C Molina Mexican silver "masks" shadowbox Bracelet
Maestro C. Molina is one of those “enigmatic” figures of Mexico’s 20th c. Silver Renaissance. Even in Bille Hougart’s seminal work on hallmarks and makers there is minimal information about him - namely, two or three examples of the way his jewelry is hallmarked and the photos are really difficult to read. Yet I have come upon his works several times during my years of buying and selling vintage Mexican silver and our lack of information notwithstanding, I have come to appreciate the high level of craftsmanship, the expert finishing and his ability to create impressive pieces in “shadowbox”. The black onyx “masks” bracelet presented here is a more “sedate” version of his quite often monumental work yet visually, it is as stimulating as his bigger creations - and most probably, easier to enjoy at all times too. A classic link bracelet, it wears more like a hinged bangle and presents to the world a fascinating universe of silver scroll motifs, complex and full of motion, which contrasts dramatically with the stark minimalism of the “masks”…
Size / Weight: 6 3/4” long (wearable) by 1 1/4” wide; 80.9 grams
Hallmarks / Date: maker’s signature as shown as well as “STERLING”, “TIJUANA MEXICO” and “ANTON’S", the retailer through which the bracelet was sold; 1940s
Condition: very good vintage with masterfully executed “shadowbox” construction that adds sculpturality and drama, great patina, with no unsightly damage or any repairs; please note there is a very small chip off the nose in one of the “masks” (the one next to the clasp’s tongue) - it is not easily detectible and does not affect appearance in any way
Inv# 15723
Maestro C. Molina is one of those “enigmatic” figures of Mexico’s 20th c. Silver Renaissance. Even in Bille Hougart’s seminal work on hallmarks and makers there is minimal information about him - namely, two or three examples of the way his jewelry is hallmarked and the photos are really difficult to read. Yet I have come upon his works several times during my years of buying and selling vintage Mexican silver and our lack of information notwithstanding, I have come to appreciate the high level of craftsmanship, the expert finishing and his ability to create impressive pieces in “shadowbox”. The black onyx “masks” bracelet presented here is a more “sedate” version of his quite often monumental work yet visually, it is as stimulating as his bigger creations - and most probably, easier to enjoy at all times too. A classic link bracelet, it wears more like a hinged bangle and presents to the world a fascinating universe of silver scroll motifs, complex and full of motion, which contrasts dramatically with the stark minimalism of the “masks”…
Size / Weight: 6 3/4” long (wearable) by 1 1/4” wide; 80.9 grams
Hallmarks / Date: maker’s signature as shown as well as “STERLING”, “TIJUANA MEXICO” and “ANTON’S", the retailer through which the bracelet was sold; 1940s
Condition: very good vintage with masterfully executed “shadowbox” construction that adds sculpturality and drama, great patina, with no unsightly damage or any repairs; please note there is a very small chip off the nose in one of the “masks” (the one next to the clasp’s tongue) - it is not easily detectible and does not affect appearance in any way
Inv# 15723
Maestro C. Molina is one of those “enigmatic” figures of Mexico’s 20th c. Silver Renaissance. Even in Bille Hougart’s seminal work on hallmarks and makers there is minimal information about him - namely, two or three examples of the way his jewelry is hallmarked and the photos are really difficult to read. Yet I have come upon his works several times during my years of buying and selling vintage Mexican silver and our lack of information notwithstanding, I have come to appreciate the high level of craftsmanship, the expert finishing and his ability to create impressive pieces in “shadowbox”. The black onyx “masks” bracelet presented here is a more “sedate” version of his quite often monumental work yet visually, it is as stimulating as his bigger creations - and most probably, easier to enjoy at all times too. A classic link bracelet, it wears more like a hinged bangle and presents to the world a fascinating universe of silver scroll motifs, complex and full of motion, which contrasts dramatically with the stark minimalism of the “masks”…
Size / Weight: 6 3/4” long (wearable) by 1 1/4” wide; 80.9 grams
Hallmarks / Date: maker’s signature as shown as well as “STERLING”, “TIJUANA MEXICO” and “ANTON’S", the retailer through which the bracelet was sold; 1940s
Condition: very good vintage with masterfully executed “shadowbox” construction that adds sculpturality and drama, great patina, with no unsightly damage or any repairs; please note there is a very small chip off the nose in one of the “masks” (the one next to the clasp’s tongue) - it is not easily detectible and does not affect appearance in any way
Inv# 15723