Mexican Silver

January 24, 2010 by Dean  
Filed under Mexican Silver

mexican-silverThe history of silver in Taxco is a fascinating mixture of legend and fact. Located in the hills about 100 miles Southwest of Mexico City, Taxco is one of the oldest mining sites located in the Americas.

As a town, it has retained its natural charm with its beautiful white washed houses, red-tiled roofs, & narrow cobble-stoned streets. The central square (the Zocalo) is shaded by trees & dominated by the stunning 240 year-old Santa Prisca Cathedral.

The natural wealth of silver has been attracting Conquistadors & visitors alike for hundreds of years.

Before the Spanish arrived the native Indians called it Tlacho meaning the place of the ballgame. According to local legend the Aztecs had the locals pay tribute to them with gold bars. Cortes arrived in 1492, and by 1521, the Aztecs were a conquered race. In 1522, Cortes staked his mining claim in Taxco.

By the end of the 16th century, Taxco had become Spain's principle source of silver, & its silver had spread across Europe. Tiny Taxco became famed throughout the world for the beauty & wealth of its silver.

As a mining center, Taxco's fame was relatively short lived, by the 1700's, new, easier sources had been discovered & the Taxco mines were abandoned. Then in 1716 its fortunes changed again when Don Jose de la Borda, out riding his horse in the hills, rediscovered silver in Taxco. In recognition of his good fortune, Borda built the beautiful and Baroque Santa Prisca Cathedral. This magnificent church can be seen from all over Taxco, glittering in the sunlight & reminding all who see it of the incredible wealth that one lay in the surrounding hills.

During Mexico's 19th century war for Independence the Spanish barons destroyed their mines rather than let them fall into the hands of the revolutionaries. Without local silver, the art of silver work died out entirely & Taxco went into decline until it was revived by an unlikely savior, a New Orleans professor of architecture, Bill Spratling.

William Spratling, an American from Tulane University arrived in Taxco in 1926 to study Mexico and its culture and to write a book. He fell in love with the area, and in 1929 he moved permanently to Mexico where he soon became a leading figure in Mexico's artistic community. In 1931 during a passing conversation with the U.S. Ambassador, Spratling discovered that Taxco had been the site of silver mines for centuries, but unfortunately had never been considered a location where silver jewelry and objects of silver were designed and made. This comment changed the course of Taxco's artistic and economic history forever.

Mr. Spratling soon discovered the latent talent in the local community, encouraging the local artisans to create new designs and rediscover the craft of silversmithing. He created an apprentice system for training young silversmiths with artistic talent and gave them the opportunity to develop their skills.

The great beauty and craftsmanship coming out of Taxco earned worldwide recognition and fame once again for Mexico. Over time many of these artisans opened workshops and stores of their own- all encouraged by his unwavering support.

Each November, Taxco honors its source of wealth and fame with the world famous Silver Fair (or Feria Nacional de La Plata), when the craftsmen, artists and silversmiths show their work and a national prize is awarded to the best silver artist of the Fair.

Today, Taxco is designated a national monument and is famed throughout the world for the quality and imagination of its Silver Jewelry.

