Vintage Mexican Silver » Auctions

Margot de Taxco vintage sterling silver and amethyst necklace

I love vintage Mexican silver — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:59:19 +0000

One of the great names in the pantheon of famous Mexican silver designers, Margot van Voorhies Carr (Margot de Taxco) played an important role in bringing attention to Taxco silver and was known in particular for her enamel work. If you love vintage silver jewelry by Margot de Taxco, mark your calendar for February 12th, the auction date for this beauty:

Sterling silver amethyst necklace Margot de Taxco; Photograph DuMouchelle Art Gallery

Lot 22270 is described by the auctioneer as follows:

MARGOT DE TAXCO STERLING SILVER NECKLACE, L 15″:Sterling silver Margot de Taxco necklace with amethyst stones. Starting bid $ 150. Estimate $200 – $400

It seems likely that the bidding will go over the estimate – but you never know. Bids have already been placed. Get the details here.

You might also want to have a look at some of the vintage Margot de Taxco currently available on eBay (see below). Always be sure to do your research and purchase from reputable dealers, no matter what the selling venue may be.

Vintage Margot de Taxco #5744 Sterling Silver & Enamel Pin Brooch Mexico Mexican
US $185.00 (0 Bid)
Auction Ends: Sunday Feb-05-2012 11:09:06 PST
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Vintage Margot de Taxco #5744 Sterling Silver & Enamel Earrings Mexico Mexican
US $165.00 (0 Bid)
Auction Ends: Sunday Feb-05-2012 11:10:26 PST
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Vintage Margot de Taxco #5837 Sterling Silver & Enamel Pin Brooch Mexico Mexican
US $185.00 (0 Bid)
Auction Ends: Sunday Feb-05-2012 11:18:38 PST
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VINTAGE SIGNED MARGOT DE TAXCO STERLING SILVER & ONYX PIN or PENDANT
US $17.01 (3 Bids)
Auction Ends: Sunday Feb-05-2012 16:23:51 PST
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antique vintage Margot de Taxco sterling black enamel art deco designer bracelet
US $142.49 (2 Bids)
Auction Ends: Sunday Feb-05-2012 18:20:06 PST
| Watch this Item

Margot de Taxco vintage sterling silver and amethyst necklace originally appeared on Vintage Mexican Silver on February 2, 2012. Turn to Vintage Mexican Silver for the latest news about auctions and dealers in vintage Mexican silver jewelry and silverware, including mid-century modern and modernist design, William Spratling, Margot de Taxco, Los Castillo, Sigi and Antonio Pineda, Matl, Hector Aguilar, and other famous Mexican silver designers.Tweet This

Take a look at these Mexican silver bracelets to be sold Sunday

I love vintage Mexican silver — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 15:06:24 +0000

A lot of four Mexican silver bracelets (including a wonderful dragon – perfect for this Year of the Dragon in the Chinese horoscope) will be sold at auction next Sunday. Take a look:

Four Mexican silver bracelets; Photograph: A-1 Auction

These are offered by A-1 Auction of Maitland, Florida, with a starting bid of $150 (bidding has already begun). Lot 112 is described by the auctioneer as follows:

4 Mexican sterling bracelets: 2 open work matching cuffs (unmarked), Dragon bracelet marked Taxco Sterling, carved link bracelet marked Made in Taxco 980, 14.37 troy oz. Estimate $300 – $700

The auction begins at 9 a.m. (PT) on February 5th. Get the details here.

Take a look at these Mexican silver bracelets to be sold Sunday originally appeared on Vintage Mexican Silver on January 30, 2012. Turn to Vintage Mexican Silver for the latest news about auctions and dealers in vintage Mexican silver jewelry and silverware, including mid-century modern and modernist design, William Spratling, Margot de Taxco, Los Castillo, Sigi and Antonio Pineda, Matl, Hector Aguilar, and other famous Mexican silver designers.Tweet This

Vintage Spratling and other Mexican sterling silver at Saturday auction

I love vintage Mexican silver — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 15:59:06 +0000

Collectors of vintage sterling silver tableware by William Spratling will want to take a look at this Spratling footed salt that will be sold on Saturday, January 28th.

Vintage Spratling sterling silver footed salt. Photograph: Crescent City Auction Gallery

Lot 283. Auctioneer’s description: William Spratling (1901-1967), Sterling Footed Salt, on a triangular rosewood base, H.- 1 in., Dia.- 2 5/8 in. Estimated Price: 150-300

At the same auction, you’ll find this vintage sterling silver and malachite necklace from Taxco:

Vintage Taxco sterling silver & malachite necklace. Photograph: Crescent City Auction Gallery

Lot 285. Auctioneer’s description: Mexican .970 Sterling and Malachite Link Necklace, 20th c., with shaped, pierced elongated links, the five central links mounted with oval cabochon malachite stones, signed “Antonio, Taxco.” Estimated Price: 150-250

Get all the auction details from Crescent City Auction Gallery here.

