Vintage Mexican Silver » vintage Mexican mixed metals

On the prowl for vintage Mexican mixed metal pieces by Los Castillo

I love vintage Mexican silver — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 00:37:30 +0000

As discerning collectors know, work produced by Los Castillo is among the finest when it comes to vintage Mexican silver and mixed metal (metales casado) pieces. Los Castillo revived and refined the techniques of combining metals such as sterling silver, copper and brass. Currently there are a number of mixed metal pieces offered on eBay. Here are a few by Los Castillo:

Vintage Los Castillo Mexican TAXCO Bowl Mixed Metals Brass Copper Silver 97
US $225.00
Auction Ends: Thursday Feb-09-2012 10:22:04 PST
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Rare & Large Los Castillo TAXCO Silver Plate Mixed Metal Swan/Goose Centerpiece
US $249.99 (1 Bid)
Auction Ends: Thursday Feb-09-2012 18:56:19 PST
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LOS CASTILLO MEXICO VINTAGE STERLING SILVER & MIX METAL FISH EARRINGS
US $86.00
Auction Ends: Friday Feb-10-2012 18:34:36 PST
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Mid-Century Modern Los Castillo Mixed Metal Footed Dish, Copper, Silver, Brass !
US $125.00
Auction Ends: Sunday Feb-12-2012 12:45:30 PST
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Mid-Century Modern Los Castillo Mixed Metal Tray, Copper, Silver,Brass Geometric
US $325.00
Auction Ends: Sunday Feb-12-2012 13:02:11 PST
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If you have vintage Mexican mixed metal pieces (or silver pieces) and need help with identification, a good place to go for help is the Mexican Silversmiths Forum at 925-1000.com.

On the prowl for vintage Mexican mixed metal pieces by Los Castillo originally appeared on Vintage Mexican Silver on July 17, 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 call it metales casados…”

I love vintage Mexican silver — Sat, 21 May 2011 21:43:39 +0000

The ancient art of combining metals in patterns was originally revived and refined in Taxco by Los Castillo, and their workshop was known far and wide for the quality of its work. Did you know that a presentation cigar box was made for President John F. Kennedy by Los Castillo using this technique? The box featured an Aztec tobacco god with his pipe. Wonder where that box is today…

“We call it metales casados, which in English means ‘married metals,” said the young craftsman, whose dark complexion, high cheekbones and square body betrayed his Aztec forebears. Standing in his little adobe shop in Taxco….he twirled a beautifully wrought tray of pure silver, so cleverly inlaid with patterns and figures of copper, bronze and black silver that a magnifying glass would not show a line of separation between the metals…

…”This sounds easy,” one of Los Castillo’s best artisans says, “but when you are inlaying many types of metal in a tray with large surface, it is the devil. It takes me three days to turn out even a small ash tray of metales casados.”

This craftsman spent months creating a huge silver tray with 14 Aztec figures in bronze, copper, silver and black silver–all inlaid at the surface of the tray so perfectly that no wave appears anywhere on it. You can run a needle tip across it without feeling a click as the point rides across the different inlays.”

- from ‘City of Silver’ by Michael Day, Popular Mechanics, June 1952

Here is a small sample of vintage Mexican metales casados items that are up for auction or sale:

Vintage Sterling Metales Casados Aztec Brooch Pendant
US $109.00
Auction Ends: Thursday Feb-09-2012 12:58:29 PST
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Vintage Sterling Silver Bangle Metales Casados Mexico Mixed Metals NR!
US $24.99 (0 Bid)
Auction Ends: Thursday Feb-09-2012 17:31:49 PST
| Watch this Item

Vintage Metales Casados (married metals) Sterling, Copper Brass Necklace~Mexico
US $289.99
Auction Ends: Friday Feb-10-2012 20:33:55 PST
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VINTAGE METALES CASADOS MULTI METAL DISH-MEXICO
US $9.95 (1 Bid)
Auction Ends: Saturday Feb-11-2012 9:34:22 PST
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VTG EARRINGS Silver Mexican Modernist Metales Casados Inlaid Brass/Copper/Turq.
US $23.95 (0 Bid)
Auction Ends: Saturday Feb-11-2012 11:16:47 PST
| Watch this Item

“We call it metales casados…” originally appeared on Vintage Mexican Silver on May 21, 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 copper and silver – married metals – by Victoria

I love vintage Mexican silver — Sun, 06 Feb 2011 00:54:02 +0000

Victoria was the trade name of Ana Maria Nunez de Brilanti, who had a small workshop in Taxco and whose maker’s marks include Cony. As Bille Hougart notes, she “is also remembered for her designs combining silver and copper. Her ‘married metal’ line is a superb example of the result of years of research and refinement of techniques.”

