Catalog (156)

Nice example of the work of Taller Borda designer Gabriel Flores (c.1950)who worked with Hector Aguilar and was allowed to use his own GF hallmark along with Aguilar's eagle # 9 and the Taller Borda hallmark. Face of each link is 1 inch X 1/2 inch wide.

This pin was orginally designed by Mexico artist Frederick Davis in the 1930's. This piece is signed MEXICO SILVER but without the FD mark. Measuring 3 1/2 inches long and 1 1/2 wide. 8 cab amethyst stones guard a large faceted amethyst in the center. Pin back works perfectly. Tiny flea bite in the center stone that can be felt but not seen. No dents, dings or repairs to silver.

Collectable sterling silver pin designed and signed (c.1920's) by Fred Davis (1880-1961). Handmade of heavy gauge silver the pin measures 1 3/8" across. Features the early "C" clasp. Beautiful vintage conditon. Pictured on Page 29 of MEXICAN SILVER by Penny Morrill and Carole Berk. Buyer to pay $7.00 US Priority mail & insurance.

Early handmade sterling silver link bracelet designed (c.1940's)by noted Taxco, Mexico artist Hector Aguilar (1905-1986). Measures 8 inches long and 1 inch wide. Heavy yet very wearable at 3.9 oz.(107 grams). Beautiful vintage condition. No dents, dings or repairs. Clasp snaps closed smoothly and securely. Pictured on page 68 of SILVER MASTERS OF MEXICO by Penny Morrill.Shipping and insurance included.

Handmade sterling silver keychain or watch fob designed (1940's) and signed by Taxco, Mexico artist Hector Aguilar (1905-1986). Belt slide is 1 1/2" X 1". Sterling chain is 17" long. 1.7 oz., 48 grams. Sterling key holder opens and closes perfectly. No dents or dings. Applied initials can be easily removed. Pictured on page 103 of SILVER MASTERS OF MEXICO by Penny Morrill. Great gift idea. US Priority mail shipping and insurance included.

Very early (1930-40's) handmade sterling silver creamer and sugar set with tray designed and signed by Taxco, Mexico artist William Spratling (1900-67). The set weighs 560grms. The serving tray has a handhammered finish & measures 10 1/4" X 6 1/4", 241 grms. Beautiful conditon with some very light surface scratching. Signed WS TAXCO MEXICO 925 Creamer- 3" X 4 1/2", Sugar- 3 3/4" X 4 1/2", both in beautidful condition, no dents or dings. Signed WS SPRATLING MADE IN MEXICO, STERLING. Spratling designs are part of museum collections around the world.

Twin fish necklace in amethyst and brass signed MAYA MEXICO after a design first introduced by Hubert Harmon (c.1940-50). This necklace will comfortably fit up to a 15 inch neck. The two fish and amethyst drop measure 5 1/2 inches across. Both fish have an amethyst eye and a faceted amethyst stone extending from their tail. A single amethyst cab hangs between the 2 fish. Each brass chain measures 5 1/2 inches.

Intricately constructed 980 sterling silver and amethyst pin or brooch designed and hallmarked (c.1930) by Taxco, Mexico artist William Spratling (1900-67). Pin measures 2 5/8" X 2 1/4". Oval amethyst cab surrounded by raised Aztec figures and applied silver beads. Excellent vintage condition. No chips, or cracks to the stone. No dents or dings to silver. Pin back and safety work perfectly. Pictured-spratlingsilver.com and SPRATLING SILVER: A FIELD GUIDE by Phyllis Goddard.

Early handmade sterling silver bracelet(c.1930) and ring (c.1940) designed and signed by Taxco, Mexico artist William Spratling(1900-67). Both pieces fully hallmarked. Each is hand forged from heavy gauge sterling silver with a hand tooled rope design. The cuff bracelet is 6 1/4" from end to end with a 1 1/4" gap. It's 1 1/2" wide at the terminals tapering to 3/4" in the center, 49grams, 1.7oz. Fine vintage condition. One small nic on inner edge near marks (see picture). No dents, cracks or repairs. The ring is 1/2" wide and a size 9, 5grams. Perfect condition. Both are pictured on the excellent website spratlingsilver.com Please see WILLIAM SPRATLING AND THE MEXICAN SILVER RENAISSANCE for additional works and information on this famous designer.

