoined "FD" mark and what appears to be "980;" a few very minor dents, otherwise fine condition.

$975.00 (item #X725)

Fred Davis handwrought miniature sterling box; approximately 1" x 3/4" x 1/2" high; marked with "FD (conjoined), 925;" top sits ever so slightly to one side; otherwise appears to be in original condition.

$225.00 (item #X779)

Rare handmade sterling, hinged bracelet by Fred Davis, ca. 1930s; beautiful cylindrical design; slightly over 7" long x 1-1/4" wide; marked with conjoined "FD ,SILVER, MEXICO;"  a few tiny indentations, otherwise fine condition.

Information can be found in Mexican Silver by Carole Berk and Penny Morrill, and William Spratling and the Mexican Silver Renaissance.  His work was included in the traveling exhibit, William Spratling and the Mexican Silver Renaissance. (You can order Mexican Silver or Silver Masters of Mexico from MODERN SILVER magazine books)

HUBERT HARMON STERLING AND AMETHYST CABOCHON BRACELET

Hubert Harmon sterling and amethyst bracelet; approximately 7-3/4" long; marked with maker's mark of two winged bare feet and: "STERLING, HUBERT HARMON MADE IN MEXICO;" a little nick in the silver bezel surrounding one of the amethysts, otherwise fine condition.

Information can be found in Mexican Silver by Carole Berk and Penny Morrill and William Spratling and the Mexican Silver Renaissance.  Her work was included in the traveling exhibit, William Spratling and the Mexican Silver Renaissance.

You can order Mexican Silver, $59.95 (item #SMB001) or Silver Masters of Mexico, $49.95 (item #SMB002) from MODERN SILVER magazine books  Please add $3.95 for shipping for each book.

MARGOT DE TAXCO STERLING BRACELET

Early Margot de Taxco sterling bracelet--one of her most beautiful designs; c. 1940s; approximately 7-3/4" long x  1-1/2" wide; marked: "MARGOT DE TAXCO,STERLING," and "MADE IN MEXICO" in a circle with an older style eagle mark with number "16," and design number "5240;" nice patina; catch is well designed so it almost disappears into the design; fine condition.

A beautiful pair of sterling and enamel earrings by Margot de Taxco; screwbacks; approximately 1-1/4" x 7/8"; marked: "MARGOT DE TAXCO, 538?, STERLING, MADE IN MEXICO, " and eagle stamp with number "16"; a couple of tiny, minor chips to the enamel surface that can only be seen with a 10X loupe, otherwise fine condition.

Antonio Pineda  (1919-2009) was born in Taxco, where his family had lived for generations. His artistry will go down in history as one of the very best from Mexico's metalsmiths.  His warm and unforgettable personality and his brilliance live on through the beautiful pieces he created.  

Though his earliest work includes natural subjects and traditional early Mexican designs, his later work, beginning in the 1950s is done in a highly modernist tradition with great ingenuity and quality. His work is some of the most desirable of all that was done in Taxco during his lifetime.

Information can be found in Mexican Silver by Carole Berk and Penny Morrill, Silver Masters of Mexico, by Penny Morrill and William Spratling and the Mexican Silver Renaissance.  His work was included in the traveling exhibit, William Spratling and the Mexican Silver Renaissance.

You can order Mexican Silver, $59.95 (item #SMB001) or Silver Masters of Mexico, $49.95 (item #SMB002) from MODERN SILVER magazine books  Please add $3.95 for shipping for each book.

See also: http://www.modernsilver.com/antoniopinedamemorial.htm
http://www.modernsilver.com/antoniointerview.html
http://www.modernsilver.com/Antoniointaxco.htm

SOLD (item #ME001)

A beautiful, modernist necklace by Antonio Pineda, excellent weight and quality; purchased directly from the artist in the 1950s; about 16" around the interior; longest pendant are each about 1-3/8" long; marked with Antonio crown stamp, eagle with #17, "970, SILVER;" some light surface wear, otherwise fine condition.

$4,200.00  (item #ME002)

Beautiful vintage 970 sterling screwback earrings with pearls by Antonio Pineda; 2-1/2" long; marked: "MEXICO, 970," and Antonio crown stamp; very light surface wear, otherwise fine condition.

$660.00 (item #AB-X853)

Vintage 970 sterling bracelet by Antonio Pineda; this is a classic Pineda design; heavy and chunky; approximately 7" long by 1" wide by 3/16" thick; marked: "MEXICO, 970, ZZ," and Antonio crown stamp; very light surface wear, otherwise fine condition.

An extremely beautiful and comprehensive collection of the work of Antonio Pineda was on display in the exhibit, Silver Seduction, the Art of Mexican Modernist Antonio Pineda at the Fowler Museum UCLA through March 15, 2009. See MODERN SILVER magazine's review of that exhibit by Sheila Pamfiloff, at  www.modernsilver.com/silver_seduction.htm

$1,950.00 (item #X762)

Rare and early Antonio Pineda 970 sterling bracelet; approximately 7" long by 1/2" wide by 3/8"deep; marked: "SILVER HECHO EN MEXICO, ZZ, 703, 970," Antonio crown stamp, and eagle with #17; light surface wear, catch is a little difficult to use (may need slight repair), otherwise fine condition.

$2,500.00 (item #X765)

Extremely rare, magnificent Antonio Pineda sterling and amethyst necklace and earrings set; necklace is approximately 14-1/4" long overall; beautiful, teardrop-shaped graduated amethyst drops extend down about 2"; earrings are each approximately 1-3/8" long x 1-3/4" wide; necklace is marked with Antonio crown stamp, eagle stamp with "17", "SILVER, 970, HECHO EN MEXICO;" one earring is marked with the Antonio crown stamp and the other with an eagle stamp with "17;" the bezels holding four of the larger amethysts (on the necklace) do not come together completely at the bottom (see larger photograph), but seem stable, otherwise the set is in very fine condition with a lovely, soft patina.

$10,700.00 (item #X770)

Antonio Pineda sterling link bracelet; approximately 1-1/8" wide x 7-1/8" long; marked with Antonio crown stamp, eagle stamp with what looks like #2, "TAXCO, MEXICO, C.M., 970;" light surface wear, otherwise fine condition.

Gorgeous modernist sterling and moonstone earrings by Antonio Pineda; each is approximately 1-1/8" x 3/4"; clips; marked with Antonio crown stamp, "STERLING, MEXICO, 970, SILVER" and eagle stamp with number 17; fine condition.

$495.00 (item #X714)

Classic Antonio Pineda design 970 sterling bracelet; ca. 1950's-60's; approximately 7-1/4" long x 1/2 wide x 1/4" deep; marked: "HECHO EN MEXICO," Antonio crown stamp, eagle mark with "17, 970;" nice patina, fine condition.

$1,400.00 (item #X610)

Sigi Pineda, (b. 1929) "developed his own style in the early 1950's, approaching a more international flavor to his work than his contemporaries and predecessors who were exploring symbolic Mexican themes. Sigi's version of organic modernism was inspirational in developing and establishing a new design sensibility in Taxco, Mexican modernism, adding to the established Mexican art vocabulary."  From Sigi Pineda, Looking to the Future, by Sheila Pamfiloff and Javier (Javi) Oliveres.

His work is highly collectible for it's quality and unique, recognizable designs.  It is featured in both Mexican Silver by Carole Berk and Penny Morrill and Silver Masters of Mexico by Penny Morrill.

You can order Mexican Silver, $59.95 (item #SMB001) or Silver Masters of Mexico, $49.95 (item #SMB002) from MODERN SILVER magazine books  Please add $3.95 for shipping for each book.

Incredible mid 20th century sterling and obsidian pin by Mexican master, Sigi Pineda; oxidation adds dimension; about size 2-1/2" x 1-3/8"; marked: "Sigi, TASCO, STERLING, HECHO EN MEXICO, 34," and eagle mark with number "36"; some surface wear, otherwise fine condition.

SOLD (item #AB-X854)

This is an exceptionally beautiful set by Sigi Pineda; the quality and design is fabulous; sterling reversible necklace with inlaid green stone (most likely Mexican jade) on one side and onyx on the other with double-sided pierced earrings--one side green and the other black--when you wear them, one color will be towards the face and the other facing outward; necklace is about 16" long, longest drop is approximately 1-3/4" graduating to the smallest pendant at about 1-1/8"; each earring is about 1-1/2" long with posts for pierced ears; necklace is marked: "Sigi, TASCO, STERLING, (rest is obscured) and eagle mark with number "36" and design number "299"great patina, fine condition.

$675.00 (item #AB-X859)

Exceptional mid 20th century sterling and obsidian pin by Mexican master, Sigi Pineda; about 2-1/2" x 1-3/4"; marked: "Sigi, TASCO, STERLING, HECHO EN MEXICO, 220," and eagle mark with number "3"; a little roughness to the silver on the "points" of the shape and a little on one edge, otherwise fine condition.

$225.00 (item #X831)  

Sigi Pineda mixed metals and inlaid stone plaque (most likely alpaca and copper); about 19-3/4" x 8"; inlaid signature: "Sigi;" alpaca has some pitting and tarnish, slight oxidation to the copper and there is some roughness on the edges; what appears to be a lacquered coating has pealed just slightly on one corner; otherwise good condition--a wonderful work of art by Sigi Pineda

$1,575.00 (item #X755)

Biomorphic sterling pin by Sigi Pineda, c. 1950s; about 2-1/2" x 1"; marked: "Sigi, TAXCO, STERLING, HECHO EN MEXICO" and eagle with #36, also design number, probably "24"; light surface wear, otherwise fine condition.

SOLD (item #X707)

It is rare to find original pieces by Matilde Poulat who introduced her company, Matl, in Taxco in 1934.  She was a trained artist who studied at the San Carlos Academy of Art in Mexico City. Her work in silver reflected a Mexican aesthetic that favored "the art of the Pre-Conquest Indians and of the Mexican pueblos." She participated in an exhibition of Latin American silver at the Pan American Union in Washington D.C. in 1941. When Matilde Poulat died, her nephew continued production jewelry in the Matl style, but signed the jewelry "Matl Salas."

Her early work in repoussè and semi-precious stones is highly desirable and collectible.

Information can be found in Mexican Silver by Carole Berk and Penny Morrill, Silver Masters of Mexico, by Penny Morrill and William Spratling and the Mexican Silver Renaissance.  Her work was included in the traveling exhibit, William Spratling and the Mexican Silver Renaissance.

You can order Mexican Silver, $59.95 (item #SMB001) or Silver Masters of Mexico, $49.95 (item #SMB002) from MODERN SILVER magazine books  Please add $3.95 for shipping for each book.

Matilde Eugenia Poulat introduced "Matl" in 1934, and since her death in 1960, her designs and techniques have been carried on by her nephew, Ricardo Salas. For Sr. Salas, who can recite poetry in the language of the Aztecs, the mark, "Matl," has greater meaning in its reference to the Nahuatl or Aztec word for water, "atl." (from Mexican Silver, by Penny Chittim Morrill and Carole A. Berk).

SOLD (item #HPX052)

Matilde Poulat  amethyst and turquoise earrings, c. 1950s-60s; about 2-1/8" long x 1-1/8" wide at bottom; marked with illegible script and etched signature:"Matl, 925," and her eagle mark, "129," (only the 9 is legible), the screwbacks are stamped "ALPACA;" varying sizes of turquoise, one small chip on one of the amethyst, some wear, otherwise fine condition.

SOLD (item #HPM035)

His work is highly collectible and quite rare.

Information can be found in Mexican Silver by Carole Berk and Penny Morrill, Silver Masters of Mexico, by Penny Morrill and William Spratling and the Mexican Silver Renaissance.  Her work was included in the traveling exhibit, William Spratling and the Mexican Silver Renaissance.

You can order Mexican Silver, $59.95 (item #SMB001) or Silver Masters of Mexico, $49.95 (item #SMB002) from MODERN SILVER magazine books  Please add $3.95 for shipping for each book.

SALVADOR TERAN STERLING CHOKER

Salvador Vaca Teran sterling choker with bold, abstract design, C. 1950s; about 15-1/2" around; front section is about 1-1/4" wide (at the widest section); marked in script: "Salvador," and "STERLING, MEXICO," and "115;" some light surface wear, otherwise fine condition.

Elegant Salvador Teran sterling necklace; approximately 5-5/8 x 4-1/2"; marked: "Salvador, STERLING, MEXICO;" with eagle mark 36, 1, 161; nice patina; slight surface wear, otherwise fine condition.

$665.00 (item #AB-X853)

Brass lidded box with stone tile mosaic by Salvador Teran, c. 1950s; about 4-3/8" high x 3-1/16" wide x 2-3/8" deep; brown tiles with golden flecks; interior and bottom are reddish brown (glaze or paint); marked: "Salvador, HANDWROUGHT, HECHO EN MEXICO, 424;" fine condition.

$725.00(item #X745)

A great early pair of sterling earrings by Mexican master Salvador Vaca Teran; each is approximately 1-1/2" long x 3/4" wide; screwbacks; one is marked: "Salvador (in script), SILVER, MEXICO," and the other is marked: "SILVER MEXICO, STERLING MEXICO;" fine condition with good patina.

$225.00 (item #X571)

Brass lidded box with stone tile mosaic by Salvador Teran, c. 1950s; about 4-3/8" high x 3-1/16" wide x 2-1/4" deep; soft blue-green stone; interior and bottom is lavender (glaze or paint); marked: "Salvador, HANDWROUGHT, HECHO EN MEXICO, 424;" fine condition.

$725.00 (item #X641)

Copper tray with stone tile mosaic by Salvador Teran, c. 1950s; beautiful deep reddish-brown patina; about 12-1/2" long x 6" wide; tiles are in fine condition; tray has a crack through the metal on one end (see larger photograph on html page); marked: "HANDWROUGHT, HECHO EN MEXICO, Salvado, 425."

$225.00 (item #X642)

William Spratling (1900-1967) has been called by many 'a Renaissance Man.' Throughout Mexico he is acknowledged as "The Father of Mexican Silver." Certainly the town of Taxco and its economy would be vastly different without the initiative and creativity of this man. He complemented its valuable historic past with a new vitality and spirit which recognized the importance of the indigenous culture. The artistic and economic foundation he established continues to flourish today."  (This is taken from a biography of William Spratling by Phyllis Goddard.  Please see the whole biography at http://www.spratlingsilver.com/spratling.htm)

Also read:  http://www.modernsilver.com/Williamspratlinghallmarks.htm

Information can be found in Mexican Silver by Carole Berk and Penny Morrill, Silver Masters of Mexico, by Penny Morrill and William Spratling and the Mexican Silver Renaissance.  His work was included in the traveling exhibit, William Spratling and the Mexican Silver Renaissance.

You can order Mexican Silver, $59.95 (item #SMB001) or Silver Masters of Mexico, $49.95 (item #SMB002) from MODERN SILVER magazine books  Please add $3.95 for shipping for each book.

A magnificent, rare pair of William Spratling sterling earrings; each is about 2-1/4" long x 1-1/2" wide; screwbacks; one earring is marked with c. 1960s "WS" script square mark, .925, WILLIAM SPRATLING, TAXCO, MEXICO and the other with an eagle mark with number "30;" one tiny indentation on the edge of one earrings, otherwise fine condition.

SOLD (item #CJX025)

$2,500.00 (item #KZX004)

A fabulous 1930s William Spratling sterling link bracelet; about 7-1/2" long x 1" wide; marked with the 1930s "WS" print mark, "TAXCO" and "980"; pin-type closure and safety chain; fine condition--a real treasure for any collector of vintage Spratling silver.

SOLD (item #X832)

William Spratling amethyst and sterling earrings c. 1940's; 3/4" diameter; marked: "SPRATLING, MADE IN MEXICO, with Spratling WS conjoined print mark on one earring and on other earring, "SPRATLING, SILVER;" otherwise fine condition.

