Catalog: Estate Jewelry: Silver: Mexican (122)

This modernist design by William Spratling dates to the 1950's. Weighing 90 grams the necklace is 20 inches long. The opposing "tongues" measure 2 1/2" across X 2". Screw back earrings 1 1/8" x 1". The gold wash is very light especially on the earrings. All in beautiful condition. Hallmarked on clasp and the back of one pendant. Earrings each marked with eagle 30. Spratling called this design "lenguas" or tongues of fire. This design is included in WILLIAM SPRATLING AND THE MEXICAN SILVER RENAISSANCE by Penny Morrill on page 246.

This buoyant pair of large brooches were constructed & signed c.1930's by Mexico City artist Frederick Davis(1880-1961). Each measures 3 1/4" long. The design is pictured on p. 80 of SILVER MASTERS OF MEXICO by Penny Morrill. Both pins are in beautiful condition. Pin backs and safety locks are in excellent working order. Each hallmarked FD SILVER MEXICO.

Hand wrought, this large, detailed, sterling silver belt buckle was created c.1940's by Taxco, Mexico artist Hubert Harmon. Measuring 4 1/4" long x 2 1/4" from toe to toe the piece weighs 55 grams. 2 loops on the back measure 1 1/2" across. The smaller loop at the heel is 1 1/8". The design beautifully details the contours and shape of the bottom of a foot and it's toes. The buckle (or pendant if you like) is in excellent condition with a soft aged patina. Fully hallmarked with Harmons signature 2 soles, angel wings, HUBERT HARMON STERLING MEXICO & HAND MADE.

Detailed and deeply hand carved in heavy 980 silver this early brooch designed by Spratling features the feathered serpent Quetzalcoatl of pre- Columbian myth. In beautiful condition & weighing 53 grams the pin measures 2 1/4" across. Pictured on spratlingsilver.com where author Phyllis Goddard explains that this pin design was included in a 1937 Brooklyn Museum of Art exhibit of Spratling's work. Spratling designs are included in the permanent collections of LACMA and MFA Boston.

Signed Valentin designs seldom surface as their rarity, style and elegance make them highly sought after works of art. This sculptural piece measures 2" across X 1 3/4" high and weighs 33 grams. Beautiful condition and patina. Fully hallmarked .940 Valentin TAXCO MEXICO. Looks great on a chain or cord as well. Valentin was an apprentice of both Hector Aguilar and William Spratling. Penny Morrill's books MEXICAN SILVER, SILVER MASTERS OF MEXICO and DREAMING IN SILVER offer in-depth details & photographs of this talented artist and his designs.

Finely detailed, this vintage 1940's Los Castillo brooch measures 3 1/4" H. X 2 1/2" & weighs 45 grams. Both pinback and safety catch are in perfect working order. The piece carries the 1940's Los Castillo linear hallmarks along with the taller's eagle 15 assay mark. Beautiful condition and patina. Truly a wearable work of art.

Beautifully detailed in 940 sterling silver this delightful, hand crafted brooch was designed & signed c. 1940-45 by Taxco, Mexico Maestro Hector Aguilar. The "puffy heart" body supports the obsidian head, face and large ears all defined in silver. Pin measures 2 3/4" x 2 1/4" and weighs 50 grams. Beautiful condition and patina. 1/16" scratch on stone. Fully hallmarked Taxco HA 940. Pinback & safety are in fine working order. This design was used on the cover dustjacket of WILLIAM SPRATLING AND THE MEXICAN SILVER RENAISSANCE and on p. 210.

Beautiful repousse' work in this elegant design by William Spratling brings the piece to life. Weighing 23 grams and measuring 3" x 2" the brooch was designed as a dress or fur clip. Spratling designed this piece in a few different sizes. For comparison see the 4" x 3 1/2" example also listed on our site. All in beautiful condition with excellent patina. The larger size is included in the permanent collection of 20th century Mexican silver at LACMA.