Los Castillo Parrot Bird Pitcher Mexican Silver Plate
Los Castillo Parrot Bird Pitcher Mexican Silver Plate
Paypal   US $229.99
Vintage Mexican Sterling Silver Deer Pin Brooch
Vintage Mexican Sterling Silver Deer Pin Brooch
Paypal   US $8.88
LARGE HEAVY OLD SIGNED MEXICAN SILVER SERVING TRAY
LARGE HEAVY OLD SIGNED MEXICAN SILVER SERVING TRAY
Paypal   US $895.00
MEXICAN ARTS CRAFTS STERLING FLOWER POT Villasana
MEXICAN ARTS CRAFTS STERLING FLOWER POT Villasana
Paypal   US $99.00
Antique Sterling Silver Mexican Perfume Bottle w Dabber
Antique Sterling Silver Mexican Perfume Bottle w Dabber
Paypal   US $9.95
VINTAGE MINIATURE STERL SILVER MEXICAN SALT PEPPERS
VINTAGE MINIATURE STERL SILVER MEXICAN SALT PEPPERS
Paypal   US $54.99
4 Mexican TALL GLASSES Overlay STERLING Silver 88 Oz
4 Mexican TALL GLASSES Overlay STERLING Silver 88 Oz
Paypal   US $26.00
LRG Vintage Mexican Silver Sterling SANBORN Heavy Ladle
LRG Vintage Mexican Silver Sterling SANBORN Heavy Ladle
Paypal   US $349.00
6 VINTAGE MEXICAN STERLING SILVER HORS dOEUVRE FORKS
6 VINTAGE MEXICAN STERLING SILVER HORS dOEUVRE FORKS
Paypal   US $29.95
SACodan Mexican Sterling Silver Art Deco Candelabra
SACodan Mexican Sterling Silver Art Deco Candelabra
Paypal   US $299.99
6 Mexican Sterling Jade Aztec Calendar Spoons 59g Texco
6 Mexican Sterling Jade Aztec Calendar Spoons 59g Texco
Paypal   US $24.99
Vintage Mexican Sterling Silver servant dinner bell
Vintage Mexican Sterling Silver servant dinner bell
Paypal   US $41.00
925 Mexican Sterling Silver Neck Sculpture Antique 60g
925 Mexican Sterling Silver Neck Sculpture Antique 60g
Paypal   US $74.99
VINTAGE MEXICAN SILVER PICKLE FORK WITH FEMALE FIGURE
VINTAGE MEXICAN SILVER PICKLE FORK WITH FEMALE FIGURE
Paypal   US $4.99
SET 8 MEXICAN STERLING SILVER ICED TEA SPOONS SIPPERS
SET 8 MEXICAN STERLING SILVER ICED TEA SPOONS SIPPERS
Paypal   US $39.95
Pair of Signed Mexican Sterling 925 Candlestick Holders
Pair of Signed Mexican Sterling 925 Candlestick Holders
Paypal   US $99.99
EMPRESA PLAT MEXICAN STERLING SILVER FRAME
EMPRESA PLAT MEXICAN STERLING SILVER FRAME
Paypal   US $65.00
MEXICAN 6 AMETHYSTS STERLING SILVER DISH 3 GRIFFIN FEET
MEXICAN 6 AMETHYSTS STERLING SILVER DISH 3 GRIFFIN FEET
Paypal   US $365.00
8 Glass Beakers Tumblers w Mexican Silver Holders
8 Glass Beakers Tumblers w Mexican Silver Holders
Paypal   US $229.99
Vintage Maciel Mexican Silver ashtray Tray 4482 2 57Gr
Vintage Maciel Mexican Silver ashtray Tray 4482 2 57Gr
Paypal   US $59.00
Vintage Sanborns Mexican Sterling Silver TRAY DISH 925
Vintage Sanborns Mexican Sterling Silver TRAY DISH 925
Paypal   US $69.00
Pr Heavy Hallmkd MEXICAN STERLING 5 Lite CANDELABRA
Pr Heavy Hallmkd MEXICAN STERLING 5 Lite CANDELABRA
Paypal   US $1,499.00
Vintage Mexican Silver Abalone TRAY Modernist
Vintage Mexican Silver Abalone TRAY Modernist
Paypal   US $24.00
Antique MEXICAN930 Sterling SILVER BRACELETGreen Ston
Antique MEXICAN930 Sterling SILVER BRACELETGreen Ston
Paypal   US $66.00
Vintage Maciel Mexican Coin Silver ashtray Tray 2 oz
Vintage Maciel Mexican Coin Silver ashtray Tray 2 oz
Paypal   US $49.00
Vintage Maciel Mexican Sterling Silver Tray Dish 925
Vintage Maciel Mexican Sterling Silver Tray Dish 925
Paypal   US $59.00
SIGNED FM MEXICAN STERLING GARNETS BUTTERFLY EARRINGS
SIGNED FM MEXICAN STERLING GARNETS BUTTERFLY EARRINGS
Paypal   US $39.99
TAXCO MEXICAN SILVER STERLING COCKTAIL FORKS 100 GRMS
TAXCO MEXICAN SILVER STERLING COCKTAIL FORKS 100 GRMS
Paypal   US $190.00
Vintage Mexican Sterling Silver Candle Holder 925 5oz
Vintage Mexican Sterling Silver Candle Holder 925 5oz
Paypal   US $159.00
J Torres Vintage Mexican Sterling Silver Candle Holder
J Torres Vintage Mexican Sterling Silver Candle Holder
Paypal   US $174.00
PAIR MEXICAN CANDLESTICKS STERLING SILVER 1950 CLS
PAIR MEXICAN CANDLESTICKS STERLING SILVER 1950 CLS
Paypal   US $880.00
8 MEXICAN STERLING SILVER AZTEC CALENDAR NUT DISHES
8 MEXICAN STERLING SILVER AZTEC CALENDAR NUT DISHES
Paypal   US $149.00
Mexican Silver ID Spratling Rare$$ Sterling Jewelry
Mexican Silver ID Spratling Rare$$ Sterling Jewelry