SOLD (item #HC003)

Great early tin candlestick by William Spratling, c. 1930s, early 1940s; about 9-1/4" high; marked with "WS" conjoined, TAXCO, MEXICO;"  few dents; wonderful old patina.

$1,725.00  (item #X641)

A great vintage pair of tin candlesticks by William Spratling; patinated with a brown finish; each is approximately 3-1/2" high x 4-3/4" diameter; each is marked with both large and small conjoined "WS" and "TAXCO;" nice old patina, fine condition.

$2,145.00  (item #X642)

William Spratling sterling silver jigger; about 5" high; one end is 1-3/4" diameter and the other 1-1/2" diameter; marked with the "WS" script mark and "WILLIAM SPRATLING, TAXCO, MEXICO" (used from 1951 - 1967); top and bottom edges are slightly irregular from wear, otherwise fine condition.

SOLD  (item #X644)

A similar pin can be seen on the Spratling silver site at Http://www.spratlingsilver.com/spratlingsilver_cfmfiles/main/search3.cfm?id=849

$565.00 (item #X561)

Beautiful William Spratling sterling cornucopia pin with three tulip shaped flowers of malachite; ca. 1944-46; about 2-5/8" x 1-3/4"; marked with Spratling "WS" print mark in a circle with the words "SPRATLING, MADE IN MEXICO" and "STERLING;" fine condition.

See an example of this pin with different stones and a slightly earlier mark at http://www.spratlingsilver.com/spratlingsilver_cfmfiles/main/search3.cfm?id=2956

SOLD (item #X563)

Very rare William Spratling sterling and copper married metals cuff, c. 1960s; band is about 3/4" wide; inside diameter approximately 2-1/4"; opening is about 1-1/4"; shows fine surface wear, otherwise fine condition; marked with Spratling's conjoined "WS" script mark and eagle with number "63."

$2,950.00 (item #X454)

Great William Spratling sterling cuff; ca. 1933-1938; about 1/2" wide; inside diameter approximately 2-1/2"; opening is about 1-5/8"; fits a larger wrist--would look very nice on a man; marked with "WS" print hallmark in a circle, "TAXCO, 980"; cuff has a small crack in the silver (bottom middle), but is stable.

$925.00 (item #X586)

Victoria was the name of the silver shop of Ana Maria Nunez de Brilanti., founded in 1940. She worked in silver, copper, and mixed metals. Her designs are distinctive and beautifully created.  She designed a necklace for First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt who admired the piece so much that she had Ana copy it for her friends.

Victoria pieces are highly collectible.

Information can be found in Mexican Silver by Carole Berk and Penny Morrill, Silver Masters of Mexico, by Penny Morrill and William Spratling and the Mexican Silver Renaissance.  Her work was included in the traveling exhibit, William Spratling and the Mexican Silver Renaissance.

You can order Mexican Silver, $59.95 (item #SMB001) or Silver Masters of Mexico, $49.95 (item #SMB002) from MODERN SILVER magazine books  Please add $3.95 for shipping for each book.

Nine absolutely stunning hand-wrought copper dinner plates with incised lines by Victoria of Taxco, c. 1940s; each plate is approximately 11-1/2" in diameter and each is marked: "VICTORIA, TAXCO, MEXICO, COPPER, 600;"each plate has a bit of oxidation in places, but all are in overall fine condition.

$650.00 for the set (item #SX002)

One of the nicest butterfly pins I've seen- beautiful three-dimensional mixed metals example by Victoria (Ana Maria Nunez de Brilanti), c. 1940s-50s; sterling silver, copper brass and dark silver; wing span is about 2-5/8"; marked: "214, VICTORIA TAXCO, STERLING," and eagle mark with what looks like number 12; some surface wear and reverse looks like it may have been lacquered, otherwise fine condition.

Great vintage Victoria of Taxco copper box with applied sterling silver donkeys, figures and knobs; interior also appears to be silver--I have not polished it; wonderful old patina; about 4-3/16" x 5-1/4" x 7/8" deep; shows wear, but it is very charming! Marked on bottom: "262, VICTORIA, TAXCO, MEXICO."