Rare sterling silver cuff bracelet set with 2 obsidian stones designed and signed c. 1950's by Taxco, Mexico artist William Spratling. Front panel is 1 1/2" high. Inside measures 5 1/2" from end to end. The opening gap is 1 1/2" wide. Will fit up to a 7 inch wrist. Weighs 70 grams, 2.5 oz. Beautiful condition with no dents or dings. Signed WS 925 WILLIAM SPRATLING, TAXCO, MEXICO, eagle 30.

Early handmade arts and crafts copper and mirror box designed and signed by Taxco, Mexico artist Hector Aguilar. Meaures 6 1/2"L X 4 1/4"D X 2 1/4"H. Mirrors on 5 sides are in fine vintage condition with no cracks or chips. The copper has a beautiful untouched patina. Two corners on the base are slightly seperated which appear to be original to the handmaking of the piece. See pictures. Hinged mirror top opens to a copper interior. Insured shipping included within the U.S.

Rare sterling silver and enamel necklace and bracelet "Jazz" set designed and signed (c.1950's)by Taxco, Mexico artist Margot Van Voorhies(1896-1985). Bracelet measures 7" long and 15/16" wide. Necklace measures 17" long with the center motif measuring 2 3/4" by 1 1/4". Both necklace and bracelet are signed MARGOT DE TAXCO, eagle 16, STERLING, MADE IN MEXICO, 5743. Beautiful vintage condition with no chips, cracks or enamel loss. This set is pictured in the newly released book MARGOT VAN VOORHIES THE ART OF MEXICAN ENAMELWORK by Penny Morrill p.152.

Vintage sterling silver and copper pin or brooch designed and signed (1940's) by American and Taxco, Mexico artist William Spratling(1900-67). Pin measures 3 3/8" across. Fully hallmarked with Spratling's 1940 marks. Beautiful condition with an excellent patina. No dents or dings. Pin and lock work perfectly. Matching earrings also available. Pictured in MEXICAN SILVER by Penny Morrill and Carole Berk on p.57.

This rare vintage sterling silver and sodalite necklace and earrings was designed and signed c. 1950's by Taxco, Mexico modernist designer Antonio Pineda (1919-2009). Comprised of 14 sterling silver bezel set links each holding a deep blue stone veined with pink to cream to gold calcite accents. Necklace measures 15 1/2" wearable length and 5/8" wide. Slide in clasp is tight and secure. Screw back earrings are 1 1/2" long and designed with the same open silver platform backing as the necklace. Hallmarks are the ANTONIO CROWN with TAXCO within, 970, STERLING and eagle with number. One earring carries the Antonio crown hallmark. All stones are in beautiful condition with no chips or cracks. An amethyst bracelet in this design is pictured in SILVER SEDUCTION THE ART OF MEXICAN MODERNIST ANTONIO PINEDA p.144. Insured shipping included.

Rare pencil signed and numbered lithograph by American and Taxco, Mexico artist William Spratling (1900-67). This depiction of Fiesta Mexicana was printed in 1931 from the original drawing for Spratling's 1932 book LITTLE MEXICO. Signed Spratling in the lower left and numbered 11/35. Litho measures 11 1/2" X 7". Measurements with matting - 12 1/2" X 11 1/2". The piece is not framed. Beautiful original condition. This image introduces the chapter FIESTA MEXICANA on page 69 of Spratlings' LITTLE MEXICO . Purchased from the Weyhe Gallery in New York many years ago. The Weyhe Gallery had a long standing relationship with Spratling in the 1930's and 40's to represent his art as well as the Mexican artists he championed. In her book MEXICAN SILVER, P.20 Penny Morrill explains Spratling's relationship with the Weyhe Gallery and Carl Ziggrosser who ran the gallery - "The correspondence between Spratling and Ziggrosser documents their efforts in insuring that the work of David Alfaro Sigueiros, Diego Rivera, Carlos Merida, and Jose Orozco would be exhibited and sold in New York". This is a rare museum quality piece. The British museum has a litho from this series in it's permanent collection.

