Mid-Century Modern Mexican Sterling Silver Fan Cuff Bracelet
Jewelry - Cuff Bracelet · Indistinct Mexican artisan silversmith. Taxco was the primary hub, though the lack of a specific EAGLE mark or 'Letter-Number' registration suggests a smaller workshop or pre-1948 production.
Pattern: Modernist Ribbed / Fan Motif; a popular geometric style typical of Taxco and Mexico City workshops.
Type
Jewelry - Cuff Bracelet
Maker
Indistinct Mexican artisan silversmith. Taxco was the primary hub, though the lack of a specific EAGLE mark or 'Letter-Number' registration suggests a smaller workshop or pre-1948 production.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity) based on the 'MEXICO' stamp. Composition is solid silver alloy without plated base metals.
Dimensions
Estimated width at widest point: 3.5-5.0 cm. Estimated weight: 45-75 grams. Standard cuff sizing for a medium-to-large wrist.
Description
A striking example of Mexican Modernist jewelry, this sterling silver cuff features a dramatic, architectural ribbed design. The piece utilizes high-contrast oxidation within its deep vertical channels to accentuate the polished silver rays. Its bold scale and clean geometric lines reflect the mid-century aesthetic that made Mexican silver highly sought after by international tourists and collectors.
Key Features
Tapered fan-back design, deep-channel oxidation, high-gauge silver construction, and 'MEXICO' incised hallmark.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity) based on the 'MEXICO' stamp. Composition is solid silver alloy without plated base metals.
Finish & Decoration
Oxidized/Antiqued deep recesses between polished raised ribs. Features a scalloped or tiered fan-like structure with a high-shine mirror finish on the ridges.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Incised 'MEXICO' stamp in a sans-serif block font. No visible purity mark (.925) or Eagle mark in this view, though they may be present on the reverse interior band.
Construction Details
Hand-assembled fabrication. Individual silver slats or ribs have been soldered to a base frame or terminal bar. The central structure appears cast or heavy gauge sheet work.
Functional Features
Open cuff design allowing for slight adjustment (tension fit). No hinges or locking clasps.
Handle & Grip Details
Not applicable (jewelry piece); the terminal bars are finished cleanly to prevent skin irritation.
Craftsmanship Details
Evidence of hand-soldering at the rib terminals. The variation in the spacing indicates a hand-wrought process rather than a die-struck commercial production.
Authentication Indicators
The 'MEXICO' stamp font is consistent with mid-century Mexican exports. The visible solder points at the base of the ribs and the natural patina in the crevices align with genuine artisan silver rather than a modern cast replica.
Origin & Manufacturing
Mexico (likely Taxco or Mexico City). Handcrafted in a small artisan workshop emphasizing volumetric modernist design.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern (1940s-1960s). This period is defined by bold, architectural shapes and the 'Silver Renaissance' in Mexico led by William Spratling.
Age Estimate
Circa 1940–1955. The simplistic 'MEXICO' stamp without a registration number is common in pre-1948 pieces or early post-war exports.
Cultural Significance
Represents the fusion of indigenous Mexican craft with European Modernism, a movement that provided economic independence for thousands of Mexican master smiths during the mid-20th century.
Condition Notes
Good antique condition. Moderate surface scratches (scuffs) and tarnish consistent with age. Slight unevenness in the rib alignment suggests hand-made origin rather than machine stamping.
Value Estimate
$175 - $325 USD depending on the presence of hidden maker marks and total gram weight.
Care & Maintenance
Hand polish with a silver cloth (like Cape Cod). Avoid chemical dips which will strip the intentional black oxidation in the crevices, destroying the visual depth of the design.
Similar Pieces
Works by Margot de Taxco or Hector Aguilar. Similar in weight but Aguilar pieces often carry a 'HA' mark and higher silver content stamps (940 or 990).
Interesting Facts
Taxco silver became world-famous in the 1940s because New York designers and Hollywood stars (like Mae West and Frida Kahlo) began wearing these bold, heavy pieces, viewing them as wearable art.