Francisco Rivera Mexican silver figural Brooch

One of the most talented Taxco maestros, Francisco Rivera trained in Spratling's Las Delicias and as a mature silversmith he created jewelry for Emma Melendez in addition to having his own line. Rivera is one of those artists a collector / lover of vintage Mexican silver does not discover immediately. One has to train one's eye first and develop the sophistication that allows one to go looking beyond the "big" signatures in order to discover amazing examples of "wearable treasures" made by less celebrated or even anonymous maestros. And even though I wouldn't classify Rivera in the latter category, he still remains a precious Taxco secret that when discovered, will become an obsession...

Size / Weight: 2 7/8" tall by 1 1/2" wide; 18.6 grams

Hallmarks / Date: maker's conjoined initials as well as "HECHO EN MEXICO", "STERLING TAXCO", des. no 1004 and Eagle 3 assay mark (there is an additional mark but it's badly stamped - CARLOS IMPORTER?); 1950s-60s

Condition: excellent vintage, featuring a rather unusual bird-of-prey design, with nice overlay, its oxidation in good shape and no damage or repairs noted

Inv# 15274