Dramatic & eye catching, this vintage 1950's onyx & sterling silver bracelet was designed by Taxco, Mexico artist Antonio Pineda. Weighing a hefty 149 grams the bracelet has a wearable length of 7 inches. Each link is 1 1/2" wide. The deep black stones are in fine condition & gleam in the light as the wrist moves. The thick 970 silver is also in excellent condition with minor surface wear. Slide clasp is tight & secure. Original safety chain attached. Fully hallmarked for the artist.

Beautifully fluid, this hand crafted design was called the "Collar Gola" by Taxco, Mexico artist William Spratling circa 1948-52. Weighing 70 grams the necklace has a wearable length of 19 inches. The center element is 4" across at the top & 1 1/2" high at the center. Spratling used a subtle vermeil wash adding to the 3 dimensional effect of the design. All in beautiful condition with excellent patina. Fully hallmarked with the rare eagle # 1 & WS. Featured on p. 245 of WILLIAM SPRATLING AND THE MEXICAN SILVER RENAISSANCE by Penny Morrill & on spratlingsilver.com by Phyllis Goddard.

Reminiscent of Frank Lloyd Wright Art Deco designs this silver & stone necklace was created & signed c. 1949-52 by American & Taxco, Mexico artist William Spratling. Weighing 100 grams, the necklace has a wearable length of 18 1/2 inches. The central element is 2 1/2" X 1 1/2". Signed on the clasp SPRATLING DE MEXICO STERLING. Both stones & silver are in beautiful condition. Clasp is tight & secure. This design is pictured on p. 242 of WILLIAM SPRATLING & THE MEXICAN SILVER RENAISSANCE by Penny Morrill. The design also pictured in SPRATLING SILVER by Sanderline Cederwall & on Phyllis Goddard's site spratlingsilver.com

Heavily hand carved, this vintage sterling silver necklace was designed & signed c. 1940's by Taxco, Mexico artist William Spratling. Weighing 140 grams the necklace has a wearable length of 18 inches. The center panel is 1 3/8" high. Professionally restrung on sterling silver fox wire chain the necklace is in beautiful condition. Pictured on p. 167 of the museum catalog WILLIAM SPRATLING AND THE MEXICAN SILVER RENAISSANCE by Penny Morrill. Also pictured on Phyllis Goddard's spratlingsilver.com. Spratling designs are included in several permanent museum collections.

This hand crafted silver box was designed & signed c. 1940's by renowned artist Hubert Harmon during his short time in Taxco, Mexico. Weighing 265 grams or 9.4 oz. the piece measures 5" long X 3" wide X 1/2" deep. The hand carved amethyst stones & silver are in beautiful condition. Harmon's sense of humor & whimsy are evident in this design where he uses his trade mark "bare feet with wings" along with the face & body of an angel & a carved amethyst star in the sky above. An informative section on Harmon can be found on p. 138 of Mexican Silver by Penny Morrill.

With articulated detail & dimension this exceptional 980 sterling silver piece was designed & signed circa 1930's by American & Taxco, Mexico artist William Spratling (1900-67). Weighing 110 grams of near pure silver the necklace has a wearable length of 17 inches. The serpent pendant is 3 1/4" long X 2 1/8" across X 1" high. In mint condition with a beautiful patina that only comes with age. Hallmarked 980 WS TAXCO. This necklace design was included in the museum exhibit WILLIAM SPRATLING AND THE MEXICAN SILVER RENAISSANCE & is pictured on p. 232 of the exhibit catalog by Penny Morrill. Also pictured on the cover of Spratling Silver: A Field Guide by Phyllis Goddard.

Modernism at it's best, this 970 silver & inlaid shell bracelet was designed & signed c. 1950's by Taxco, Mexico artist Antonio Pineda (1919-2009). Measuring 1 1/2" high at the front with a wearable interior length of 6 3/4", the bracelet weighs 86 grams & is in beautiful condition. The slide in clasp & safety chain are tight & secure. This design is pictured on p.152 SILVER SEDUCTION: THE ART OF MEXICAN MODERNIST ANTONIO PINEDA.