Vintage Spratling and other Mexican sterling silver at Saturday auction originally appeared on Vintage Mexican Silver on January 23, 2012. Turn to Vintage Mexican Silver for the latest news about auctions and dealers in vintage Mexican silver jewelry and silverware, including mid-century modern and modernist design, William Spratling, Margot de Taxco, Los Castillo, Sigi and Antonio Pineda, Matl, Hector Aguilar, and other famous Mexican silver designers.Tweet This

Know your marks follow-up: buyer got a deal on vintage Los Ballesteros necklace

I love vintage Mexican silver — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 01:20:54 +0000

A few days ago we posted about an auction for a vintage sterling silver Los Ballesteros necklace that was not correctly identified and wondered how the bidding would go because the maker wasn’t promoted in the listing.

The starting bid was $ 50, and the estimate was $ 100 – $ 200. Alas – for the seller – the necklace sold for only $ 80. Assuming the piece is authentic, the buyer got a great deal. Congratulations to the winner! You can see the auction listing here.

And that’s why it pays to know your marks, whether you’re buying or selling.

Know your marks follow-up: buyer got a deal on vintage Los Ballesteros necklace originally appeared on Vintage Mexican Silver on January 2, 2012. Turn to Vintage Mexican Silver for the latest news about auctions and dealers in vintage Mexican silver jewelry and silverware, including mid-century modern and modernist design, William Spratling, Margot de Taxco, Los Castillo, Sigi and Antonio Pineda, Matl, Hector Aguilar, and other famous Mexican silver designers.Tweet This

Know your marks: vintage Los Ballesteros silver necklace auction

I love vintage Mexican silver — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 15:03:53 +0000

A vintage sterling silver Los Ballesteros necklace to be ~~sole~~ sold at auction tomorrow might turn out to be a great deal for someone because the seller has not identified the piece correctly and therefore may not be attracting interest online. As of this posting, no bids have been made for the lot.

If you’re going to buy or sell vintage Mexican silver jewelry or other pieces, it’s important to learn as much as you can about hallmarks and maker’s marks. The must-have reference for vintage Mexican silver marks is Bille Hougart’s The Little Book of Mexican Silver Trade and Hallmarks. Click on the eBay link below to buy this book if you don’t already own it.

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Know your marks: vintage Los Ballesteros silver necklace auction originally appeared on Vintage Mexican Silver on December 31, 2011. Turn to Vintage Mexican Silver for the latest news about auctions and dealers in vintage Mexican silver jewelry and silverware, including mid-century modern and modernist design, William Spratling, Margot de Taxco, Los Castillo, Sigi and Antonio Pineda, Matl, Hector Aguilar, and other famous Mexican silver designers.Tweet This

Vintage Hubert Harmon “winged feet” sterling silver cigarette case

I love vintage Mexican silver — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 01:41:28 +0000

Hubert Harmon was an American designer who was trained in Paris and worked for some of the great names in fashion during the first half of the 20th century. In 1942 he and his wife arrived in Taxco, Mexico, where he engaged silversmiths to produce his whimsical designs in silver. Vintage silver pieces designed by Harmon and made in Mexico are hard to come by, so this sterling silver cigarette case featuring Harmon’s trademark “winged feet” design is a great find.

Photograph: New Orleans Auction Galleries/LiveAuctioneers

The auction takes place on December 11th, day 4 of The New Orleans Auction Galleries Major December Auction. Here is the auctioneer’s description of Lot 1858:

Hubert Harmon Sterling & Amethyst Cigarette Case
Good Hubert Harmon (b. 1913) Sterling Silver and Amethyst Cigarette Case, second quarter 20th century, Taxco, Mexico, of rectangular form, decorated with incised wavy lines, the hinged lid centered two applied medallions, a radiant star above with a conical amethyst cabochon, and an abstract female form with a carved amethyst masque, crowned by an applied medallion of Harmon’s famous “winged feet” trademark, l. 4-3/4″, w. 3-1/4″.
Condition report
Overall Condition: Good. In overall good condition with no breaks or repairs noted. Tiny tears at the abutted edges of the hinge which in no way affect use or stability. The amethyst masque has a natural surface fissure on the left side of the “hair” visible under 10x magnification; the cabochon likewise has a tiny chip on the very tip. (Neither visible to the naked eye.) Marked (on the interior lid) with an applied medallion stamped “Sterling – Hubert Harmon – Made in Mexico” above Harmon’s “winged feet” trademark. A stylish and iconic piece.

