WILLIAM SPRATLING: A SILVER NECKLACE • Stamped TAXCO, 980, with maker's mark for William Spratling • Length 18 1/4 in. • Estimated gross weight: 32.0 grams Footnotes: William Spratling (1900-1967) is acknowledged by many as 'The Father of Mexican Silver.' Initially working as a professor of architecture at Auburn University and Tulane University, Spratling expatriated to Mexico in 1929 where he befriended and promoted Mexican artists of many practices, the muralist Diego Rivera among them. He would go on to establish famed silver workshops (or 'talleres') in and around Taxco, where silver mines had been established for centuries. Employing craftsmen to execute his designs, many of the most celebrated artists of Mexican silver honed their talents in his workshops, including Hector Aguilar, Margot Van Voorhies, Antonio Pineda and the brothers that would establish Los Castillo Taller. Literature Morrill, Penny C. William Spratling and the Mexican Silver Renaissance, Harry N. Abrams, Inc. In Association with the San Antonio Museum of Art, San Antonio, TX, 2002, pg. 19, fig, 9 Morrill, Penny C. and Berk, Carole A. Mexican Silver Modern Handwrought Jewelry & Metalwork, Revised & Expanded 4th Edition, Schiffer Publishing Ltd., similar design pg. 32, fig. III-3 OVERALL CONDITION: good Metal purity stamped and tested with XRF (x-ray fluorescence) for silver Superficial wear in form of minor scratches and dents Clasp secure Oxidation present Pits to metal on one bird This condition report is provided for your convenience based on the opinion of our gemologists. Bonhams is not responsible for any discrepancies between this information and other opinions. The condition of lots can vary widely and the nature of the lots sold means that they are unlikely to be in perfect condition. The dimensions and weights of diamonds and gemstones are approximated using measurements and given as a courtesy, please consider them as an estimation only. This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: ¤ ¤ Unless indicated by the ¤ symbol next to the lot number (or bearing an explicit statement such as 'No Reserve' or 'Without Reserve'), which denotes no reserve, all lots in the catalog are subject to a reserve. The reserve is the minimum hammer price that the seller is willing to accept for a lot. This amount is confidential and does not exceed the low estimate value. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing