Vintage Los Castillo trays, including mixed metals – metales casados

The four Castillo brothers worked with William Spratling before going out on their own. They were known for their revival of ancient techniques such as the fusing of different metals and for their innovations in design and the use of metales casados (mixed metals) and other metals and media.

Several interesting vintage Los Castillo trays, including mixed metals pieces, are currently available on eBay.

First is a copper over brass tray with inlaid abalone. The sellers states that the piece is signed and marked “Los Castillo, Hand-Wrought, Taxco, and Hecho en Mexico,” measures 6 1/4″ square and is about 1/2″ deep, has no dents, and that “there are some dark spots in the patina, and some areas especially under the abalone rim, where the copper looks like it has worn to expose the brass underneath.”

The next piece also features abalone, this time in the handle. The seller states that it measures approximately “13-5/8″ x 5-1/8″ x 2-5/8 and weighs one pound. Los Castillo and Taxco trademark is present on the bottom. Great shape with minor surface marks from the age.”

If you like mixed metals (also referred to as “married metals” or metales casados, take a look at the set of two unusual trays made with five different metals: copper, sterling, brass, pewter and bronze. The seller states,” Each tray measures 6 1/2″w. The set has no dents. Marks are rubbed, but you can make out his 1950 metal mark easily on one.”

The last tray uses three metals – copper, silver and brass. The seller notes that it is “6.25″ x 6.25″ and is .375″ deep. It is made of layered metal. The bottom layer is copper, the middle layer is silver, and the top layer is brass. Also, the figure in the middle is silver.” Looking at one of the photographs included in the listing, it appears that the tray is marked “Los Castillo Mexico Hecho a Mano 118.”