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 Fred Davis Sterling Silver and Amethyst Necklace, Mexico. Photograph: Leland Little Auction & Estate Sales

American collector and folk art dealer Frederick Davis moved to Mexico early in the 20th century, set up one of the first “quality” folk art shops in Mexico City, and later directed Sanborn’s gallery on Avenida Madero. Davis was at the center of an exciting group of writers, collectors, folk art specialists and painters, both Mexican and expatriate. He studied folk art and regularly searched the Mexican countryside looking for new and exciting folk art examples. Davis created jewelry designs that were unlike the traditional religious and quasi-colonial designs that were the norm at the time. In doing so he helped set the stage for those such as William Spratling, the Taxco school, and the many fine artisans who were part of the 20th century renaissance of Mexican silver design and creation.

This is Lot #404. Here is the auctioneer’s information:

Rare Sterling & Amethyst Necklace by Fred Davis
Mexico, circa late 1930s to early 1940s, of collar design, set with silver bar links of two different sizes which alternate between one another, accented at the bottom of each link with beadwork, the center motif featuring a rectangular column shaped amethyst cabochon, completed by a slide in clasp, mounted in sterling silver, marked “Mexico Silver” and with maker’s mark for Fred Davis as well as Mexican sterling. An exceptional piece by Fred Davis, a coveted Mexican silversmith as well as antiquities dealer out of Mexico City who inspired the likes of William Spratling. 17 in. Approximately 6.55 troy ounces In very nice estate condition. Estimate: 1,000.00 – 1,500.00

Click here for the Leland Little website for more information and to bid.

Rare Fred Davis sterling ailver & Amethyst necklace at auction originally appeared on Vintage Mexican Silver on March 12, 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

Spratling Mexico Olympic Box – Before he died in 1967, William Spratling designed a box honoring the Mexico City Olympics that were to occur in 1968.

Spratling Mexico Olympic Box. Photograph: Leah Gordon 1stdibs

Sterling Silver Miniature Trunk by Fred Davis – Circa 1930, 20 oz.,6 1/2 inches long by 4 inches wide by 3 1/2 inches high.

Circa 1930 Sterling Silver Trunk by Fred Davis. Photograph: Lauren Stanley Silver 1stdibs

Salvador Teran Mosiac Box – Mexico 1950s Mosaic Tile and Brass Handwrought Box. Series 415. 1.75 in. X 6 in. X 8.38 in.

Vintage Salvador Teran Mosaic Box. Photograph: Downtown, 1st dibs

Beautiful vintage boxes by Davis, Spratling, and Teran originally appeared on Vintage Mexican Silver on February 1, 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

We all know that Davis’ impact was significant, as many books and articles have pointed out. For example Antiques Roadshow Collectibles: The Complete Guide to Collecting 20th Century Glassware, Costume Jewelry, Memorabila, Toys and More From the Most-Watched Show on PBS notes:

The precursor to what has come to be called the Taxco School is the jewelry of American designer Frederick W. Davis, who worked in Mexico City in the twenties and thirties. Blending native materials–among them, silver, obsidian (a dark, glassy volcanic rock), and amethyst quartz–with native motifs and contemporary American and European designs, Davis’s jewelry was a departure from traditional religious or quasi-colonial Mexican pieces and set the tone for the Taxco craftspeople to come.

So how is it that no one has edited the entry to reflect Davis’ accomplishments and influence? If you consider yourself to be even an amateur Mexican silver historian, think about improving the Davis entry and adding entries for the other designers and artisans who deserve this recognition.
And if you are a collector, here are some pieces by Davis that might interest you:

VINTAGE SIGNED FRED DAVIS DOVE BIRD HAND WROUGHT STERLING SILVER MEXICAN PIN US $850.00 Auction Ends: Monday Feb-06-2012 6:25:48 PST   | Watch this Item

Mexican sterling silver & turquoise vintage pin signed Fred Davis very rare US $2,600.00 Auction Ends: Tuesday Feb-07-2012 18:24:08 PST   | Watch this Item

COLLECTOR ALERT c1930 MEXICAN STERLING silver CUFF BRACELET early FRED DAVIS ERA US $31.00 (10 Bids) Auction Ends: Tuesday Feb-07-2012 22:44:45 PST   | Watch this Item

VINTAGE FRED DAVIS STYLE TAXCO MEXICAN STERLING SILVER AMETHYST FLOWER PIN 15609 US $195.00 Auction Ends: Wednesday Feb-08-2012 18:07:08 PST   | Watch this Item

2 Fred Davis Mexican Sterling Silver Small Dishes/Nut Dish US $200.00 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Thursday Feb-09-2012 6:14:36 PST   | Watch this Item

Fred Davis deserves more! originally appeared on Vintage Mexican Silver on December 2, 2010. 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 number of vintage Fred Davis pieces on eBay is usually limited. Here is what’s available right now:

FRED DAVIS DESIGN VINTAGE MEXICO STERLING SILVER LADY PIN US $175.00 Auction Ends: Sunday Feb-05-2012 17:42:43 PST   | Watch this Item

Vintage Fred Thompson Edgartown Mass Hand Colored Photo & Postcard Davis Doorway US $19.99 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Sunday Feb-05-2012 18:58:26 PST   | Watch this Item

VINTAGE SIGNED FRED DAVIS DOVE BIRD HAND WROUGHT STERLING SILVER MEXICAN PIN US $850.00 Auction Ends: Monday Feb-06-2012 6:25:48 PST   | Watch this Item

VTG Washington Redskins Bullets 1990s Fred Davis Snapback Hat Cap Darrell Green US $9.99 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Monday Feb-06-2012 22:19:33 PST   | Watch this Item