Intricately designed 970 sterling silver bracelet designed and signed by Taxco, Mexico modernist artist Antonio Pineda. Bracelet is 6 1/2"Long X 3/4"W. Beautiful condition with no dents, dings or repairs. Catch is tight and secure. Safety chain attached. This 1950's design called "Armadillo Scales" was featured in the recent Antonio museum exhibit and is pictured on p.127 of the catalog - SILVER SEDUCTION THE ART OF MEXICAN MODERNIST ANTONIO PINEDA.

This modernist sterling silver necklace features a pendant centered with alexandrite crystal and cultured pearl was designed c.1950's by Taxco, Mexico artist Antonio Pineda. The chain measures 22 inches. The 3/4"L alexandrite crystal changes colors with the light from rich reds to deep blues and purples. The large pearl is a luminous cream. Signed on the back of the pendant with the ANTONIO's CROWN & TAXCO hallmark. The slide-in clasp is tight and secure and hallmarked with eagle 3 Taxco Mexico, 925, JCC. This vintage piece is in perfect condition.

Fantastic and rare sterling silver and turquoise cuff bracelet designed and signed in the 1950's by Hopi native american artist Preston Monongye(1927-87). 1 1/2 inches wide. The inside of the cuff measures 5 1/2" from end to end. The gap opening is 1 1/2" for a total wearable length of 6 3/4 to 7 inches. This sterling silver tufa cast bracelet weighs 114 grams or 4.0 oz. Fully hallmarked. The design features 4 rectangular turquoise stones. There is a pinhead size hole on one end of the cuff which appears to be a part of the original design. The bracelet is in exquisite condition. Price on request includes insured shipping.

Vintage pearl and sterling silver bracelet designed and signed circa 1950's by Taxco, Mexico modernist artist Antonio Pineda. Bracelet measures 6 1/4" long X 5/8" wide. Hallmarked with Antonio crown, Taxco, 970 and eagle. The design features 11 pearls each set within a round oxidized silver cup. Each cup framed by a thick silver square. Secure, tight slide-in clasp with attached safety chain. Bracelet is in beautiful condition with no damage or repairs.

This vintage & versatile 940 sterling silver "clipped incised coin" necklace was designed and signed circa 1940-45 by Taxco, Mexico artist Hector Aguilar. The necklace measures 1 inch wide and 32 inches long. The construction of the piece allows links to be unclipped for a shorter length as an option. It can be worn as a belt as well. Excellent condition with no dents or dings. Beautiful naturally aged patina. Signed on clasp HA 940 TAXCO. This design was made in two widths. This is the wider 1 inch version. Pictured on p.102 of SILVER MASTERS OF MEXICO by Penny Morrill.

This impressive 2 3/4" sterling silver cuff studded with 30 amethyst cabs was hallmarked c. 1940 by Manuel Altamirano, senior silversmith in Hector Aguilar's Taller Borda. Interior length measures 5 1/2" end to end. The gap opening is 1 1/2". Terminals measure 2 3/4" wide, center front is 2 1/2" wide. Weight 79 grams. The bracelet is in beautiful condition. See p. 198 of Silver Masters of Mexico for more detailed information on Altamirano. Pieces signed Altamirano are scarce.

Large vintage circa 1930's sterling silver belt buckle designed by William Spratling, executed and signed by Artemio Navarrete. Navarrete was Spratling's first master silversmith and trained other silver artisans in Spratling's early Taxco, Mexico work shop. The buckle measures 2" X 2" and will accommodate a 1 1/4" wide strap. Weight - 20 grams or .8oz. Hallmarked on reverse conjoined AN, 980 and TAXCO. This design is pictured on Phyllis Goddards' excellent website spratlinsilver.com. Also pictured along with other early Spratling belt buckles in SPRATLING SILVER by Cederwall and Riney. Excellent condition with no dings or repairs.

Vintage 1950's sterling silver and shattuckite pin or brooch designed and signed by Frank Patania Sr. Pin measures 3 1/4"L X 2 1/2"W. Signed on the back - FP STERLING with Patania's THUNDERBIRD hallmark. An Italian immigrant, Patania migrated to Santa Fe, N.M. and opened his Thunderbird shop in 1927. Patania established a style of handcrafted southwest American jewelry by blending European silversmith technology with Native American design. His grandson Sam Patania confirms that the stones in this pin are a mineral called shattuckite from southern Arizona and that the grade of stones his grandfather used in this pins' construction are very rare. Pin is in beautiful condition with no nicks, chips or repairs. Insured shipping included within the U.S.

