Hallmark JLR – Juvento (Juventino) Lopez Reyes

Juventino Reyes Lopez  (or Juvento Reyes Lopez)  - who was this craftsman whose signature mark was the conjoined JLR?

Bille Hougart, in The Little Book of Mexican Silver Trade and Hallmarks,tells us that Lopez was born in 1915 and was a maestro at Maciel who went on to open the taller Plateria Del Recreo in 1935.

The taller sold fine flatware and hollowware at top outlets, including Rancho Alegre, Sanborn’s and Maria de Taxco (Morrill, Silver Magazine May/June 1999, P. 28). There are several distinct version of the JLR signature mark. His son, Juventino Lopez Manrique has oeprated the company since 1970 (see page 109). At least one item dated 1972 included Hector Aguilar’s eagle 9 (although Aguilar closed his operation in 1962).

Reyes’ eagle numbers are 1,3,9, and 134.

A couple of pieces by Lopez are currently available on eBay:

Circa1940 Juvento Lopez Reyes? Strling Silver Flower Brooch and Pin US $99.99 Auction Ends: Saturday Feb-11-2012 14:34:11 PST   | Watch this Item

Antique Sterling Silver Modernest Candlesticks Juvento Lopez Reyes 1935-1947 US $1,775.00 Auction Ends: Monday Feb-13-2012 8:35:12 PST   | Watch this Item

JUVENTO LOPEZ REYES ANTIQUE STERLING SILVER WINE PITCHER 16 OZS STERLING SILVER US $480.00 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Monday Feb-13-2012 12:38:00 PST   | Watch this Item

In the next couple of weeks auctions will include sets of silver goblets by Lopez. On April 29th, a set of 6 Mexican silver goblets will be offered by Waddington’s in Toronto (estimate CDN $ 300 – $ 500). Get details for Lot 74 at Artfact. On May 3rd Leslie Hindman Auctioneers will sell a set of 12 mexican silver goblets (estimate US $1,000 – $2,000). Get details for Lot 1118 at Artfact.

A similar set of JUVENTO LOPEZ REYES 10 goblets sold for $ 950 in an August 2009 auction.