Mexican sterling silver & turquoise vintage pin signed Fred Davis very rare US $2,600.00 Auction Ends: Tuesday Feb-07-2012 18:24:08 PST   | Watch this Item

VINTAGE FRED DAVIS STYLE TAXCO MEXICAN STERLING SILVER AMETHYST FLOWER PIN 15609 US $195.00 Auction Ends: Wednesday Feb-08-2012 18:07:08 PST   | Watch this Item

Vintage Fred Davis Mexican Sterling Silver 1940s Face Ring US $49.00 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Thursday Feb-09-2012 6:51:20 PST   | Watch this Item

FRED DAVIS VINTAGE MEXICO MEXICAN SILVER BROOCH PIN US $297.77 Auction Ends: Thursday Feb-09-2012 17:36:44 PST   | Watch this Item

vtg 40's TAXCO 925 huge onyx BRACELET signed MEXICO sterling ESTATE fred davis? US $849.00 Auction Ends: Saturday Feb-11-2012 14:07:49 PST   | Watch this Item

VINTAGE FRED DAVIS DESIGN TAXCO MEXICAN SILVER STERLING PIN BROOCH 15023 US $295.00 Auction Ends: Monday Feb-20-2012 17:07:38 PST   | Watch this Item

Vintage Frederick Davis Mexican silver auctions originally appeared on Vintage Mexican Silver on August 29, 2010. 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

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.

Vintage Frederick Davis silver jewelry among most-watched originally appeared on Vintage Mexican Silver on May 29, 2010. 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

Here are a few photos of the auction lots (photo credit Heritage Auction Galleries):

Left, William Spratling silver/amethyst pin
Right, two pairs Hector Aguilar silver earrings

Left, Margot de Taxco silver/brass necklace and bracelet set
Right,  Antonio Pineda silver and obsidian brooch/earrings set

Take a look at the catalog, a PDF file.  Enter Mexico in the search box to see the auction pieces. Or visit the Heritage Auction Galleries web site and enter Mexico in the search box.

You can bid online. The auction ends on March 31, 2010.  Be sure to read the descriptions carefully – some of the pieces are described as “in the style of” or “after.”

Vintage Mexican silver jewelry auctions at Heritage Auction Galleries originally appeared on Vintage Mexican Silver on March 10, 2010. 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 Sanborns Huge Sterling Silver Brandy Snifter Pitcher Cup Sanborn 925 WOW US $495.95 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Sunday Feb-05-2012 15:48:17 PST   | Watch this Item

SANBORN STERLING SILVER MECHANICAL TEA STRAINER US $145.00 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Monday Feb-06-2012 18:53:31 PST   | Watch this Item

Vintage Sterling Silver Napkin Rings Set of (3) Sanborn's Mexico ***35 grams*** US $90.00 Auction Ends: Tuesday Feb-07-2012 10:29:28 PST   | Watch this Item

RARE VINTAGE SANBORN'S MEXICO SOLID STERLING SILVER SALT & PEPPER SHAKERS US $129.99 Auction Ends: Friday Feb-10-2012 4:18:53 PST   | Watch this Item

RARE VINTAGE SANBORN'S MEXICO SOLID STERLING SILVER SALT DIP/BUTTER PAT/BOWL#8 US $79.99 Auction Ends: Friday Feb-10-2012 5:34:40 PST   | Watch this Item

4,RARE VINTAGE SANBORN'S MEXICO SOLID STERLING SILVER CELLAR SALT DIPS,AZ ROSE US $179.99 Auction Ends: Saturday Feb-11-2012 7:48:10 PST   | Watch this Item

Coin Silver Mustard Spoon-Amos Sanborn, Lowell, MA, circa 1850 US $52.00 Auction Ends: Saturday Feb-11-2012 12:10:46 PST   | Watch this Item

got david sanborn? Saxophone Car Decal Sticker PARODY US $4.49 Auction Ends: Sunday Feb-12-2012 16:18:15 PST   | Watch this Item

got david sanborn? Saxophone Car Decal Sticker PARODY US $6.49 Auction Ends: Sunday Feb-12-2012 16:18:15 PST   | Watch this Item

got david sanborn? Saxophone Car Decal Sticker PARODY US $9.99 Auction Ends: Sunday Feb-12-2012 16:18:15 PST   | Watch this Item

Mexican Jewelry By Mary L. Davis and Greta Pack, is one of several good books through which you can learn more about Fred Davis, Sanborn’s, and the history of Mexican silver.

See larger image Mexican Jewelry (Paperback) By (author) Mary L. Davis, Greta Pack List Price: $19.95 USD New From: $58.83 In Stock Used from: $4.99 In Stock

Vintage Mexican silverware – Sanborn’s originally appeared on Vintage Mexican Silver on December 18, 2009. 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

#5  MATL VINTAGE MEXICAN STERLING SILVER CROSS & CHAIN
winning bid $550
Item # 170391863061 Sold October 14, one bid

#4  FREDERICK DAVIS VINTAGE CHEVRON MEXICAN SILVER BRACELET
sold for $1,025
Item # 170290631391 - Sold October 25, fixed price/best offer

#3 ANTONIO PINEDA VINTAGE TAXCO MEXICAN SILVER BRACELET
winning bid $ 1,225
Item # 280413717690 – Sold October 23, five bids (started at $9.99)

#2 VINTAGE MEXICAN SILVER SPRATLING BRACELET CUFF
winning bid $ 2,802
Item # 110445087235 – Sold October 19, 13 bids (started at $499.99)

#1 Vintage Mexican Silver Spratling Bracelet
winning bid $ 4,600
Item # 120477179555 – Sold October 12, 16 bids (started at $ 99.00)

5 top grossing vintage Mexican silver jewelry auctions on eBay – October originally appeared on Vintage Mexican Silver on November 1, 2009. 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