Vintage Mexican Silver

A case of mistaken identity: Taxco Moderne Enamel and Silver Pin

I love vintage Mexican silver — Thu, 17 May 2012 17:30:53 +0000

On Saturday May 19th this vintage sterling silver and enamel brooch will be sold at auction. It’s a beauty:

Vintage Taxco Moderne Enamel and Silver Pin; Photograph: Cordier Auctions & Appraisals/Artfact

However, the maker has not been identified correctly in the lot description. First, read the description below, then take a look at the photograph of the back of the pin.

DESCRIPTION: A very unusual enamel on sterling silver pin made and fully marked to Taxco, Mexico, eagle and 16 touchmark possibly for Maciel. Probably 1940-50 period. MEASUREMENTS: 2″. CONDITION: Very good. Estimated Price: $100 – $200

Photograph: Cordier Auctions & Appraisals/Artfact

If you look at the left side of the image, you’ll see that the pin is a creation of Margot de Taxco (Margot van Voorhies Carr). Maciel, Sigi Pineda and Margot all used Eagle 16, but this is clearly marked “Margot de Taxco.”

The starting bid on this pin is $ 50. Because of the error, it’s entirely possible that this won’t be found by potential bidders who collect work by Margot de Taxco and that the bidding won’t be as robust as it might be with correct identification. In other words, if you’re interested, go on over to the auction listing. Maybe you’ll get lucky!

Enamel and sterling silver jewelry by Margot de Taxco can sometimes be found on eBay. Here is what’s available now (and, as always, be sure to ask questions and check a seller’s history before buying):

Vintage Margot de Taxco Mexican Deco Mosaic Glass Enamel Sterling 925 Earrings
US $185.00
Auction Ends: Friday May-18-2012 22:50:18 PDT
| Watch this Item

Vtg Margot de Taxco Mexico Deco White & Blue Enamel Sterling Silver Earrings 925
US $135.00
Auction Ends: Saturday May-19-2012 22:23:13 PDT
| Watch this Item

MARGOT DE TAXCO ENAMEL SPIRAL PIN BROOCH STERLING SILVER VINTAGE BLUE WHITE
US $67.15
Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 8:16:08 PDT
| Watch this Item

MARGOT DE TAXCO STERLING ENAMEL GUILLOCHE EARRINGS MODERNIST DESIGN
US $26.00 (4 Bids)
Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 8:42:33 PDT
| Watch this Item

MARGOT de TAXCO VINTAGE MEXICO MEXICAN STERLING SILVER & ENAMEL NECKLACE
US $180.50 (19 Bids)
Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 18:05:19 PDT
| Watch this Item

A case of mistaken identity: Taxco Moderne Enamel and Silver Pin originally appeared on Vintage Mexican Silver on May 17, 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 sterling silver tea set: Salvador de la Serna, Mexico City

I love vintage Mexican silver — Sun, 13 May 2012 00:20:34 +0000

Salvador de la Serna was one of the Mexico City silversmiths known for producing good quality sterling silver items such as this tea set that will be sold at auction on May 19th:

: Salvador de la Serna 6 Pc Sterling Tea Set – Photograph: Cordier Auctions & Appraisals

Here is the description of Lot 191 provided by the auctioneer:

Salvador de la Serna six piece sterling silver tea set. Tray with a scalloped edge and two handles and the other pieces each with four feet and a bulbous gourd shaped body. Circa 1960-70. Mexico City, Mexico. Includes: 9″ coffee pot, 7-5/8″ teapot, 5-1/8″ lidded sugar bowl, 4″ creamer, 2-1/4″ waste bowl, and 25″ x 16-1/4″ tray. Each marked “S. de la Serna, Sterling 925, Hecho en Mexico” with an impression of an eagle with the number “24.” Approximately 180.53 troy ounces total. CONDITION: One small dent on sugar bowl. Estimated Price: $5,000 – $7,000

Visit Cordier Auctions and Appraisals for more details.

Every once in a while you can find vintage Salvador de la Serna sterling silver on eBay – not a lot, but here is what’s available at the moment:

Salvador de la Serna Sterling Silver Salad Set Hand Hammered Mexico 11oz
US $399.99 (0 Bid)
Auction Ends: Wednesday May-23-2012 17:40:47 PDT
| Watch this Item

Vintage sterling silver tea set: Salvador de la Serna, Mexico City originally appeared on Vintage Mexican Silver on May 12, 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

Check out this sale on vintage Mexican and other vintage silver jewelry

I love vintage Mexican silver — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 01:12:28 +0000

One of eBay’s top-rated sellers specializing in vintage silver currently has a sale on select items. A beautiful set by Alfredo Villasan, marked down 40% (from $550 to $330) for a limited time, caught our eye. The set weighs in at 207 grams.