Rare, sculptural 3 dimensional sterling silver pin or brooch signed (circa 1930's) by Taxco, Mexico artist Frederick Davis. Hand hammered, formed and assembled piece by piece this wearable work of art measures 3 inches across X 2 1/2 inches high. Pin weighs 1 oz., 28grams. No dents dings or repairs. Pin back and safety lock work perfectly. Signed on the reverse FD SILVER MEXICO.

Vintage, rarely seen on the market 940 sterling silver graduated disc bracelet designed and signed circa 1948-62 by famous Taxco, Mexico artist & silver Maestro Hector Aguilar. The center front disc measures 1 1/2" high. The bracelet's inner circumference when closed is 7". Bracelet weighs 85 grams or 3 oz. Slide-in clasp works perfectly. No dents are dings to silver. Beautiful soft original patina. Fully hallmarked on the clasp. This design is pictured on p. 139 of SILVER MASTERS OF MEXICO by Penny Morrill.

Intricate sterling silver 3 panel bracelet designed and signed in the 1950's by Taxco, Mexico modernist designer Sigi Pineda. Measures 1 1/8 inch wide at the center front. Will fit up to a 6 1/2 inch wrist. Weighs 71 grams or 2.05oz. The center panel is comprised of a cross hatch shadow box design. The two side panels are hinged with a slide in clasp and safety catch. Fully hallmarked SIGI, TASCO, STERLING HECHO EN MEXICO & eagle assay mark. Beautiful vintage condition with unpolished patina. No dents, dings or repairs. Clasp and safety are tight and secure.

Davis designed this Art Deco sterling & amethyst bracelet in the 1930"s. Signed FD SILVER MEXICO the bracelet is 6 3/4" long X 1" wide. Both silver and stones are in beautiful condition. Clasp is tight and secure. Fred Davis designs are included in the 20th century Mexican silver collection at Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Penny Morrill has written about and featured Fred Davis works in several of her books on Mexican silver including WILLIAM SPRATLING AND THE MEXICAN SILVER RENAISSANCE.

This spectacular sterling silver and shell cuff was designed circa 1950's by American and Taxco, Mexico artist William Spratling. The cuff measures 1 1/2" at the widest point in the center front. It has a 1 3/8" gap opening and a wearable length of up to a 6 3/4" wrist. The deep brown and pale golden shell inlay is held in place by silver rivets. Exquisite condition with no cracks or chips. Signed on the reverse WILLIAM SPRATLING TAXCO MEXICO with the eagle assay mark #30. Pictured on p.174 of MEXICAN JEWELRY by Greta Pack and Mary Davis, in Spratling Silver: A Field Guide by Phyllis Goddard and in the Spratling Silver Folio of Drawings.

Iconic pair of vintage, handmade sterling silver pins or brooches designed and signed circa 1930 by Taxco and Mexico City artist Frederick W. Davis(1880-1961). Each pin measures 2 1/4" high. The pair weigh 37 grams, 1.03 oz. Each pin is signed on the back with the Fred Davis conjoined FD, SILVER, MADE IN MEXICO. Both in beautiful condition. Early C clasp pin backs are tight and secure. This 3 dimensional, sculptural pair of pins are pictured on page 29 of MEXICAN SILVER by Penny Morrill and Carole Berk. Highly collectible, it's rare to find this couple as a pair. Fred Davis designs are included in the permanent collection of 20th Century Mexican silver at LACMA, Los Angeles County Museum of Art.

Exquisite sterling silver bracelet designed and signed circa 1948-1950's by Taxco, Mexico silver Maestro Hector Aguilar(1905-86). Bracelet measures 1 1/4" wide with a wearable length of 6 3/4". Weight- 71 grams, 2.05 oz. Beautiful condition with excellent patina. No dents or dings. Slide in clasp and safety chain are tight and secure. Hallmarked on the reverse HA 940 TAXCO, eagle # 9, TALLER BORDA. This rare design is pictured on p. 199 of SILVER MASTERS OF MEXICO by Penny Morrill. Aguilar designs are featured in the permanent 20th Century Mexican Silver collection at Los Angeles County Museum of Art - LACMA.