Here are a few Victoria pieces currently on eBay that combine copper with silver or other metals:

Vintage Victoria Taxco Mexico Copper & Silver Tequila Cup or Shot Glass #267
US $14.99 (1 Bid)
Auction Ends: Saturday Feb-11-2012 13:34:12 PST
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Vintage Large Victoria Taxco Copper and Silver Coffee Pot Wood Handle
US $155.00
Auction Ends: Monday Feb-13-2012 19:55:55 PST
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RARE VICTORIA TAXCO MEXICO STERLING COPPER TEQUILA CUP
US $75.77
Auction Ends: Tuesday Feb-14-2012 9:22:02 PST
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Victoria Taxco Mexico Copper Ovoid Ashtray
US $101.25
Auction Ends: Thursday Feb-16-2012 14:56:14 PST
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VICTORIA Taxco Mexico Silver Copper Sterling Lg PITCHER
US $345.00
Auction Ends: Wednesday Feb-22-2012 16:09:50 PST
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Vintage copper and silver – married metals – by Victoria originally appeared on Vintage Mexican Silver on February 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

Victoria vintage Taxco married metals necklace, metales casados

I love vintage Mexican silver — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 15:58:27 +0000

The simple but elegant design of this vintage Mexican mixed metals necklace by Victoria (an eBay find) is really special, IMHO.

Victoria mixed metals necklace, photograph: delgiudiceantiques

Victoria was the trade name of Ana Maria Nunez de Brilanti, who had a small workshop in Taxco and whose maker’s marks include Cony. She is believed to have introduced the married metals technique to Taxco.

The seller’s description:

Here is a wonderful vintage Mexican sterling and mixed metal necklace signed by Victoria circa 1950. The necklace is marked sterling and the inlay appears t be copper. The necklace measures approx. 16.5″ and is in good vintage condition. It weighs approx. 60 grams.

If you’re interested, note that the listing indicates the seller will entertain offers.

No items matching your keywords were found.

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Victoria vintage Taxco married metals necklace, metales casados originally appeared on Vintage Mexican Silver on January 13, 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

Los Castillo mid-twentieth century Taxco married metals plate

I love vintage Mexican silver — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 14:35:15 +0000

The technique of fusing together different metals, known as metales casados (married or mixed metals), is one for which Los Castillo is well-known. Los Castillo, one of the great families of Taxco silver, revived ancient techniques such as married metals and developed a reputation for great design and innovation.

If you are looking for a good example of Los Castillo mixed metals, take a look at this metales casados plate, which will be auctioned at Skinner on December 18th:

Los Castillo mixed metals - metales casados - plate, Photograph: Skinner

Here’s the auctioneer’s description:

20th Century Furniture & Decorative Arts – Sale 2531B – Lot 243
Los Castillo Mixed Metal Plate
Mexico, mid-20th century
Circular form with brass copper and silvered metal pie-shaped segments, marked Los Castillo Taxco Hecho en Mexico 95 on rim, dia. 6 1/2 in. Estimate $400 – $500, Starting Bid $200

Click here for more information about this auction at Skinner.
Vintage Mexican mixed metals jewelry and other items are available on eBay as well. Here are a few of the current listings:

Vintage Sterling Silver Bangle Metales Casados Mexico Mixed Metals NR!
US $24.99 (0 Bid)
Auction Ends: Thursday Feb-09-2012 17:31:49 PST
| Watch this Item

VINTAGE MEXICO STERLING SILVER MIXED METAL ONYX FACE CUFFLINKS
US $75.00
Auction Ends: Friday Feb-10-2012 9:49:45 PST
| Watch this Item

LOS CASTILLO MEXICO VINTAGE STERLING SILVER & MIX METAL FISH EARRINGS
US $86.00
Auction Ends: Friday Feb-10-2012 18:34:36 PST
| Watch this Item

Vintage Metales Silver Mixed Metals Brooch Mexico
US $49.99
Auction Ends: Friday Feb-10-2012 18:55:26 PST
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VINTAGE Mexican Hammered Mixed Metals Cuff Bracelet Mexico
US $2.75 (2 Bids)
Auction Ends: Saturday Feb-11-2012 10:10:13 PST
| Watch this Item

Los Castillo mid-twentieth century Taxco married metals plate originally appeared on Vintage Mexican Silver on December 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 Los Castillo mixed metals and rosewood box on the auction block

I love vintage Mexican silver — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 13:59:32 +0000

If you’re a fan of Los Castillo and/or metales casados (mixed metals), you’ll be interested in Butterscotch Auction Gallery’s November 7th auction where a Los Castillo mixed metals and rosewood box will be offered.

This vintage Los Castillo box is Lot 661. The starting bid is $ 50 (as of this posting one bid has been made), and the estimate $100 – $200. The auctioneer has not provided much of a description:

“NEGRO” H. 1 1/2″, TOP: 4 X 3 1/4″

But here are some more photos:

Photographs: Butterscotch Auction Gallery/Live Auctioneers

Click here for more information about this auction.

