Posted 10 years ago
Pepi45
(8 items)
I recently purchase this brooch at an antique mall for the prize of $ 14.00. Has the markin of Mexican silver, this markin according with my book of Mexican Marlins is from 1930's before Mexico introduced the eagle Assay in the 1943-1948. Is done of solid silver, the stone is semi translucent nephrite jade, cut in a large cabochon. The form of the brooch is a crab 2 3/4" w, by 1 1/2" long.
A very nice brooch, but the information on the mark varies:
http://www.modernsilver.com/SFITEMS.html
The 'eagle' mark also known as the 'bell' mark, or Mexican government assay mark, was used from approximately 1946 to 1979 (according to Warmans Jewelry 2nd edition by Christie Romero), and signified that the item so marked was at least of sterling (0.925 or 92.5% silver) quality. Oftentimes makers used higher quality silver, sometimes as much as .990 or 99.0 % pure silver! However, the use of this mark was inconsistent and erratic.
The primary use of the eagle mark to collectors is as an aid in circa dating. The lack of an eagle mark, however, does not rule out the item being made during this period.
Attribution to a specific maker cannot be made with certainty based solely upon an eagle mark. Other considerations such as style and workmanship play a greater role in making such a determination when a maker's mark is absent.