$375.00 (item #X648)

Other vintage, handmade Mexican pieces

The "Owl and the Pussycat" mixed metals Mexican rings, c. 1950s; one is the figure of a cat in silver and brass inlaid in silver; the other appears to be an owl in copper and brass; bands are sterling; cat ring is about size 7-1/4, owl ring is about size 9; these would be fun worn together--one on the ring finger and the other on the middle finger; each is marked: "MEXICO, FNR, TAXCO, 925;" cat ring has an eagle mark with number "3;" both are in fine, vintage condition.

$125.00 each ($225.00 for the pair) (item #JPX002) NEW!

$215.00  (item #HPX053)

King Pacal (also known as Pacal the Great) was born in the year 603 A.D. He was king of the Maya Kingdom of Palenque and is said to have reigned for 67 years until his death at the age of 80. Pacal initiated a building program at his capital that produced some of the finest art and architecture of the Maya civilization. After his death, Pacal the Great was worshiped as a god, and said to communicate with his descendants.

$365.00 (item #HPX050)

VINTAGE, STERLING AND ONYX MEXICAN NECKLACE

Fabulous vintage Mexican necklace; sterling with onyx cabochons; approximately 18" long; marked "AE" within a heart-shaped "M"; some very light surface wear, otherwise fine condition.

CASA PRIETO WIDE, STERLING AND AMETHYST BRACELET

Beautiful, Casa Prieto sterling and amethyst wide, hinged bracelet; approximately 7-1/2" around and 2-7/8" wide; marked: "CASA PRIETO, SILVER MEXICO;" catch is a tube/post design; fine condition.

PLATA FINA DE TAXCO, POLO, STERLING AND BLACK ONYX MEXICAN BRACELET

Exceptional Mexican bracelet that uses the "onix negro" technique that was perfected by Los Castillo; a ying yang-type design with onyx and silver, backed with a silver plate; just slightly over 7" long x 1-1/4" wide; marked: "PoLo" in a circle, "PLATA FINA DE TAXCO;";" "0.925;" some wear to the onyx, one tiny crack at the top of the onyx in one link and light surface wear to the silver, but in overall fine fine condition with an excellent closing mechanism.

VINTAGE MEXICAN STERLING NECKLACE BY LOPEZ

Vintage sterling Lopez sterling link necklace with wonderful Mexican design in repoussé; about 17-1/2" around; linked front plate is about 4-1/4" x 2"; marked: "LOPEZ, TAXCO," (in an oval), "925," and eagle mark with "23;" nice patina; light surface wear; otherwise fine condition.

STERLING MEXICAN CLAMPER BY J. GOMEZ

Sterling Mexican clamper marked: "TAXCO, 926, J. GOMEZ; STERLING, HECHO EN MEXICO;" nice patina; some light surface wear and one small dent, otherwise fine condition; hinge works well.

MEXICAN STERLING AND ONYX BRACELET

Exceptional design, sterling and onyx bracelet; about 6-1/2" long; mark has two pine trees, "T9-79, MEXICO," and "925;" fine condition.

Beautiful and comfortable to wear, sterling bracelet with turquoise by Calderas, Mexico, c. 1950s-60s; very much a Ledesma-type design; about 7" long x almost 1" wide; marked: "CALDERAS, 925," and eagle mark with number "3;" light surface wear, otherwise fine condition.

SOLD (item #HPXM039)

Romantic Mexican sterling and amethyst bracelet; about 2-1/2" long x 1" wide; marked: "MEXICO STERLING;" very light surface wear, otherwise fine condition.

SOLD (item #CJX016)

MEXICAN STERLING NECKLACE WITH PRE-COLUMBIAN DESIGNS

Exceptional Mexican sterling necklace with pre-Columbian motifs; about 24" long; smaller motifs are about 3/4" long; pendant section is is about  2-3/8" long; marked: "CJ, GC20, MEXICO 925;" nice patina, slight surface wear, otherwise fine condition.