Here are some current listings for vintage metales casados pieces on eBay:

Vintage Sterling Metales Casados Aztec Brooch Pendant
US $109.00
Auction Ends: Thursday Feb-09-2012 12:58:29 PST
| Watch this Item

Vintage Sterling Silver Bangle Metales Casados Mexico Mixed Metals NR!
US $24.99 (0 Bid)
Auction Ends: Thursday Feb-09-2012 17:31:49 PST
| Watch this Item

Vintage Metales Casados (married metals) Sterling, Copper Brass Necklace~Mexico
US $289.99
Auction Ends: Friday Feb-10-2012 20:33:55 PST
| Watch this Item

VINTAGE METALES CASADOS MULTI METAL DISH-MEXICO
US $9.95 (1 Bid)
Auction Ends: Saturday Feb-11-2012 9:34:22 PST
| Watch this Item

VTG EARRINGS Silver Mexican Modernist Metales Casados Inlaid Brass/Copper/Turq.
US $23.95 (0 Bid)
Auction Ends: Saturday Feb-11-2012 11:16:47 PST
| Watch this Item

Vintage Los Castillo mixed metals and rosewood box on the auction block originally appeared on Vintage Mexican Silver on October 28, 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

Early Taxco metales casados brooch/pendant in upcoming auction

I love vintage Mexican silver — Mon, 11 Oct 2010 00:04:18 +0000

An early signed Taxco inlay jaguar pendant brooch will be on the block on October 17th at ”The Prescott Estate – Antiques & The Unusual” auction that will be conducted by J Levine Auction & Appraisal of Scottsdale, AZ.

Photograph: J Levine Auction & Appraisal

Here’s the auctioneer’s description for Lot 270:

This early Taxco jaguar pendant brooch is signed 925 sterling MCR Mexico Metales Castados and the 2 eagle mark. The marriage of metals are the copper, brass and silver used to design the top along with the turquoise inlay. It measures 1-3/4″ x 1-1/4″. Estimated Price: $100 – $150

The fusing together of different metals (mixed metals, or metales casados) is an ancient technique that was revived by Los Castillo in the 20th century. Here are some other vintage mixed metals Mexican jewelry and metalware items that are currently offered on eBay:

Vintage Los Castillo Mexican TAXCO Bowl Mixed Metals Brass Copper Silver 97
US $225.00
Auction Ends: Thursday Feb-09-2012 10:22:04 PST
| Watch this Item

Vintage 1960s SIGNED Mixed Metals Modern Mexican CROSS
US $169.99
Auction Ends: Friday Feb-10-2012 5:28:07 PST
| Watch this Item

Vintage Mod Mexican Mixed Metal Sterling Cufflinks
US $28.99
Auction Ends: Friday Feb-10-2012 8:16:56 PST
| Watch this Item

VINTAGE MEXICAN STERLING SILVER BAKELITE MODERNIST MIXED METALS BROOCH PIN
US $45.00
Auction Ends: Friday Feb-10-2012 12:01:58 PST
| Watch this Item

Sterling 925 Vintage Mexican Bracelet 6 Diff.Applied Medallions Estate Mix Metal
US $119.99 (0 Bid)
Auction Ends: Friday Feb-10-2012 13:08:57 PST
| Watch this Item

Early Taxco metales casados brooch/pendant in upcoming auction originally appeared on Vintage Mexican Silver on October 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 Taxco mixed metals: silver and copper

I love vintage Mexican silver — Sat, 25 Sep 2010 15:40:57 +0000

Los Castillo was well known for reviving the ancient technique of fusing of different metals and for their innovations in design and the use of metales casados (mixed metals). Other Taxco artisans explored the mixing of metals as well. Silver and copper was a popular combination. Here are some currently available vintage Taxco pieces that mix the two:

Taxco Mexican Sterling Silver Brass & Copper Inlay Stones Aztec Pendant Brooch
US $24.95 (1 Bid)
Auction Ends: Thursday Feb-09-2012 10:18:05 PST
| Watch this Item

Vintage Los Castillo Mexican TAXCO Bowl Mixed Metals Brass Copper Silver 97
US $225.00
Auction Ends: Thursday Feb-09-2012 10:22:04 PST
| Watch this Item

Pretty Sterling 925 Taxco Silver and Copper Square Drop Earrings in Gift Box
US $20.62
Auction Ends: Friday Feb-10-2012 12:02:25 PST
| Watch this Item

Taxco at Dusk Artisan Turquoise Silver Copper Earrings
US $75.99
Auction Ends: Saturday Feb-11-2012 8:26:41 PST
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VINTAGE TAXCO MEXICAN STERLING SILVER COPPER MODERNIST PIN EARRINGS SET 15318
US $140.00
Auction Ends: Saturday Feb-11-2012 10:02:35 PST
| Watch this Item