Vintage Alfredo Villasana silver jewelry set. Photograph: The Vintage Silver Shop

Here’s the description from the listing:

Alfredo Villasana is featured in Hougart’s book on Mexican Silver hallmarks and also is noted in Mexican Silver as one of Taxco’s silversmiths who produced exceptional jewelry. Villasana worked for both Hector Aguilar AND William Spratling, learning at the feet of the masters!
This is an incredible set by Villasana, circa 1948, and consisting of a necklace, bracelet, and matching earrings. The set is sterling silver and each piece is wavy prong set with enormous olive green chrysocolla stones that have flashes of brown and blue green in them.
This is just a monumental grouping, heavy at 207 grams, and extremely well made. The necklace and bracelet close with slide in clasps and the earrings are screwbacks. This is just a stupendous SET and very hard to find a whole grouping like this!
Hallmark: Hecho en Mexico Taxco AV Sterling 925
Size: Necklace Wearable: About 15″ — drop hangs down 2 1/2″ and is 2″ wide; Bracelet Wearable Length: 7″; Bracelet Width: 3/4″; Bracelet Front Medallion: 2 1/2″ x 2″; Earrings: 1 1/4″ x 7/8″; Grams for the Set: 207
Condition: Excellent vintage – the stones have natural lines on the surface that are shot through with a pretty blue green color

Follow the link for a more detailed look:

No items matching your keywords were found.

You can also visit the main page of the store to see all of the sale and other listings.

Check out this sale on vintage Mexican and other vintage silver jewelry originally appeared on Vintage Mexican Silver on April 21, 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 Mexican silver NOT on list of collectibles no longer worth collecting

I love vintage Mexican silver — Sat, 21 Apr 2012 00:20:42 +0000

Terry Kovel, well-known coauthor of Kovels’ Antiques & Collectibles Price Guide, and author of many other collecting-related books, was interviewed for an article that recently appeared in The Bottom Line. Entitled 10 Collectibles NOT Worth Collecting Anymore, the article reviews once-popular collectibles categories that are no longer worth as much as many of us might think. Lovers of vintage Mexican silver jewelry, silverware, flatware, holloware, and related items will be pleased to learn that none of these items are on her list.

Definitely still sought after by many are pieces of jewelry and other items by Victoria. That was the trade name of Ana Maria Nunez de Brilanti, who had a small workshop in Taxco. She is believed to have introduced the married metals technique to Taxco. Here are some examples of her work:

Taxco Coffee Tea Pot Victoria 482 Mexico - Copper Silver Lining Vintage SW Decor
US $119.99 (0 Bid)
Auction Ends: Monday May-21-2012 18:50:29 PDT
| Watch this Item

Vintage VICTORIA Taxco 925 SILVER Necklace, Bracelet,Earrings & Pin
US $696.00
Auction Ends: Wednesday May-23-2012 17:27:27 PDT
| Watch this Item

VTG 925 Sterling Silver Modernist Cuff Bracelet Victoria Brilanti Taxco Mexico
US $112.50
Auction Ends: Sunday May-27-2012 20:39:14 PDT
| Watch this Item

VINTAGE VICTORIA TAXCO MEXICO MEXICAN STERLING SILVER CUFF LINKS CUFFLINKS 15840
US $95.00
Auction Ends: Monday May-28-2012 10:35:02 PDT
| Watch this Item

Vintage Signed Victoria Mixed Metals Taxco Mexico Copper Silver 6 Piece Tea Set
US $895.00
Auction Ends: Thursday May-31-2012 19:15:07 PDT
| Watch this Item

Vintage Mexican silver NOT on list of collectibles no longer worth collecting originally appeared on Vintage Mexican Silver on April 20, 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

The multi-talented Bernice Goodspeed of Taxco, Mexico

I love vintage Mexican silver — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 00:27:42 +0000

American Bernice Goodspeed was a cultural anthropologist with a keen interest in pre-Columbian archeology. Goodspeed and her artist husband opened a gallery in Taxco, Mexico in the 1930s and sold his work along with pre-Columbian artifacts. She designed and created jewelry and tableware and sold it through the gallery; many of Goodspeed’s pieces reflect Aztec and Mayan influences. Goodspeed also published Mexican Tales, a compilation of Mexican Stories and Legends, illustrated by her husband, the artist Carl Pappe.

Check Bille Hougart’s The Little Book of Mexican Silver Trade and Hallmarks to see the four known variations of Goodspeed’s “B” mark if you’re not already familiar with her work.