Paypal   US $44.99
VTG Mexican Sterling Silver Serving Fork F Ramerez NR
VTG Mexican Sterling Silver Serving Fork F Ramerez NR
Paypal   US $21.71
F Ramirez Mexican Sterling Silver Modernist Gravy Ladle
F Ramirez Mexican Sterling Silver Modernist Gravy Ladle
Paypal   US $13.52
Collectable Mexican STG Silver Snuff Pill Trinket Box
Collectable Mexican STG Silver Snuff Pill Trinket Box
Paypal   US $36.57
MEXICAN MODERNIST HEAVY CANDY DISH SIGNED ULTRA HEAVY
MEXICAN MODERNIST HEAVY CANDY DISH SIGNED ULTRA HEAVY
Paypal   US $998.00
Vintage Mexican Sterling Etched ACE Money Clip STUNNING
Vintage Mexican Sterling Etched ACE Money Clip STUNNING
Paypal   US $19.99
TAXCO MEXICO Mexican Sterling Silver Salad Fork Spoon
TAXCO MEXICO Mexican Sterling Silver Salad Fork Spoon
Paypal   US $69.99
Vintage Pachuca Mexico Mexican Sterling Silver Pillbox
Vintage Pachuca Mexico Mexican Sterling Silver Pillbox
Paypal   US $34.99
Sanborns Mexican Srerling Vintage Gravy Ladle 1950 60s
Sanborns Mexican Srerling Vintage Gravy Ladle 1950 60s
Paypal   US $149.00
2 Mexican Silver Demitasse Spoons
2 Mexican Silver Demitasse Spoons
Paypal   US $7.95
Candy Bowl Sterling Silver 925 Mexican made 65 x 4
Candy Bowl Sterling Silver 925 Mexican made 65 x 4
Paypal   US $40.00
Mexican Sterling silver condiment fork Tasco
Mexican Sterling silver condiment fork Tasco
Paypal   US $225.00
MEXICO MEXICAN SOLID SILVER RING 4 STONES 3 BANDS
MEXICO MEXICAN SOLID SILVER RING 4 STONES 3 BANDS
Paypal   US $1.53
2 Antique Mexican Sterling Silver Pheasants Pea Cocks
2 Antique Mexican Sterling Silver Pheasants Pea Cocks
Paypal   US $2,800.00
Sanborns Mexican Sterling Silver Creamer Sugar
Sanborns Mexican Sterling Silver Creamer Sugar
Paypal   US $380.00
Antique 19th Century Mexican Sterling Spoon Fork Set
Antique 19th Century Mexican Sterling Spoon Fork Set
Paypal   US $195.00
Set 6 Mexican Sterling Swizzle Sticks Straws Victoria
Set 6 Mexican Sterling Swizzle Sticks Straws Victoria
Paypal   US $99.99
Mexican Sterling Silver Petal Bowl Plateria Alameda
Mexican Sterling Silver Petal Bowl Plateria Alameda
Paypal   US $249.99
Set 4 Vint 50s Sterling Mexican Taxco Cocktail Forks
Set 4 Vint 50s Sterling Mexican Taxco Cocktail Forks
Paypal   US $31.49
19th c Mexican Sterling Silver ornate serving bowl OM
19th c Mexican Sterling Silver ornate serving bowl OM
Paypal   US $399.99
VINT MEXICAN SILVER 925 MINIATURE TRINKET TRAY PLATE
VINT MEXICAN SILVER 925 MINIATURE TRINKET TRAY PLATE
Paypal   US $49.99
30s SPRATLING Mexican Silver Shot Jigger VTG Barware
30s SPRATLING Mexican Silver Shot Jigger VTG Barware
Paypal   US $149.00
Vintage Mexican Sterling Silver Bowl Ornate Rim 5 7 8
Vintage Mexican Sterling Silver Bowl Ornate Rim 5 7 8
Paypal   US $199.99
SUPERB MEXICAN STERLING SILVER NAPKIN RING SET 8 RINGS
SUPERB MEXICAN STERLING SILVER NAPKIN RING SET 8 RINGS
Paypal   US $349.00
SANBORNS MEXICAN STERLING GRAPE CLUSTER SALAD SERVERS
SANBORNS MEXICAN STERLING GRAPE CLUSTER SALAD SERVERS
Paypal   US $250.00
Mexican Sterling Silver Centre Bowl  Tane
Mexican Sterling Silver Centre Bowl Tane
Paypal   US $76.00
Vintage Silver Mexican Coin Bracelet 1958 1967
Vintage Silver Mexican Coin Bracelet 1958 1967
Paypal   US $2.34
Vintage Silver Mexican Coin Bracelet 1920 1943
Vintage Silver Mexican Coin Bracelet 1920 1943
Paypal   US $.99
Mexican Sterling Tray Dish Signed C Zurita 113 Ounces
Mexican Sterling Tray Dish Signed C Zurita 113 Ounces
Paypal   US $149.99
Monument Mexican Independence sterling silver spoon old
Monument Mexican Independence sterling silver spoon old
Paypal   US $19.99
Los Ballesteros 1940s Mexican Silver 3 PICTURE FRAME
Los Ballesteros 1940s Mexican Silver 3 PICTURE FRAME
Paypal   US $39.99
William Spratling Vintage Mexican Sterling Silver Bowl
William Spratling Vintage Mexican Sterling Silver Bowl
Paypal   US $1,200.00
925 sterling TAXCo Mexican letter opener resin handle
925 sterling TAXCo Mexican letter opener resin handle
Paypal   US $80.00
OLD MEXICAN STERLING SET TEA DEMITASSE SPOON STRAWS
OLD MEXICAN STERLING SET TEA DEMITASSE SPOON STRAWS
