Vintage Taxco Sterling Silver TB-213 Oval Pendant
Jewelry (Pendant) · Unknown Taxco silversmith registered under the hallmark 'TB'. The alphanumeric system indicates a maker from Taxco ('T'), whose last name begins with 'B', and was the 213th such maker registered in that district.
Pattern: Modernist Geometric / Minimalist Oval. This follows the Taxco design tradition of the mid-to-late 20th century.
Type
Jewelry (Pendant)
Maker
Unknown Taxco silversmith registered under the hallmark 'TB'. The alphanumeric system indicates a maker from Taxco ('T'), whose last name begins with 'B', and was the 213th such maker registered in that district.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). The stamp '925' confirms it meets the international standard for sterling silver composition.
Dimensions
Estimated at 3.5cm x 2.5cm (approx. 1.4 x 1 inches). Estimated weight 8-12 grams based on typical thickness of Taxco sheet silver jewelry.
Description
A classic example of late-period Taxco sterling silver jewelry. This oval pendant features the characteristic heavy-gauge silver construction and utilitarian marking system associated with the Guerrero silver workshops. It represents the transition from the high-artistic period of the 1940s-60s into the more standardized production for the export market in the 1980s.
Key Features
Diagnostic TB-213 registration mark; 'MEXICO' block lettering; high-purity sterling stamp; smooth oval silhouette.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). The stamp '925' confirms it meets the international standard for sterling silver composition.
Finish & Decoration
Satin finish with natural oxidation (patina). The reverse is plain/undecorated, while the obverse (not fully visible) appears to be a flat or slightly domed oval plate.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped 'TB-213', 'MEXICO', and '925'. The 'TB-213' is a post-1979 registration mark required by the Mexican government for tax and registration purposes.
Construction Details
Die-struck or hand-cut from silver sheet. The edges show signs of hand-finishing/filing to achieve the oval symmetry.
Functional Features
Single pendant mounting point at the base (visible in image as a small protrusion, likely a bail or jump ring attachment).
Handle & Grip Details
N/A - This is a jewelry item; the bail (not shown) would have served as the suspension point for a chain.
Craftsmanship Details
Standard workshop quality. The stamps are well-struck but not perfectly centered, indicating hand-striking after the piece was cut from the silver sheet.
Authentication Indicators
The alphanumeric mark TB-213 is the primary authenticator. The font style is consistent with stamps used in the 1980s by the industrial registration offices in Mexico.
Origin & Manufacturing
Taxco, Guerrero, Mexico. Taxco is the historic center of Mexican silver smithing, influenced heavily by William Spratling in the early 20th century.
Era & Period
Modern Era (Post-1979). The use of the 'Letter-Letter-Number' hallmark system is the primary indicator of this era.
Age Estimate
Circa 1980-1995. The hallmark style was introduced in 1979 and this level of wear and marking style is consistent with late 20th-century production.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 20th-century Mexican Silver Renaissance, which transformed Taxco from a mining town into a world-famous center for jewelry design and tourism.
Condition Notes
Very Good. Displays moderate tarnish and surface 'fire scale' or oxidation spots consistent with age. No evidence of warping or structural cracks.
Value Estimate
$35.00 - $65.00 USD. Value is based primarily on silver weight and 'Taxco' origin rather than a specific famous silversmith name.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with mild soap and water first, then use a specialized silver polishing cloth. Avoid liquid silver dips which can strip the natural patina from the recessed hallmarks.
Similar Pieces
Pendants by makers like 'TG-xx' or 'TM-xx'. Often confused with earlier 'Eagle Mark' pieces (1948-1979), which are generally more collectible.
Interesting Facts
The letter 'T' specifically denotes Taxco, while 'M' would denote Mexico City. There are thousands of these registered codes, making it a specialized field for collectors to track down specific obscure workshops.
Notes
Sterling pendant from Mexico