Vintage Frederick Davis silver jewelry among most-watched

American designer Frederick Davis arrived in Mexico City in 1910, developed a network of artisans (pre-Spratling), and bought their work. He also created his own designs — his use of native materials and the way in which he blended contemporary American and European designs with indigenous motifs set the stage for those who later became known as The Taxco School. For more than 20 years Davis managed antiques and crafts for the Sanborn’s department store.

One of the most-watched pieces of vintage Mexican silver jewelry currently up for auction (ends June 1st) on eBay is a pin by Davis:

Photograph: eBay seller foundinleftfield

Seller’s description: 

Here is a charming Mexican silver pin by Fred Davis – an hombre playing a guitar with his wraparound, tubular arms. Simple C-clasp. Length is 2 3/16″. Signed on reverse Made in Mexico, conjoined FD, Silver. Condition is excellent – no dents to metal, clasp works properly. As a note: Fred Davis was one of the pioneers of re-establishing the Mexican silver industry. He arrived in Mexico in 1910, and died in 1961. This delightful pin is pictured on page 29 of ‘Mexican Silver’ by Penny Morrill and Carole Berk.