Paypal   US $8.49
Antique MACIEL Mexican Sterling Silver Glass Decanter
Antique MACIEL Mexican Sterling Silver Glass Decanter
Paypal   US $195.00
Damaso Gallegos Mexican Taxco Sterling Silver Salt
Damaso Gallegos Mexican Taxco Sterling Silver Salt
Paypal   US $275.00
MEXICAN STERLING WOOD GRAVY LADLE
MEXICAN STERLING WOOD GRAVY LADLE
Paypal   US $39.99
Very Fine Montenegro Mexican Sterling Sombrero Dish
Very Fine Montenegro Mexican Sterling Sombrero Dish
Paypal   US $49.99
Mexican Sterling Silver Jensen Style Bowl G Nava
Mexican Sterling Silver Jensen Style Bowl G Nava
Paypal   US $22.20
VIGUERAS MEXICAN STERLING SILVER GLASS INSERTS SET OF 6
VIGUERAS MEXICAN STERLING SILVER GLASS INSERTS SET OF 6
Paypal   US $156.00
Book Mexican Colonial Silver Silversmiths
Book Mexican Colonial Silver Silversmiths
Paypal   US $75.00
Mexican Sterling Silver Tray 4 Cordials 92 Grams Scrap
Mexican Sterling Silver Tray 4 Cordials 92 Grams Scrap
Paypal   US $32.00
Mexican 925 Sterling Silver Maciel Demitasse Dish Tray
Mexican 925 Sterling Silver Maciel Demitasse Dish Tray
Paypal   US $59.95
Book BEST on Mexican 20th Century Silver Jewlery Marks
Book BEST on Mexican 20th Century Silver Jewlery Marks
Paypal   US $24.95
MODEL OF AN ELEPHANT IN STERLING SILVER MEXICAN C1930
MODEL OF AN ELEPHANT IN STERLING SILVER MEXICAN C1930
Paypal   US $1,050.00
STERLING SILVER ANTIQUE MEXICAN CUFFLINKS
STERLING SILVER ANTIQUE MEXICAN CUFFLINKS
Paypal   US $55.00
MEXICAN STERLING SILVER PICTURE FRAME HEART REPOUSSE
MEXICAN STERLING SILVER PICTURE FRAME HEART REPOUSSE
Paypal   US $39.99
large 925 mexican sterling silver NHS fink etc brooch
large 925 mexican sterling silver NHS fink etc brooch
Paypal   US $7.70
Mexican Sterling Silver Geo III Form Goblets 3 Signed
Mexican Sterling Silver Geo III Form Goblets 3 Signed
Paypal   US $11.50
Mexican Silver Perfume Funnel Hecho En Mexico JMA
Mexican Silver Perfume Funnel Hecho En Mexico JMA
Paypal   US $24.95
ANTIQUE MEXICAN STERLING SILVER IMPERIAL BELT BUCKLE
ANTIQUE MEXICAN STERLING SILVER IMPERIAL BELT BUCKLE
Paypal   US $44.99
SET 6 OLD MEXICAN STERLING SILVER ICED TEA SPOONS
SET 6 OLD MEXICAN STERLING SILVER ICED TEA SPOONS
Paypal   US $29.99
Sanborns Mexican Sterling Silver Sombrero Salt Pepper
Sanborns Mexican Sterling Silver Sombrero Salt Pepper
Paypal   US $60.00
Set 6 Mexican sterling figural COCKTAIL PICKS
Set 6 Mexican sterling figural COCKTAIL PICKS
Paypal   US $24.95
Superb VTG Signed Mexican Sterling Silver Repousse Bowl
Superb VTG Signed Mexican Sterling Silver Repousse Bowl
Paypal   US $69.99
SET of 6 MEXICAN STERLING SILVER Salt Cellars 140g
SET of 6 MEXICAN STERLING SILVER Salt Cellars 140g
   US $39.99
Old Mexican Sterling Silver Tray 58 oz Handles Eagle
Old Mexican Sterling Silver Tray 58 oz Handles Eagle
Paypal   US $99.99
Mexican Sterling Silver Tea Set Tane
Mexican Sterling Silver Tea Set Tane
Paypal   US $41.00
OLD MEXICO TAXCO MEXICAN STERLING SILVER SEWING THIMBLE
OLD MEXICO TAXCO MEXICAN STERLING SILVER SEWING THIMBLE
Paypal   US $32.00
Antique MEXICAN Silver Bracelet Earrings Tested 925
Antique MEXICAN Silver Bracelet Earrings Tested 925
Paypal   US $50.00
Sanborns Mexican Silver sterling Tray circa 1950s
Sanborns Mexican Silver sterling Tray circa 1950s
Paypal   US $195.00
Mexican Sterling Silver Geo III Form Wine Cooler Tane
Mexican Sterling Silver Geo III Form Wine Cooler Tane
Paypal   US $315.00
Mexican Sterling Silver Bowl
Mexican Sterling Silver Bowl
Paypal   US $285.00
Spratling Mexican sterling salad serving set No mono
Spratling Mexican sterling salad serving set No mono
Paypal   US $750.00
Sanborns Mexican Sterling Silver Meat Platter
Sanborns Mexican Sterling Silver Meat Platter
   US $1,800.00
PITCHER STERLING ART DECO MEXICAN BY MB 36 OUNCES
PITCHER STERLING ART DECO MEXICAN BY MB 36 OUNCES
Paypal   US $990.00
SILENT BUTLER STERLING BY MEXICAN CO JUAREZ 20 OUNCES
SILENT BUTLER STERLING BY MEXICAN CO JUAREZ 20 OUNCES
Paypal   US $800.00
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Spike Large Silver Collar Spike Large Silver Collar
Sale Price: $23.95

