Los Castillo Mexican silver mixed metals "snake" Brooch Earrings

Symbols of fertility, rebirth, transformation and even immortality snakes and serpents have been favorite jewelry motifs through the centuries and across civilizations. In this Mexican Deco demi signed by the Los Castillo they are formed by silver, copper and brass, their slick bodies coiled around shimmering golden sheen obsidian. This is one of the best examples of the technique I have seen by the Los Castillo - probably because I love snake jewelry. Yet how could I say otherwise? Just look at the attention to detail that went into its crafting: the mixing of metals in the bodies, the tiny little eyes on the side of the heads, the articulated bifurcated tongue hanging out of the brooch’s snake mouth…

Size / Weight: brooch is 1 5/8” wide by 1 1/4” tall; earrings are 7/8” tall by 3/4” wide; 38.1 grams (for the set)

Hallmarks / Date: “METALES CASTILLO” as well as “MADE IN MEXICO” and des. no 166 on brooch; earrings are marked “LOS CASTILLO TAXCO”; there is no silver hallmark but the metal has been tested and guaranteed to be silver of sterling quality; pre-1948

Condition: excellent vintage with some of the most impressive, golden pieces of obsidian I have seen, beautiful detail in the snakes’ bodies and heads, wonderful patina and no damage or repairs noted

Inv# 15674