Vtg BERNICE GOODSPEED Art Deco TAXCO Sterling Silver MEXICAN Chain Braid RING
US $15.00 (0 Bid)
Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 19:38:05 PDT
| Watch this Item

Collect Mid-Century Mexico Sterling Pin BERNICE GOODSPEED 1960s 70s
US $107.00 (0 Bid)
Auction Ends: Wednesday May-23-2012 14:38:49 PDT
| Watch this Item

Early Bernice Goodspeed Taxco Amethyst Glass Bracelet
US $425.00
Auction Ends: Wednesday May-23-2012 14:50:15 PDT
| Watch this Item

VTG BERNICE GOODSPEED MEXICAN STERLING SILVER HEART PIN
US $95.00
Auction Ends: Friday May-25-2012 22:38:58 PDT
| Watch this Item

Codan Bernice Goodspeed Sterling Silver Modernist Kettle Teapot 70ozs
US $3,980.00
Auction Ends: Sunday May-27-2012 13:24:05 PDT
| Watch this Item

You can see more of Bernice Goodspeed’s designs here.

The multi-talented Bernice Goodspeed of Taxco, Mexico originally appeared on Vintage Mexican Silver on April 16, 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

Reveriano Castillo (aka Reveri): unique 20th century Taxco silver

I love vintage Mexican silver — Sat, 14 Apr 2012 00:21:22 +0000

Reveriano Castillo began his apprenticeship with William Spratling at Taller de Las Delicias in Taxco in 1934 and worked there until 1939. He then joined Taller Borda, established by Hector Aguilar the same year. Reveriano’s wife Maria worked for Los Castillo for ten years. The couple opened their own workshop, Taller Reveri, in 1952 (it closed in 1992). They created designs that are quite unique, including some that incorporated niello and others that featured braiding and weaving. Mostly they created jewelry, but their shop produced some holloware as well.

For a good look at Reveri’s maker’s marks and some examples of their work, visit the Reveri ~ Taxco page at the Online Encyclopedia of Silver Marks, Hallmarks & Maker’s Marks.

Kim Matthews has some nice Reveri jewelry, along with a beautiful set of Reveri demitasse spoons, at her website KBueno! Mexican Vintage.

And here’s a nice vintage sterling silver Reveri bracelet currently offered on ebay (by a Top-rated seller):

Photograph: grandmasattic3

Reveri Castillo Sterling Silver Chunky Bracelet Mexico
US $185.00
Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 6:50:33 PDT
| Watch this Item

Reveriano Castillo (aka Reveri): unique 20th century Taxco silver originally appeared on Vintage Mexican Silver on April 13, 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 Hector Aguilar flatware service sells for $13,750!!

I love vintage Mexican silver — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 14:59:36 +0000

You may recall that a few days ago we wrote about an auction for a circa 1940 Aztec pattern 49-piece silver and rosewood flatware service by Hector Aguilar. The sale, conducted by Heritage Auctions, took place on April 11th and had an $11,000 reserve. Given that the U.S. economy has not yet fully rebounded, a number of folks weren’t sure if the reserve would be made, but it was, and with a 25% buyer’s premium, the buyer had to shell out $ 13,750 for Lot 68151. If you’re having trouble believing it, take a look at the listing to see the final price and details.

Want to find your own vintage Hector Aguilar silver treasures? Here are a few items now on eBay:

VINTAGE LARGE HECTOR AGUILAR CORO TAXCO MEXICAN STERLING SILVER BIRD PIN 15629
US $115.00
Auction Ends: Saturday May-19-2012 9:58:14 PDT
| Watch this Item

Vintage Signed Hector Aguilar Taxco Mexico Modernist Sterling Silver Spoon 4"
US $285.00
Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 18:17:02 PDT
| Watch this Item

VINTAGE 1940s CORO MEXICO HECTOR AGUILAR STERLING SQUIRREL OR ROOSTER PIN BROOCH
US $14.99 (0 Bid)
Auction Ends: Tuesday May-22-2012 18:10:44 PDT
| Watch this Item

Vintage signed HECTOR AGUILAR or HA style Mexican sterling wide bracelet
US $300.00
Auction Ends: Wednesday May-23-2012 11:05:14 PDT
| Watch this Item

Vintage Hector Aguilar Sterling Silver Earrings (940) from Taxco
US $178.00 (0 Bid)
Auction Ends: Thursday May-24-2012 11:45:30 PDT
| Watch this Item

Vintage Hector Aguilar flatware service sells for $13,750!! originally appeared on Vintage Mexican Silver on April 12, 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 Hector Aguilar flatware service auction starts with $ 11,000 reserve

I love vintage Mexican silver — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 00:05:30 +0000

Hector Aguilar once served as William Spratling’s shop manager. Aguilar, known for his bold designs, was one of the most important 20th-century designers of Mexican sterling silver jewelry, holloware, and flatware. His workshop, Taller Borda, had a reputation for good design and high quality.