$565.00 (item #HP002)

Early, 980 Sterling Mexican bracelet; excellent design and quality; about 1--1/4" wide x 6-1/2" long (fits small wrist); pin-type catch; marked: "980, TAXCO;" a few tiny dents in the balls, otherwise fine condition with great patina.

$450.00 (item #KK040)

Miguel Melendez sterling, faceted amethyst, and pearl cufflinks; nice patina; 1" x 1/4"; marked: "m" (lower case) within a "C" (the "m" curls around itself to form a "C") "TAXCO" on one cufflink and "MADE IN MEXICO" circling an eagle mark; slight surface wear, otherwise fine condition.

Mexican sterling linked bracelet, c. 1940s-50s; great weight; nice patina; about 7-1/4" long (closed) x  1/4" wide; marked: "JS" (inside of a circle), MEXICO, TAXCO 925" and eagle mark with number "3;" light surface wear, otherwise fine condition.

SOLD (item #X824)

Mexican sterling earrings with mobile circles; fun and beautiful; 3" x 1-1/8"; marked on metal tag: "TM-107, 925;" very slight surface wear, otherwise fine condition.

Lovely Erika Hult de Corral sterling bracelet with green stone which appears to be Mexican jade; inside diameter approximately 2-3/8 x 2"; marked: "RIC; STERLING, MEXICO; and eagle mark with number 36;  slight surface wear, otherwise fine condition.

Taken from "Mexican Silver Trade and Hallmarks" by Bille Hougart

$450.00 (item #AB-X850)

Heavy Mexican sterling bracelet of excellent quality in the style of Antonio Pineda; about 8" long x 1" wide; marked: "925, TAXCO, STERLING;" some light surface wear, otherwise fine condition.

SOLD (item #X752)

Large copper tray / wall hanging with stone tile mosaic in the style of Salvador; red patina (probably painted); about 21" (including handle) x 7-1/2"; great scene of a seated couple--very colorful! A tiny bit of stone loss-overall fine condition; no marks.

$225.00 (item #X643)

Beautiful early Mexican sterling and onyx necklace in the style of Fred Davis or Hector Aguilar, about 1" wide x 18" long; makers marks are mostly illegible, but what can be read is: "HECHO EN MEXICO, 925;" great patina, fine condition.

$650.00 (item #X731)

Beautiful mid-20th century Mexican sterling bracelet and earrings set; bracelet is about 7" long x 7/8" wide; screwback earrings are each approximately 7/8" x 3/4"; each piece is marked: "RM, HECHO EN MEXICO, D.F.925"; some dents in the balls on the bracelet, otherwise fine condition with good patina.

(item #X734) SOLD

Charming Los Castanares sterling pin of a Mexican man with sombrero playing a guitar, c. 1950's; about 1-3/4" x 2"; marked: "LOS CASTANARES, 925, MEXICO;" safety catch is missing it's middle section, otherwise fine condition.

$125.00 (item #X775)

Beautiful, classic 1950's Mexican sterling and onyx necklace; larger pendants are each about 1-1/4" x 1-3/8"; entire necklace is approximately 20" long; marked on clasp "JE, HECHO EN MEXICO, 925;" clasp is slightly bent but still works fine, some loss of patina, otherwise fine condition.

SOLD (item #X777)

Classic sterling bracelet by Los Ballesteros; designed like a cuff but hinged in the back; inside diameter approximately 2-1/2", band tapers from about 2" in the front to 3/4" in the back; marked with Los Ballesteros double B makers mark, HECHO EN MEXICO, MM-34, 925;" also inscribed "The Light, the Heat in Your Eyes, Love... Rick, 5-87" and "D.R.C.;" some light wear, otherwise fine condition.

$265.00 (item #X782)

Wonderful design Mexican Sterling pin/pendent, c. 1950s; approximately 2-5/8" x 1-1/2"; marked: "M R, STERLING, 925, TAXCO, MEX," and eagle with #3; nice old patina, some light surface wear, otherwise fine condition.

