William Spratling Taxco Sterling Silver Shell Belt Buckle
Regular price $ 1,895.00
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A fabulous and highly collectible William Spratling sterling silver and natural tortoise shell belt buckle, dating to the early 1940s and offering the bold geometric design and exceptional craftsmanship for which Spratling's early Taxco work is renowned.
The striking design features crescent moon shapes joined around a central circle, with the natural tortoise shell accented by tiny sterling silver dots creating a distinctive polka-dot effect. Measuring an impressive 3 1/4 inches long by 1 inch wide and weighing 58.4 grams, this is a substantial piece with wonderful visual presence.
Designed to be worn as either a belt buckle or pendant, it is an unusually versatile piece of early Mexican modernist jewelry and would make a fabulous statement for either a gentleman or a lady.
The reverse bears two important William Spratling hallmarks. One is a circular mark with “WS” at the center surrounded by “Spratling Made in Mexico,” while the second is an oval mark impressed “Spratling Silver.” These marks were used until 1945, placing this example firmly in Spratling's early period and dating it to before 1945.
William Spratling was instrumental in establishing Taxco, Mexico, as a center for modern Mexican silver design. His early pieces are particularly desirable among collectors, and this large-scale buckle/pendant beautifully showcases his affinity for geometric forms, natural materials, and bold, sculptural design.
Materials: Sterling Silver, Shell
Measurements: 3.25 inches long and a tad over 1 inch wide
Weight: 58.4 grans
Hallmarks: a circular hallmark with “WS” at the center surrounded by “Spratling Made in Mexico,” along with an oval mark impressed “Spratling Silver.”
Condition: Very, very good with no noted flaws. A wonderful vintage piece of jewelry!
All sales are governed by the policies outlined on our policies page. At Boylerpf, we specialize in authentic antique and vintage jewelry. Each piece in our collection is pre-owned and may show signs of age and gentle wear. These are not new or unworn items. We strive for full transparency and photograph our pieces in detail, noting any significant flaws. Please review all photos carefully and feel free to reach out with any questions before purchasing.