Mexico Silver El Paisan? Baby Spoon

[carla21]

Hi friends!

Ok, can anyone confirm, as I have read, that if it is stamped "Mexico Silver" i is a 1930's-1940's Sterling mark? Also, is "El Paisan" the silversmith? Any idea what the number 28 stands for?

Thanks for any/all help,

~Carla21

[silverly]

I think the name is El Faisan. Yours is not the first post about this maker. Hopefully, something has come to light about the name by now. Here's the post with the Faisan name: viewtopic.php?f=11&t=17521&p=39402&hilit=Faisan#p39402

[admin]

Yes, it is El Faison, meaning the Pheasant. There is also a 30's/40's maker that uses a pictorial mark of a walking pheasant in full profile, in conjunction with the "Mexico Silver" mark. I think both the text and pictorial marks are probably from the same workshop. As the output seems to have consisted of holloware, flatware and jewelry, I doubt it was a one man operation, but likely a fair sized taller. Unfortunately, no one seems to have tracked down their location or particulars. I'd guess they were Mexico City based from the style of some of their work, but regionalism in Mexican silver styles is no science and does often mislead.
Regards, Tom

[carla21]

Hi!

Thank you for all of that information! Just to confirm, it is sterling correct?

Thanks,
Carla

[silverly]

I cannot confirm the silver content. Not being marked sterling or .925 definitely brings it in to question, but it's possible.
It's great looking spoon.

[admin]

Mexican pieces of this period are often higher in purity than sterling, also, on occasion, lower. Whichever it is, it really does not matter.
Regards, Tom

[ValkyrieVixen]

I've had jewelry with a pheasant mark but not marked El Faisan, is that still his mark?

[admin]

Hi V V,
As mentioned, I think the written and pictorial mark are probably from the same workshop. At present, there is just no way to know. It is pure conjecture, but not without sense.
Regards, Tom