Mexican Deco Taxco 980 silver and copper Cuff Bracelet

An early Taxco treasure, this Mexican Deco cuff bracelet is both generous in weight and wrought in fine, .980 silver. The design is classic for the period and I have seen all-silver versions of it over the years by anonymous makers and recognizable names, that of Emma and La Cucaracha being among the most famous. The marriage of silver and copper that we are treated to here, however, I have never encountered before. Not only is the mixing of the metals unusual - the incorporation of the specific silver and copper overlay stations, an improvisation based on William Spratling's "pillow" motif, is an additional innovation. It is true that the field of vintage Mexican silver jewelry will throw you a curve ball when you almost think you have seen it all...

PS: I am including a photo of the classic all-silver design to better illustrate my point above; the specific example was by La Cucaracha and has already sold

Size / Weight: 6 3/4" inner circumference (including the 1 1/8" gap; not adjustable due to the thickness of the silver used); 3/4" wide; 57.8 grams

Hallmarks / Date: "TAXCO 980"; pre-1948

Condition: excellent vintage with warmly glowing patina, good weight and an unusual design, with no damage and no repairs noted

Inv# 15806