For more information, and to bid, click here.

Vintage Hubert Harmon “winged feet” sterling silver cigarette case originally appeared on Vintage Mexican Silver on December 9, 2011. Turn to Vintage Mexican Silver for the latest news about auctions and dealers in vintage Mexican silver jewelry and silverware, including mid-century modern and modernist design, William Spratling, Margot de Taxco, Los Castillo, Sigi and Antonio Pineda, Matl, Hector Aguilar, and other famous Mexican silver designers.Tweet This

On the auction block: Vintage jewelry by Frederick Davis, Antonio Pineda

I love vintage Mexican silver — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 13:45:01 +0000

Fans of twentieth-century modern jewelry and those who love vintage Mexican silver jewelry created by the greats will have fun bidding on three wonderful pieces that will be sold at Heritage Auction’s 2011 December 7 Silver & Vertu Signature Auction #5086 auction on December 7th (absentee bidding ends tomorrow, 12/6, so don’t wait).

First, a Fred Davis beauty:

Vintage Fred Davis silver and onyx necklace. Photo: Heritage Auctions

Auctioneer’s description:

A FRED DAVIS SILVER AND ONYX NECKLACE
Fred Davis, Mexico City, Mexico, circa 1930
Marks: FD, SILVER, MEXICO
13-1/2 inches long (34.3 cm)
3.9 ounces (gross)
The necklace with alternating silver and onyx links, 3 additional links included for extra length. Estimate: $800 – $1,200.
In very good condition overall with surface scratches commesurate with age.

More details on this auction here.

Next, an Antonio Pineda bracelet:

Vintage Antonio Pineda bracelet. Photo: Heritage Auctions

Auctioneer’s description:

AN ANTONIO PINEDA SILVER AND OBSIDIAN BRACELET
Antonio Pineda, Taxco, Mexico, circa 1950
Marks: (crown-Antonio-Taxco), (eagle-17), MADE IN MEXICO, SILVER, 22514
9 inches long (22.9 cm)
8.4 ounces (gross)
The cuff bracelet in a matchstick design with obsidian accents to alternating ends. Estimate: $1,500 – $2,500.
Condition Report*: Very good condition overall with surface scratches commesurate with age.

Click here for the auction details.

And last, but certainly not least, an amethyst and silver necklace with matching earrings by Antonio Pineda:

Vintage Antonio Pineda silver and amethyst necklace with earrings. Photo: Heritage Auctions

Auctioneer’s description:

AN ANTONIO PINEDA SILVER AND AMETHYST TEAR-DROP NECKLACE AND EARRINGS
Antonio Pineda, Taxco, Mexico, circa 1950
Marks: (crown-Antonio-Taxco) MEXICO, TAXCO, 970, 2; (eagle-17), 970
18 inches long (45.7 cm)
6.1 ounces (gross)
The tea-drop necklace with seven amethyst drops and corresponding earrings. Estimate: $1,500 – $2,500.
Condition Report*: Very good condition overall with surface scratches commesurate with age.

Get the auction information here.

On the auction block: Vintage jewelry by Frederick Davis, Antonio Pineda originally appeared on Vintage Mexican Silver on December 5, 2011. Turn to Vintage Mexican Silver for the latest news about auctions and dealers in vintage Mexican silver jewelry and silverware, including mid-century modern and modernist design, William Spratling, Margot de Taxco, Los Castillo, Sigi and Antonio Pineda, Matl, Hector Aguilar, and other famous Mexican silver designers.Tweet This

Vintage Mexican silver auction: Margot de Taxco enameled silver snake suite

I love vintage Mexican silver — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 17:52:26 +0000

This is a classic vintage signed Margot de Taxco enamel and silver snake suite that’s on the auction block and will be sold tomorrow, November 20th:

Vintage Margot de Taxco enameled silver snake suite. Photograph: Millea Bros Ltd/Live Auctioneers

Bidding for the suite has already begun. The suite is described as being by Margot de Mexico (a different silver company altogether), but has the Margot de Taxco marks. Here’s the auctioneer’s description for Lot# 3437:

Lot 3437: Margot de Mexico enameled silver snake suite
20th c., signed, no. 5554, incl. (1) necklace, (1) bracelet, (1) scarf clip and (2) earrings, 15″l (necklace), approx. 6 ozt. – Condition report: overall good, enamel good, some very minor imperfections, some evidence of age and handling. Estimate: 1,000-1,500

Here is a photograph of the marks:

Hallmarks - vintage Margot de Taxco suite. Photograph: Millea Bros./LiveAuctioneers

For more details about this auction, check out Millea Bros. or Live Auctioneers.

