Mid-Century Hammered Sterling Silver Hinged Bangle Bracelet with Copper Pin
Jewelry (Bracelet/Bangle) · Unidentified Independent Artisan/Silversmith; characteristic of Mid-Century Modern studio craft jewelry typically found in Taxco, Mexico or Greenwich Village, NY workshops.
Pattern: Hand-Hammered Studio Line; non-industrial, one-of-a-kind or small batch production common in the 1950s-70s.
Type
Jewelry (Bracelet/Bangle)
Maker
Unidentified Independent Artisan/Silversmith; characteristic of Mid-Century Modern studio craft jewelry typically found in Taxco, Mexico or Greenwich Village, NY workshops.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925) body with a solid Copper pin/rivet used for the hinge mechanism.
Dimensions
Estimated 10mm-15mm width; approximately 2.5 inches interior diameter (standard ladies size). Estimated weight: 35-50 grams based on gauge thickness.
Description
A heavy, artisan-crafted sterling silver bangle featuring a robust hand-hammered finish. The piece celebrates a 'truth to materials' philosophy, utilizing a contrasting copper pin as both a functional hinge and a visual accent. The deep planished marks catch light at varying angles, creating a sophisticated, organic silhouette.
Key Features
Contrasting copper hinge pin; deep, irregular hand-wrought hammering; heavy gauge sterling construction; purposefully visible mechanical joinery.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925) body with a solid Copper pin/rivet used for the hinge mechanism.
Finish & Decoration
Hand-hammered or 'martelé' texture; oxidized recesses within the tool marks to highlight depth. The style is Brutalist or Mid-Century Modernist, emphasizing the raw material and tool marks.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Marks are not visible in this macro detail; typically located on the inner circumference. Expected marks would be '925', 'Sterling', or an artisan's cipher.
Construction Details
Hand-forged and raised from heavy gauge silver sheet. The hinge is a 'pin-and-bouchon' style, hand-drilled and secured with a cold-headed copper rivet.
Functional Features
Hinged opening for easy application; manual pin closure allows the two silver halves to pivot open and shut.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A (Jewelry item). The grip refers to the interior curvature, which shows smoothed edges for wearer comfort despite the exterior texture.
Craftsmanship Details
Authentic hand-finished work. The 'peining' of the copper pin shows manual labor. The rough edges around the hinge indicate a rustic, non-industrial workshop environment.
Authentication Indicators
Irregularity of hammer marks confirms hand-work over machine stamping; copper oxidation consistent with age; tool marks inside the hinge aperture suggest hand-drilling.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely North America (USA or Mexico). The construction style strongly aligns with the 'Silver Renaissance' of Taxco or American Arts and Crafts revivalists.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern (c. 1950-1975). The use of mixed metals (silver and copper) and heavy hammered textures is diagnostic of this movement.
Age Estimate
Circa 1960-1970 based on the oxidation level, construction of the hinge, and decorative aesthetic.
Cultural Significance
Represents the shift toward studio jewelry where the hand of the maker was more valued than the intrinsic cost of the materials.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. There is significant metal fatigue and jagged edges around the hinge aperture. Visible surface scratching and moderate tarnish. The hole for the pin appears worn/enlarged (wallow).
Value Estimate
$85 - $150 USD. Value is driven by weight and 'artist-signed' status; unsigned pieces of this condition occupy the lower end of the boutique market.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a soft damp cloth; avoid chemical dips which will remove the desirable oxidation in the hammer marks. Inspect the hinge pin regularly as the wear at the joint could lead to failure.
Similar Pieces
Taxco bangles by Antonio Pineda (higher value, more refined finish) or Los Castillo (often featuring more complex mixed-metal inlay).
Interesting Facts
Mixed-metal jewelry became a hallmark of 'wearable art' in the 1960s, moving jewelry away from precious stones toward architectural, metal-focused designs.