$175.00 (item #X713)

Unusual and interesting design large sterling Mexican hinged bangle, c. 1986; about 1-1/8" wide x 3/4" thick (at the corners); marked: "TA-19" and inscribed: "1986" and illegible initials; some light scratches and a couple very small dents, otherwise good condition.

$450.00  (item #X715)

Mexican sterling Aztec brooch with exceptional carved face; absolutely beautiful stone, probably azure malachite; about 3-1/4" x 1-1/2"; marked: "MEXICO, STERLING, TAXCO, 925," and eagle stamp with #3; fine condition.

$225.00 (item #X704)

Exceptionally beautiful modernist design--sterling necklace with twenty-five undulating pendants, each with a prong-set blue stone (either lapis or sodalite), longest pendant is about 2-1/4" and shortest is 1"; about 15" long overall; marked: "925, MEXICO, STERLING;" fine condition.

Great, early pre-Columbian style rooster in 980 silver by Artemio Navarret; about 2-3/8" x 1-3/4"; marked with Navarret's hallmark: "AN (conjoined), 980;" fine condition.

SOLD (item #X625)

Mexican handmade sterling bangle in an ovoid, twisted design; about 3/4" at the widest section; inside diameter approximately 2-1/2"; fine condition; marked: "MEXICO, TM-81, 925, and  JVC."

$215.00 (item #X555)

Huge handmade brass pendant and chain; Three stones including turquoise, tiger's eye and a blue-green stone; pendant is approximately 3" x 3", chain is about 28" long; piece is marked "HECHO EN MEXICO, and L.B.;" fine condition

$235.00 (item #X627)

Vintage Mexican sterling pin; 980 silver; approximately 2-1/4" x 1-1/2"; original C-catch; marked: "TAXCO, 980;" nice old patina with oxidation on the front (piece may have had some type of inlay at one time); reverse has a copper-colored stain.

$185.00 (item #X607)

Great older Mexican pin in the pre-Columbian jaguar-serpent motif; sterling with stone (I'm unsure of the type of stone--black with streaks of green); approximately 3" long x 1-3/4" wide; marked with overlapping letters (see larger photo), "TAXCO, 925, 189;" safety catch has been added with lead solder and there is a tiny splash of copper upper right, otherwise fine condition.

SOLD (item #X567)

Great looking Mexican mixed metals bolo; double-headed serpent design; silver, copper, brass and turquoise; about 39" overall braided leather cord with silver tips; slide is marked: "METALES, TAXCO, SH, HECHO EN MEXICO," and eagle mark with number "3;" cord shows some wear; slide is in fine condition with great patina.

SOLD (item #X473)

Highly sculptural constructivist sterling handmade pin; about 3" long x 1-1/2" high x 3/4" deep; marked: "MEXICO, 925, STERLING, GC-01, GERROBLANCO" and illegible script signature, some light surface wear, otherwise fine condition.

$225.00 (item #X627)

Great early handmade sterling Mexican necklace; exceptional quality; weighs about 5 ounces; approximately 16 1/2" long x 5/8" wide with ingenious clasp; marked: "MM, STERLING MEXICO, TAX, 980," and eagle marked with number "3"; nice patina, fine condition.

SOLD (item #X606)

Great older Mexican sterling swan pin with onyx eye; about 2" x 3-1/2"; marked: "STERLING, MEXICO;" fine condition.

Intricate, early Mexican sterling pin with wonderful carved green stone and filigreed bezel; about 2-11/4" square; marked; "SILVER, MEXICO;" nice patina, fine condition.

$250.00 (item #X619)

Sterling belt buckle with pre-Columbian bird design; heavy and substantial; about 2-3/4" x 2-1/4"; marked; "MOTA, TASCO, MEXICO, 0925," and eagle stamp with illegible number; shows substantial surface wear, otherwise fine condition.

$350.00  (item #X573)

Early Mexican circular brooch with pre-Columbian design; approximately 1-3/4" diameter; marked: "TAXCO, 980;" C-catch has been neatly replaced with a safety catch; excellent condition, great patina.

$175.00 (item #X392)