Has anyone seen this Los Castillo necklace please?

[ghenley]

Bought in Taxco in the early 1950's. The top circular hallmark says "Made in Mexico." Whatever was at the top has been purposefully marked out with a tool. The center mark says "Taxco, Los Castillo."

The bottom round hallmark says "Mosaico Azteca" and the eagle mark within bears the number 15. At the bottom is the number 215. Along the sides someone has scribed SILVER and MEXICO.

It measures about 16 1/2 inches end to end and, as you can see, some of the malachite inlay is damaged.

I know it was made in Taxco at the Los Castillo workshop. The eagle hallmark was used from 1948 to 1980.

Any other information would be helpful, especially the name of the silversmith. Is Mosaico Azteca a recognized general style or the province of the Castillo's?

Thank you,

ghenley



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[2209patrick]

That's an impressive necklace you have there.

After being trained in Spratling's workshop, Antonio Castillo and his three brothers opened their own workshop in 1939. After WWII Los Castillo was the largest taller in Taxco with some three hundred silversmiths and craftsmen. So, it's unlikely we can know who made your piece.

Jorge "Chato" Castillo was one of the brothers of Antonio Castillo. He's generally regarded as one of the best silversmiths of Taxco. Chato Castillo developed the technique for Aztec Mosaic or stone inlay as well as other artistic innovations. At the time your necklace was bought in the 1950's, they were probably the only ones producing such pieces.



Regards,
Pat.

[lumhechati1]

Very impressive piece,it will fair to say it's Antonia Castillo eagle bell 15 was one of his numbers early to mid timeline,incredible Fully hallmarked.SWEET