Date this cross

[buddyb]

I would like some help in dating this cross and also if you know anything about the unusual design. The cross is about 1 1/4 in. tall and has been wrapped in rope. The only marking is inside the chain hoop. It reads 925 MEX 16. There is a mark of some kind after the 16. From what I have been able to find, it is Mexican Sterling. The 16 was assigned to Margot. The 16 is not in an eagle, but that could be due to a lack of space.
I appreciate any info you might be able to provide.

 

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[shaun7]

That's a nice little cross

Can't help with the date though, sorry.

 

[Blacksheep]

Had an old girl-friend from high school buy me one very similar to yours, lost it swimming at an old stone quarry. That was
in 1983. I do not recall the tag but she did buy it in Tijuana.

Nice piece BTW.

 

[Woodland Detectors]

The 925 stamp on sterling silver indicates that a piece is 92.5 percent pure silver. Silversmiths in England and France began stamping-sterling silver objects with this purity indicator in the 14th century. The mark became a requirement in the United States in 1906. However, yours looks 1980'sish

 

[buddyb]

Even though there is a 16 stamped in the loop, is it likely that this was made by Margot de Taxco? (No, she didn't work for a tax company) She seems to have made a lot of fancy stuff for women. Except for the rope, this is very plain.

 

[DanB]

before I even scrolled down to read any body's guesses something in my mind says 1983, after looking at it and I was surprised to see that somebody guessed the same year.....I was thinking 1983 as well.

db

 

[ivan salis]

looks like a item a religious seafarer might have --the line on a cross type " bit" (attached to a dock or on a ships deck) you use to tie up a ship *

two turns around the bottom then 4 wraps one way --then 4 wraps the other way with two turns on the top to finish it off

the 925 means "sterling silver" --mex means mexico -16 is the makers "number" or mark for (margot)

 

[buddyb]

Thanks for the dating. I was hoping it was older, but didn't really expect it to be. I have been doing some more searching on Margot and found that she died in 1974, so unless someone was using the #16 for counterfeiting her name, I assume that it would have been made proir to 1974.
Ivan, that is some interesting info on tying down a ship. I only recall seeing the cleat type, but I will certainly be looking for a cross type the next time I am around some old large ships.
I know this cross doesn't have much value, but it is the first piece of good jewelry that I have found. If it was made by Margot, then it probably has some collectable value, since she was so well known. Just out of curiosity, I will continue to try to authenticate it.
I will leave this open for a little longer in case someone else has anything to offer.
Thanks again, guys.

 

[ivan salis]

tugboats and docks use them alot --as well as small ships -- ps I'm a 27 year merchant seaman (retired due to health issues)

 

[buddyb]

Ivan,
Based on your description, this could just be a nautical symbol and not even intended to be a cross. Hmm, another avenue to explore.

 

[ivan salis]

think along the lines of a mexican" varient " of a mariners cross --seaman area often highlly religious -- the spanish used to give religious names to their vessels in the old days for "protection" by god.

 

[Dano Sverige]

Modern stylized crucifix.The romans often roped people to be crucified,probably more often than they nailed them.Just my honest opinion.

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

According to this link, its most likely pre 1950 if STERLINg does not precede 925. A close up of the mark would be helpful.. Is the 925 mark incuse stamped? http://www.925-1000.com/mexican_marks.html The eagle was incorporated in 1948 but replaced in 1979.. http://www.925-1000.com/mexican_marks.html

So its either pre48 or post 79. Im leaning toward pre 48.

My computer is so slow and it is taking me forever to post. I hope I havent upset anybody else with my posting and editting. http://www.925-1000.com/mexican_marks.html

 

[buddyb]

bigcypresshunter,
That is the first site that I hit when I started looking. The only inscription is inside the loop, so very difficult to photograph, but I have attached the best I could do. In between 925 and 16 is MEX. There is no eagle, but that could be due to the very small area limitation, or as you say, it could be pre 48.
Dano's point is well taken. That was my first thought, but the rope seems to be the center of attention, rather than the cross.

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

The link says that the eagle was replaced in 79 with a letters and numbers system. Since it has no letters, it must be older. That would make it pre48 according to the link because it has no eagle.

But the 925 stamp is incused.. It goes on to say that most of the post 50 stamps are incused. But since it doesnt have the word Sterling would make it pre50.

It also goes on to say there are many variations and exceptions. I hope someone knows more.

 

[ivan salis]

pre 48 is my bet

 

[buddyb]

Pardon my ignorance, but what is incused vs non-incused? I looked up the definition but it just seems to say that it is a stamp.

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

Pardon my ignorance, but what is incused vs non-incused? I looked up the definition but it just seems to say that it is a stamp.

Im not positive I understand the definition in this case but I think incused means it is stamped (like yours), not raised.

 

[Dano Sverige]

I just feel it has that art nouveau/artistic licence kinda look to it.I say crucifix due to the reasons in my earlier post,and because when i look at it it's the kind of thing i could easily envision dangling from the necks of mexicano gang members or rappers.

 

[ivan salis]

one way stand ups the from the sufaced (raised) the other way is stamped inward into the item ( thus *lower than the surface) --like belly buttons --ones a "outtie" the others a "innie"