Vintage Victoria Taxco Mexico Copper & Silver Tequila Cup or Shot Glass #267
US $14.99 (1 Bid)
Auction Ends: Saturday Feb-11-2012 13:34:12 PST
| Watch this Item

Sterling Silver Pin Pendant & Brooch Gold Copper Inlaid, Taxco
US $99.99
Auction Ends: Saturday Feb-11-2012 20:09:21 PST
| Watch this Item

Vintage Large Victoria Taxco Copper and Silver Coffee Pot Wood Handle
US $155.00
Auction Ends: Monday Feb-13-2012 19:55:55 PST
| Watch this Item

Unusual Signed Silver & Inlaid Copper Pin/Pendant, 925 Taxco
US $49.99 (0 Bid)
Auction Ends: Tuesday Feb-14-2012 10:42:03 PST
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Vntg Chain Link Mexican Copper & Taxco Silver Necklace / Bracelet / Earring Set
US $245.00
Auction Ends: Wednesday Feb-15-2012 17:29:30 PST
| Watch this Item

Vintage Taxco mixed metals: silver and copper originally appeared on Vintage Mexican Silver on September 25, 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

Metales casados (married metals) in vintage Mexican jewelry and metalware

I love vintage Mexican silver — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 00:01:06 +0000

Metales casados is the Spanish term for mixed or “married” metals – the fusing of two or more different metals such as silver, brass or copper in a design. The very nature of the technique means that no two pieces will be identical.

Los Castillo and Victoria Ana Nunez de Brilanti (Victoria, CONY) introduced this technique in Taxco, although perhaps it would be better to say “reintroduced” or “revived” since it is actually an ancient technique dating back more than 2,000 years, used by the Zapotec, Olmec, Monte Alban and Mayan cultures.

Here are some of the metales casados or mixed metals offerings currently on eBay:

Vintage Sterling Metales Casados Aztec Brooch Pendant
US $109.00
Auction Ends: Thursday Feb-09-2012 12:58:29 PST
| Watch this Item

Vintage Sterling Silver Bangle Metales Casados Mexico Mixed Metals NR!
US $24.99 (0 Bid)
Auction Ends: Thursday Feb-09-2012 17:31:49 PST
| Watch this Item

estate METALES CASADOS Mosaic Pottery Silver FISH BROOCH PENDANT Mixed Metals
US $55.00
Auction Ends: Friday Feb-10-2012 15:13:18 PST
| Watch this Item

Metales Casados Butterfly Brooch
US $125.00
Auction Ends: Friday Feb-10-2012 15:55:09 PST
| Watch this Item

Taxco Sterling Cufflinks Metales Casados CAR-428
US $75.00
Auction Ends: Friday Feb-10-2012 18:00:59 PST
| Watch this Item

Vintage Metales Casados (married metals) Sterling, Copper Brass Necklace~Mexico
US $289.99
Auction Ends: Friday Feb-10-2012 20:33:55 PST
| Watch this Item

VINTAGE METALES CASADOS MULTI METAL DISH-MEXICO
US $9.95 (1 Bid)
Auction Ends: Saturday Feb-11-2012 9:34:22 PST
| Watch this Item

VTG EARRINGS Silver Mexican Modernist Metales Casados Inlaid Brass/Copper/Turq.
US $23.95 (0 Bid)
Auction Ends: Saturday Feb-11-2012 11:16:47 PST
| Watch this Item

Mexico Sterling Taxco Metales Casados Inlay Onlay Aztec Pin Pendant & Earrings
US $215.00
Auction Ends: Sunday Feb-12-2012 16:47:37 PST
| Watch this Item

Vintage Taxco Mexico Metales Casados Flower Brooch Pin
US $29.95
Auction Ends: Sunday Feb-12-2012 19:20:33 PST
| Watch this Item

Metales casados (married metals) in vintage Mexican jewelry and metalware originally appeared on Vintage Mexican Silver on August 5, 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

Estela Popowski modernist designs in vintage Mexican silver

I love vintage Mexican silver — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 14:52:22 +0000

Painter and jewelry designer Stella (Estela) Popowski worked with married metals (metales casedos), inlaid stone, onix negro and other complex techniques to create modernist designs that are appreciated to this day.

Popowski lived in Mexico City from the 1940s to the 1960s. She created designs for both Antonio Pineda and Los Castillo for brief periods and then worked independently with silversmiths who executed her designs. Her work is sought after by aficionados of mid-century modern jewelry as well as collectors of vintage Mexican silver jewelry. Here are some pieces currently offered for sale on eBay:

No items matching your keywords were found.

Estela Popowski modernist designs in vintage Mexican silver originally appeared on Vintage Mexican Silver on June 12, 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