Intricately constructed of sterling silver & stone this piece was designed c. 1940's by American & Taxco, Mexico artist William Spratling. Measuring 2 1/2" X 2 1/2" the pin weighs 40 grams. This design was included in the museum exhibit William Spratling and the Mexican Silver Renaissance & is pictured on p.97 of the museum catalog by curator Penny Morrill. Also pictured on p.48 of Mexican Silver by Penny Morrill & Carole Berk. Rarely seen on the market this museum piece is included in the permanent 20th century Mexican Silver collection at LACMA & pictured on the museum's website.

This exceptionally rare bracelet was designed & signed c. 1943 to 1948 by noted Taxco, Mexico artist Hector Aguilar. Each of the 14 panels measure 1 5/8" across & are centered with a tear drop shaped chrysocolla (crizacola) stone. Weighing 159 grams the bracelet has a wearable length of 6 3/4", a hook & eye closure & safety chain. In beautiful condition with an excellent patina the bracelet is hallmarked HA STERLING MADE IN MEXICO. The HA mark is double stamped. This design, with amethyst is pictured on page 10 of SILVER MASTERS OF MEXICO by Penny Morrill. A necklace with onyx tear drop stones in this design is included in the permanent 20th century Mexican silver collection at LACMA.

Hubert Harmons' whimsical designs never fail to bring a smile and provoke thought. His c. 1940's mask pendant or belt buckle is 5 1/2" across X 2 1/4 high. The raised onyx eyes and silver are in beautiful condition. The mask & detachable sterling chain weighs 100 grams. 2 loops on the front ends of the face were perhaps meant for attaching feathers or some other adornment. The loops on the back accommodate a belt. Fully hallmarked on the back. Harmons' works are rare as he only created in Taxco, Mexico for a short time in the 1940's. This design was featured in the WILLIAM SPRATLING AND THE MEXICAN SILVER RENNAISNCE museum exhibit & is pictured on p. 115 of the exhibit catalog by museum curator & author Penny Morrill.

This magnificent, hand forged piece was designed & signed c.1950's by Taxco, Mexico modernist Antonio Pineda (1919-2009). Weighing 225 grams, the hinged, flexible buckle measures 9" across X 2 3/4" high tapering to 1 3/4" at the terminals. 3 thick silk velvet cords are sewn into place at the ends. The cords are in beautiful condition & overlap to avoid separation when worn. Each cord measures 23" long. Wearable length with the buckle is 31". The large gem quality cab amethysts are in exquisite condition as is the silver. Hallmarked on the reverse. Truly a wearable work of art. Antonio designs are included in the permanent 20th century Mexican silver collection at LACMA.

This majestic piece was designed & signed c. 1940's by American & Taxco, Mexico artist William Spratling (1900-67). The necklace measures 16 1/2" long X 1 3/4" wide & weighs 226 grams. Originally strung on twine, the necklace has been professionally restrung on sterling silver fox tail chain. Each link is set with a turquoise cab. Excellent condition & patina. The necklace is secured with a slide in pin closure. This rare necklace was purchased from a NYC Park Av. estate. The design is pictured on Goddard's spratlingsilver.com. Also pictured on p.87 of SILVER SEDUCTION: THE ART OF MEXICAN MODERNIST ANTONIO PINEDA. Spratling designs are included in the 20th Century Mexican silver collections at both MFA Boston & LACMA.

This large brooch was designed & signed by Mexico City artist Frederick Davis (1880-1961). Measuring 4.5" X 4.5" the piece weighs 65 grams. Beautiful condition with excellent patina. Pin back & safety lock are tight & secure. Penny Morrill featured this Davis design in the William Spratling & The Mexican Silver Renaissance exhibit & the catalog p. 122. Rosa Covarrubias, wearing this brooch at a dinner hosted by she and her husband Miguel is pictured in the catalog p. 121. Miguel, back to camera, is seated in a signed Spratling chair in the photo. Davis designs are included in the 20th century Mexican collection at LACMA.