The sterling silver cat & fish pin was designed by Hubert Harmon in the 1940's. Fish with hook measures 5" long. Cat head with cascabells is 1 1/2" X 1 1/2". The connecting chain is 10" long. Cat has amethyst eyes, fish with amethyst eye & amethyst tail detail. Pin back and locks work perfectly. Beautiful condition. Harmon designs are rare as he only created his Taxco, Mexico silver pieces for a very few years in the 1940's. His works are featured in WILLIAM SPRATLING AND THE MEXICAN SILVER RENAISSANCE & MEXICAN SILVER by Penny Morrill.

Early 1940's sterling silver necklace signed by Taxco, Mexico silver Maestro Los Castillo. The design features 11 chanel set cabochon globes of cobalt blue glass. 3 globes are framed by abstract silver agave leaves. Necklace measures 15 1/2" wearable inches long. The center pendant is 2" from top to bottom. Hallmarked on the back with the early linear LOS CASTILLO TAXCO STERLING MEXICO and pattern # 298. Gorgeous unpolished patina. Beautiful vintage condition with no nicks or cracks to glass. No dents, dings or repairs to the silver. The necklace was most likely designed by Margot De Taxco in the early years when she was married to Antonio Castillo before she opened her own taller. This necklace design is featured on p. 103 of MARGOT VAN VOORHIES by Penny Morrill. Design also pictured on p.90 of SILVER SEDUCTION: THE ART OF MODERNIST ANTONIO PINEDA by Gobi Stromberg.

Rare, intricately woven sterling silver pin designed and signed circa 1940's by Taxco, Mexico artist Hector Aguilar(1905-86). Pin measures 2 1/2" across. Weight- 28 grams. Likely based on a pre - Columbian design this pin weaves thick silver strands into a sensuous eye catching form. Fully hallmarked HA TAXCO 940 eagle 9. Beautiful original condition with no dents, dings or repairs. Pin back and safety lock work perfectly. The pin was purchased directly from Hector Aguilar's TALLER BORDA work shop in Taxco. It's original TALLER BORDA box is included and is a desirable collectible item in it's own right.

Beautiful sterling silver bracelet signed by Los Castillo circa 1950's. Weight 90 grams, 3.01 oz. 2 repousse curved fern frond silver leafs connected by a tight spring hinge are used to form a bracelet 3 1/2" wide at the front tapering to 1 1/8" at the back. The inner circumference of the bracelet when closed measures 6 1/2" but expands to fit a larger wrist or arm. This design can probably be attributed to Margot de Taxco during the time that she was married to Antonio Castillo. The bracelet is hallmarked LOS CASTILLO STERLING MADE IN MEXICO eagle # 15, pattern no. 238. No dents, dings or repairs. Fantastic patina that only comes with age.

Striking and unusual this vintage sterling silver and amethyst ring was designed and signed circa 1940's by Taxco, Mexico & American artist William Spratling(1900-67). Ring is accented with two gold or copper dots on either side. Ring is a size 7. The beautiful amethyst stone is free of nicks, chips or cracks. The silver has no dents or dings. Normal surface wear for it's age. Fully hallmarked on inside of ring as shown. Spratling designs are a major focus of the permanent 20th Century Mexican Silver collection at Los Angeles County Museum Of Art - LACMA.

Truly a statement piece, this vintage sterling silver bracelet was designed and signed circa 1940's by Taxco, Mexico artist Hector Aguilar(1905-86). Highly sought after this design is often referred to as the 6 spheres. Bracelet measures 1 3/4" wide with a 6 3/4" wearable interior. 90 grams, 3.2 oz. Slide in clasp and safety chain are tight and secure. Beautiful condition, excellent patina. No dents or dings. Fully signed HA MADE IN MEXICO STERLING. Pictured in MEXICAN SILVER by Penny Morrill & Carole Berk (all 4 editions). Also pictured on p. 130 of SILVER MASTERS OF MEXICO by Penny Morrill. Aguilar designs are featured in the permanent 20th Century Mexican Silver collection at Los Angeles County Museum of Art - LACMA.