THE ARTIST: (September 22, 1900 – August 7, 1967)

Spratling was an American-born silver designer and artist, best known for his profound influence on 20th-century Mexican silver design. He played a major role in shaping the reputation of Taxco, Mexico, which later became world-famous for its silverwork because of him. Today, when we think of Taxco, two names immediately come to mind: Spratling AND silver.

Having an artist’s eye for design and a deep appreciation for history, Spratling was strongly influenced by the highly charged political and social climate in Mexico after the revolution. That environment helped shape his decision in 1931 to reestablish the silver industry in Taxco. Although Taxco had long been a traditional site of silver mines, the town lacked a native silver-working industry until his efforts revived and transformed its art heritage.

Spratling began designing works in silver based primarily on pre-Columbian and traditional motifs, and he hired skilled local goldsmiths to produce those designs in Taxco. As the primary designer for his workshop, Taller de las Delicias, Spratling maintained strong creative control and was insistent on the high quality of both the materials and the techniques used in production. He emphasized excellent workmanship, careful finishing, and faithful execution of his stylistic vision throughout each and every piece.

Talented artists participated in the creative dialogue with Spratling, translating his design drawings into finely worked silver, and it was during this collaboration that Spratling reshaped the market with a complete 360-degree turnaround — moving away from the prevailing old European aesthetic, toward a uniquely distinct Mexican vibe.

Spratling's use of an aesthetic vocabulary drawn from pre-Columbian art can be compared to the murals of Diego Rivera, in that both artists actively participated in shaping and promoting a renewed cultural identity for modern Mexico.

Primarily, Spratling's silver designs drew upon pre-conquest Mesoamerican motifs, while also incorporating influences from other native traditions and Western cultures. For many observers, his work became a powerful expression of Mexican nationalism, providing Mexican artisans with the freedom and confidence to pursue inventive designs that moved beyond European forms.

Because of his profound influence on the silver design industry in Mexico, Spratling is widely regarded as the "Father of Mexican Silver" and deserves full credit for putting Taxco on the map as a center for some of the finest silver jewelry the world has ever produced.

THE LINK BRACELET:

Sized to fit either man or woman, this piece can be showcased on its own or stacked with other Spratling and or vintage Taxco link bracelets or cuffs for added impact!

The hallmark dates the bracelet to the 1940–1944 period, and after roughly 53 years of collecting vintage Mexican jewelry, I can confidently say it bears a distinctive early‑’40s character.

It is made with five hefty panels, each designed from a single piece of silver that gracefully overlaps the next, thereby forming the layered design of each panel. Nowhere do they lose their form or structural integrity. The bracelet displays a soft, flowing "S" pattern, and every panel is joined to the next with heavy-gauge "O" rings. I suspect the 3.5" safety chain may have been added later by a previous owner.(?)

I notice the hallmark appears to have been stamped after the panel was made, but before the line that runs through the middle of each link was done, since the line cut into the hallmark and has separated some of the lettering (see last two photos). It’s said that with this particular hallmark — unless the piece is stamped with a metal purity mark — Spratling worked in 980 silver during that time period. Leaning on my experienced eye, ‍I do however believe this is more than likely made of 980 silver, just by the way it has gracefully patinated over time. But because they don’t make acid testers for 980 silver, I can’t confirm the 980 designation and can only test and verify whether it is sterling.‍

******************

ARTIST: William Spratling

MADE IN: Taxco, Mexico

CIRCA:1940-1944

METAL: 980 Silver(?) This would be 98% Fine Silver)

WIDTH: 1"(At widest part of links)

LENGTH: 8.50"

WEIGHT: 48.8 Grams --1.72 Ounces

WRIST SIZE: Large to XL

CLOSURE: Hook

HALLMARKS: See Last 2 photos

CONDITION: Well cared for for it’s nearly 90 year old condition.. Normal surface scratches. Naturally developed Patina.(I do not believe in cleaning vintage, so I will send as is.) Please view all photos & ask any questions before purchasing, since there are no returns.

***************

SIGNATURE REQUIREMENT:

Anything with a high price tag, will have a mandatory signature confirmation requirement & will come insured (reflected in shipping price).. If you're not home in the day & need it shipped where it can be signed for, please change that in your "Ship To" section before I create the shipping label***I'm sorry if this may be an inconvenience, but I do not ship expensive pieces without one. This is for your safety & mine.

***************

PLEASE READ BEFORE PURCHASING:

In order to give you close up photos so I can provide you with all the detail, can tend to make the item look gigantic & exaggerated than in actuality. So to get an accurate idea of how big this is, please zoom in on the photos where you can see it on the wrist or you can do is pull out a tape measure & compare to my given measurements.