This vintage sterling silver necklace was designed and signed by Mexico City artist Matilde Poulat in the 1950's. The necklace is 1 1/2" wide and 17 wearable inches long. Timeless in design, it looks fantastic with formal or casual wear. Weight is 135 grams. Both stones and silver are in beautiful condition with excellent patina. Clasp is tight and secure. Fully hallmarked on reverse including the eagle mark 129. Matl designs are featured in the permanent early 20th century Mexican silver collection at LACMA.

Measuring 27" long, this 940 sterling silver & copper necklace was designed c. 1940-50's by Taxco, Mexico artist Hector Aguilar (1905-86). The center disc is 1 1/2" wide graduating to 1/2" at the back. Weight is 124 grams. Beautiful condition & patina. Each disc is connected to the next with a silver rivet giving the design fluid movement. Signed TAXCO HA 940 eagle #9. A similar necklace is pictured on p. 140 of Silver Masters of Mexico by Penny Morrill.

This striking sterling silver & azurite or chrysocolla "North Star" necklace was designed & signed circa 1949 by American and Taxco, Mexico artist William Spratling (1900-67). The pendant measures 2 1/4" X 2 1/4". The elongated link chain measures 16 1/2". Weight 60 grams. Beautiful condition & patina. Signed on reverse WS 925. Each of the four points of the pendant are planed creating dimension. This design is pictured on p. 63 of MEXICAN SILVER by Penny Morrill and Carole Berk. Also pictured on spratlingsilver.com which states that this design was inspired by Spratling's 1949 Alaskan Project. Spratling designs are featured in the permanent 20th Century Mexican silver collection at Los Angeles County Museum of Art - LACMA.

This iconic sterling silver brooch was designed & signed circa 1950's by Taxco, Mexico artist William Spratling (1900-67). The eyes of the dragonfly are finished with a copper wash. The pin measures 2 1/2" across & 2" high. The pin is in beautiful condition. Hallmarked WS 925 eagle #30. Pictured in MEXICAN SILVER by Penny Morrill & Carol Berke & on Phyllis Goddard's spratlingsilver.com.

This rare set of five hand wrought 1930's sterling silver heart shaped buttons were designed & signed by Taxco, Mexico artist William Spratling in the 1930's. Each button measures 3/4" X 3/4". All are in beautiful condition & each is signed on the reverse with the early WS hallmark. In our 30+ years of collecting Spratling we have never come across this design.

This rare inlaid sterling silver belt buckle was designed & signed circa 1950's by modernist Taxco, Mexico artist Antonio Pineda. The buckle measures 5 1/4" across X 2 1/4" high & weighs 137 grams. The "eclipse" design is inlaid with black onyx and accented with copper wash. The wearable length of the belt with buckle is 32". The leather strap is 29" inches long, 1" high in front & gradually widens to 2" at the back. It can be adjusted up or down as neither side is sewn in place. Both the belt & buckle are in excellent condition with some minor surface wear on close inspection. Fully hallmarked on the reverse of the buckle.

Heavily carved with an Aztec motif this vintage sterling cuff was designed & signed c. 1940's by American & Taxco, Mexico artist William Spratling. The bracelet is 1 1/2" high & weighs 107 grams. It has a 1 inch gap opening and will fit up to a 6 1/2 inch wrist. Beautiful condition. Fully hallmarked on reverse. This design is pictured on p. 39 of MEXICAN SILVER by Penny Morrill & Carole Berk.

This Extraordinary 1950's sterling silver & amethyst necklace was designed & signed by renowned Taxco, Mexico modernist Antonio Pineda (1919-2009). The necklace measures 16 wearable inches long with a center drop of 2 inches. Each of the ancient amethyst stones are bezel set in a thick silver looped frame. The large tear drops range from pale to deep purple. In gorgeous vintage condition. Fully hallmarked on the tight & secure clasp.

