Set of Four Vintage Hector Aguilar Mexican Silver Spoons [SOLD]

This set of four silver teaspoons is the work of Hector Aguilar, Mexican designer of silver jewelry, flatware, and other collectible silver objects. This design is known as his Aztec silverware.  It was produced in the 1948-1955 period.

Each spoon has a silver dot at the intersection of the bowl and handle, parallel lines scored into the handle at both ends, and a pair of outwardly swirling designs at the handle end.  Another silver drop is at the end of the handle. Hector Aguilar’s shop mark is stamped on the back of the handle.  It starts with TAXCO, followed by his initials in script form, HA, followed by STERLING and then the number 9 over the body of an eagle.

Mexican silversmith artist Hector Aguilar began his career at age 30 working for William Spratling as his shop manager.  After three years as an apprentice, Mr. Aguilar opened his own workshop in 1939.  One of his supporters was Valentine Viduarreta, who was a talented designer who mentored Aguilar with many of his earlier designs.

Hector Aguilar profited greatly during World War II, when silver was in short supply in the United States, by making silver jewelry for an American jewelry firm.  This continued until 1950, by which time Aguilar was well established financially and artistically.  He became one of the premier silver outlets in Taxco, Mexico, for quality jewelry, flatware, and other silver creations.  His firm prospered until its closure in 1986.

NOTE: Sterling Silver is an alloy of silver containing 92.5 by weight of silver and 7.5 by weight of other metals, usually copper. The sterling silver standard has a minimum millesimal fineness of 925.

Condition: very good condition, with normal wear pattern

Provenance: this Set of Four Vintage Hector Aguilar Mexican Silver Spoons is  from the estate of a former client from Santa Fe

Recommended Reading:  Silver Masters of Mexico: Héctor Aguilar and the Taller Borda by Penney C. Morrill

Relative Links: Hector Aguilar, Mexican Silversmith, Jewelry Silverware