* "Canine couture at its finest..ensuring unprecedented visibility" (O List) Collar is 1 1/2" wide- not recommended for small dogs * Uses two AAA batteries (not included, but can be added) and lasts for 350 hours * Most inexpensive collar to own -no need to replace expensive batteries * Features bright BLINKING lights & reflective strips to afford unrivaled visibility from up to 1/2 mile away from 360 degrees * The lifetime cost of a Spike brand collar is much lower than the other collars because the batteries (AAA) last longer & ARE CHEAPER * The collars are a bit wide for small dogs but are made of a lightweight material so they aren't bulky * The buckle is really well-made and stays closed and safe * The collar is reflective, so if you don't turn it on, your dog will still be seen * The blinking lights are blue in all of the collars

20th Century Mexican Masters by Rufino Tamayo. Size 18.33 inches width by 18.27 inches height. High Quality Art Poster Print 20th Century Mexican Masters by Rufino Tamayo. Size 18.33 inches width by 18.27 inches height. High Quality Art Poster Print

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This two-disc set is billed as Joplin's "complete rags," which isn't quite true--there are several more in William Albright's Joplin: Marches, Waltzes & Rags. But there are 34 rags in this set, most of them essential bits of Americana...

Advantage Westerly Self Rimming Laundry Sink Finish: Mexican Sand, Faucet Drillings: Two Holes Advantage Westerly Self Rimming Laundry Sink Finish: Mexican Sand, Faucet Drillings: Two Holes
Sale Price: $157.80

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Advantage Westerly Self Rimming Laundry Sink Finish: Mexican Sand, Faucet Drillings: Three Holes Advantage Westerly Self Rimming Laundry Sink Finish: Mexican Sand, Faucet Drillings: Three Holes
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Advantage Primrose Apron Front Single Bowl Undermount Kitchen Sink Finish: Mexican Sand Advantage Primrose Apron Front Single Bowl Undermount Kitchen Sink Finish: Mexican Sand
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Used From: $4.68

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Mexican Silver