If you’re a Margot fan, be sure to add Penny C. Morrill’s Margot Van Voorhies: The Art of Mexican Enamelwork to your library. This wonderful book is both a biography and an art book, with very well-researched jewelry history, 485 brilliant photographs, and an appendix featuring the drawings for many of the Margot de Taxco designs. Get the details to save 35% here.

Vintage Mexican silver auction: Margot de Taxco enameled silver snake suite originally appeared on Vintage Mexican Silver on November 19, 2011. Turn to Vintage Mexican Silver for the latest news about auctions and dealers in vintage Mexican silver jewelry and silverware, including mid-century modern and modernist design, William Spratling, Margot de Taxco, Los Castillo, Sigi and Antonio Pineda, Matl, Hector Aguilar, and other famous Mexican silver designers.Tweet This

Japanese inspiration in Mexico: vintage Margot de Taxco enameled silver and ivory suite

I love vintage Mexican silver — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 15:14:44 +0000

Margot van Voorhies Carr (Margot de Taxco), the American-born designer and entrepreneur who moved to Mexico in 1937, married Antonio Castillo (20 years her junior), and created the jewelry that is so loved by collectors, was a woman who was truly ahead of her time. One of the most productive artists working in mid-20th-century Taxco, Margot employed hundreds of artisans (including a notable number of women) and is most famous for her pieces using enamel on silver. She found inspiration in the Mayan aesthetic and Art Deco. Japanese motifs inspired Margot as well, which leads us to an upcoming auction of a fantastic Japanese-inspired enameled silver and ivory suite:

The auction is labeled “Margot de Mexico enameled silver and ivory suite,” but when you look at the photographs in the listing you’ll see the Margot de Taxco marks. (Margot de Mexico is not connected to Margot de Taxco.) Here is the auctioneer’s description for the lot:

Lot 3438: Margot de Mexico enameled silver and ivory suite
20th c., fish motif incorporating a netsuke, signed, no. 5847, incl. (1) necklace with pendant brooch and (2) earrings, approx. 20″l (necklace), approx. 6 ozt. – Condition report: overall good, enamel good, brooch lacking pin, some very minor imperfections, some evidence of age and handling
Estimate: 600-800

The auction, conducted by Millea Bros Ltd of Madison, NJ, takes place on November 20th. More details at the auctioneer’s website here, along with another listing for a classic Margot de Taxco enameled silver snake suite (Lot 3437).

If you love Margot and don’t already own Penny C. Morrill’s Margot Van Voorhies: The Art of Mexican Enamelwork, add it to your collection at substantial savings. The book is both a biography and an art book, with very well-researched jewelry history, 485 brilliant photographs, and an appendix featuring the drawings for many of the Margot de Taxco designs. Get the details to save 35% here.

Japanese inspiration in Mexico: vintage Margot de Taxco enameled silver and ivory suite originally appeared on Vintage Mexican Silver on November 16, 2011. Turn to Vintage Mexican Silver for the latest news about auctions and dealers in vintage Mexican silver jewelry and silverware, including mid-century modern and modernist design, William Spratling, Margot de Taxco, Los Castillo, Sigi and Antonio Pineda, Matl, Hector Aguilar, and other famous Mexican silver designers.Tweet This

Vintage Tiffany sterling silver basket by Tane of Mexico

I love vintage Mexican silver — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 16:42:51 +0000

This vintage sterling silver woven basket made for Tiffany by Mexico City’s Tane Orfebres appeals to a range of collectors, so it’s no surprise that bidding has already begun for this item at the Richard D. Hatch & Associates (Flat Rock, N.C.) November 19th auction.

Vintage Tiffany sterling silver basket by Tane. Photograph: Richard D. Hatch & Associates/Live Auctioneers

As Bille Hougart notes in The Little Book of Mexican Silver Trade and Hallmarks, “Tane Orfebres has been a prominent silver house in Mexico City since the early 1950′s.”

Very little information is provided in the listing (“fancy weave, made by Tane of Mexico, approx. 4 1/2″ across, 90 grams”) so you’ll need to get in touch with the auctioneer for more details. You can find the auction listing here. Happy bidding!

Vintage Tiffany sterling silver basket by Tane of Mexico originally appeared on Vintage Mexican Silver on November 14, 2011. Turn to Vintage Mexican Silver for the latest news about auctions and dealers in vintage Mexican silver jewelry and silverware, including mid-century modern and modernist design, William Spratling, Margot de Taxco, Los Castillo, Sigi and Antonio Pineda, Matl, Hector Aguilar, and other famous Mexican silver designers.Tweet This