Vintage 1940-45 hand forged sterling silver pin designed & signed by Taxco, Mexico Maestro Hector Aguilar (1905-86). The pin measures 2 3/4" X 2 3/4" & weighs 40 grams. The stone measures 7/8" across. Both silver & stone are in beautiful condition. The 990 pure silver content gives this "tongues of fire" design an excellent soft & warm patina. Fully hallmarked on the reverse. Pin & closure lock are tight and secure. An Aguilar necklace of this design is pictured on p. 33 of SILVER SEDUCTION: THE ART OF MODERNIST ANTONIO PINEDA.

Gorgeous & extremely rare this vintage abalone & sterling silver bracelet was designed & signed c. 1950 by Taxco, Mexico modernist artist Antonio Pineda (1919-2009). The bracelet measures 2 inches high at the front center & 3/4 inch at the back spring. Wearable interior length is 6 1/2 inches. Screw back earrings are 1 inch high. Bracelet spring is tight and secure. The hand carved abalone leaves have an exquisite iridescent sheen. All in excellent condition with a beautiful warm patina.

Iconic hand wrought sterling silver & amethyst butterfly or moth brooch designed & signed c. 1940's by Taxco, Mexico artist William Spratling (1900-67). Pin measures 2 3/4 inches across & weighs 27 grams. This beautifully detailed wearable work of art is in excellent condition. Pictured on p. 44 of MEXICAN SILVER by Penny Morrill & Carole Berk. Spratling designs are included in many permanent museum collections including Museum of Fine Art Boston & Los Angeles County Museum of Art.

Rarely seen on the market this sculptural & visually magnetic 970 sterling silver & inlaid amethyst necklace was designed & signed c.1950's by Taxco, Mexico artist Antonio Pineda (1919-2009). The necklace measures 1 3/8" wide at the center panel & is 16 1/2" long. The individual panels are strung on a hidden doubled silver chain. Necklace weight is 176 grams, 6.01 oz. Beautiful condition & patina. Fully hallmarked on the clasp. The clasp is tight & secure. A version of this design is pictured on p. 119 of SILVER SEDUCTION : THE ART OF MEXICAN MODERNIST ANTONIO PINEDA by Gobi Stromberg. Antonio Pineda designs are included in many museum collections including LACMA.

Strong, unique & one of his most desirable creations this 970 sterling silver cuff was designed & signed in the 1950's by Taxco, Mexico artist Antonio Pineda (1919-2009). This cuff will comfortably fit up to a 6 1/2" wrist. The back opening is 1 1/8". The largest of the 7 disks measures 1 1/2" across. Weight 80 grams. Beautiful condition & patina. Fully hallmarked on the reverse. Featured on p. 150 of the museum catalog SILVER SEDUCTION: THE ART OF MODERNIST ANTONIO PINEDA by Gobi Stromberg. The design also included in the museum exhibit WILLIAM SPRATLING AND THE MEXICAN SILVER RENAISSANCE and is pictured on p. 203 of the book by Penny Morrill.

Impressive & rare this hand forged sterling silver belt buckle inlaid with chrysocolla quartz was designed & signed by American & Taxco, Mexico artist William Spratling (1900-67). The buckle measures 4" X 2" and weighs 83 grams. It will accommodate a 1 inch strap. Signed on the reverse SPRATLING de MEXICO, STERLING & eagle 13. This combination of marks are found only on Spratling designs made from 1948-52. Beautiful condition and patina. Spratling designs are included in many major museum collections including LACMA & MFA Boston.

Handmade sterling silver bracelet designed & signed c. 1940's by Taxco, Mexico designer William Spratling (1900-67). Bracelet measures 7 1/2 wearable inches long & 3/4" wide. Weighs 56 grams. Signed on the clasp. Pictured on Goddard's spratlingsilver.com. Spratling designs are included in permanent museum collections around the world including Los Angeles County Museum of Art & Museum of Fine Art, Boston.