A 49-piece silver and rosewood flatware service by Hector Aguilar, circa 1940, will be sold at auction on April 11th and has been listed with a reserve amount of $ 11,000. This Aztec pattern set is a beauty:

Vintage Hector Aguilar silver and rosewood Aztec flatware service. Photograph: Heritage AuctionsVintage Hector Aguilar silver and rosewood Aztec flatware service. Photograph: Heritage Auctions

Here is the auction description:

A FORTY-NINE PIECE HECTOR AGUILAR MEXICAN SILVER AND ROSEWOOD AZTEC PATTERN FLATWARE SERVICE
Hector Aguilar, Taxco, Mexico, circa 1940
Marks: HA, TALLER, BORDA, (eagle-9)
13-1/8 inches long (33.3 cm)
119.3 ounces (gross)
The flatware service comprising:
1 salad serving set
8 dinner knives
8 dinner forks
8 tablespoons
8 salad forks
8 teaspoons
7 butter knives
49 total
Estimate: $15,000 – $25,000.
Condition Report*:
With surface scratches commensurate with age.
*Heritage Auctions strongly encourages in-person inspection of items by the bidder. Statements by Heritage regarding the condition of objects are for guidance only and should not be relied upon as statements of fact, and do not constitute a representation, warranty, or assumption of liability by Heritage. All lots offered are sold “AS IS”.

This set is Lot 68151 and is part of Heritage’s Fine Silver & Vertu Signature Auction on April 11th. Note that absentee bidding ends on April 10th at 10:00 PM CT. Click here for more details.

You can find other vintage Taxco silver by Hector Aguilar here. And check out the Online Encyclopedia of Silver Marks, Hallmarks & Makers’ Marks section on Hector Aguilar to see Aguilar marks and biographical information.

Vintage Hector Aguilar flatware service auction starts with $ 11,000 reserve originally appeared on Vintage Mexican Silver on April 8, 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

Bottoms up! Vintage Spratling silver cocktail server coming to auction

I love vintage Mexican silver — Sun, 25 Mar 2012 23:30:37 +0000

William Spratling Sterling Cocktail Server - Photograph: Skinner Auctioneers & Appraisers

Haven’t seen one of these before. It will be sold at auction on March 31st during Skinner’s European Furniture & Decorative Arts sale (Sale 2589B). Here is the description:

Lot 183
William Spratling Sterling Cocktail Server, Taxco, Mexico, mid-20th century, snifter-form, with short, straight spout, on low stem and round foot, ht. 5 1/2 in., approx. 13 troy oz.
Estimate $700-900

To see the auction listing and get more information, click here.

Check out more vintage William Spratling silver here.

Bottoms up! Vintage Spratling silver cocktail server coming to auction originally appeared on Vintage Mexican Silver on March 25, 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

Face it: this vintage Los Castillo sterling silver bracelet is fantastico!

I love vintage Mexican silver — Sat, 17 Mar 2012 13:59:30 +0000

Ever since Antonio Castillo and his brothers established their business in 1939, Los Castillo silver designs have become the prized possessions of many a silver enthusiast. This bracelet, which will be sold at auction on April 11th, is yet another example of why folks love Los Castillo. Not suprised to see that bidding has already begun…..

Vintage Los Castillo sterling silver bracelet; Photograph: Heritage Auctions

Here’s the auctioneer’s description for Lot 68525:

A LOS CASTILLO SILVER BRACELET
Los Castillo, Taxco, Mexico, circa 1950
Marks: CASTILLO, LOS CASTILLO, STERLING, MEXICO
6-3/8 inches long (16.1 cm)
4.5 troy ounces
The silver bracelet featuring 14 stylized linked faces. Estimate: $500 – $800.
Condition Report*: With surface scratches commensurate with age.
*Heritage Auctions strongly encourages in-person inspection of items by the bidder. Statements by Heritage regarding the condition of objects are for guidance only and should not be relied upon as statements of fact, and do not constitute a representation, warranty, or assumption of liability by Heritage. All lots offered are sold “AS IS”.

Follow this link for more details about and to bid on Lot 68525 at the Heritage Auctions Fine Silver & Vertu Signature auction.

Face it: this vintage Los Castillo sterling silver bracelet is fantastico! originally appeared on Vintage Mexican Silver on March 17, 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