Found this half buried in a washout in old Mexico. Help appreciated.

Burdie

Burdie

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Nov 13, 2005
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South Central Kansas
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I finally got this cleaned up. I wonder what it was used for? No markings so can't tell if it is silver or not. I have no idea how old it is. Wish I could say I found it with a detector but I didn't. It was half buried in sand and dirt. It is all metal but the stones. Size is 2" tall and 1.5" thick.
purse.jpg


Burdie
 

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I would say a ladies coin purse and I would be swinging the detector for several yards of stream of where you found it. Great eye on that find :thumbsup:
 

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Likely Guy said:
That is beautiful (in a gawdy kind of way)!

If there were no hallmarks it might be one of a kind.
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It looks hand made to me but I can't say for sure. Thanks for looking.
Burdie
 

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My little granddaughter and I just love that, it does look like a purse,my grand daughter begs for one everytime we go to the civil war relic show,but they are really expensive. so :thumbsup: to that find for sure!
 

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I can't help out any but I want to post so I can follow along. That is a very interesting find I hope we find out who made it and what it's for. Your title says Old Mexico, did you find it on vacation? If so did you have any trouble getting it home?

HH Charlie
 

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From the site: http://jacksonjewels.com/Reference/Silver_Jewerly_Information_Hallmarks.htm

Regarding Mexican silver jewelry: "Some may carry a symbol or initials , or some combination of these elements is also stamped into the metal indicating is was being signed by the artist or studio. Many fine pieces are unmarked or the mark is indelible."

and "Filigree - a technique where thinly twisted silver or gold wire produces fine intricate patterns, shapes, and designs in metal and are soldered into place to create open, airy, lacy decorative jewelry pieces. Semi-precious stones may be used in the filigree jewelry piece. Filigree construction on jewelry pieces include Italian, Middle Eastern, German and Mexican jewelry. Openwork Filigree is not soldered onto a sheet of metal. It is difficult to make. Imitation filigree is made of stamped metal."

Also, the mirrored lid makes me think of some kind of cosmetics case.
 

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Likely Guy said:
and "Filigree - a technique where thinly twisted silver or gold wire produces fine intricate patterns, shapes, and designs in metal and are soldered into place to create open, airy, lacy decorative jewelry pieces. Semi-precious stones may be used in the filigree jewelry piece. Filigree construction on jewelry pieces include Italian, Middle Eastern, German and Mexican jewelry. Openwork Filigree is not soldered onto a sheet of metal. It is difficult to make. Imitation filigree is made of stamped metal."
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Thanks for the tip on filigrees. This seems to apply to my piece as well. Im also following along on this.



Isnt 2 inches kinda small for a purse? I guess its for coins only. Would be easier to visualize the size with something recognizable in the picture. I keep thinking its larger.
 

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Regarding Mexican silver jewelry: "Some may carry a symbol or initials , or some combination of these elements is also stamped into the metal indicating is was being signed by the artist or studio. Many fine pieces are unmarked or the mark is indelible."
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Thanks for the information likely guy. I think we are getting close here.

Correction!! It is 2.5 inches tall with the lid closed. It is 2.5 wide at the widest part. It is only 1" thick. So much for guessing. I will take more pictures.

I just tossed it in the side pocket of the suitcase and flew back with no problem. I didn't think about it being a problem.

PICT0002-1.JPGPICT0003-2.JPGSome thing like powder was in it I think.

PICT0005.JPG The hinge

Stan
 

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Burdie said:
I just tossed it in the side pocket of the suitcase and flew back with no problem. I didn't think about it being a problem.

Stan
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It might have been a problem if it was pre-Colombian. But its not that old.
 

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the workmanship style of the piece you found ----is of the fine old style "filigree " type workmanship -- it is very time consuming and hard method to do properly --needing a skilled silversmith to do it properly ---it was used alot on the spanish jewelry of old -- and the method was pasted down thru the years in mexico (somethings are still made "old school" silver style in mexico even to this day however)--- it is most likely a wealthy ladies purse / make up holder * --and yes I'd remember very well where you found it as there might very well be several "interesting items" near by . :wink:
 

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ivan salis said:
the workmanship style of the piece you found ----is of the fine old style "filigree " type workmanship -- it is very time consuming and hard method to do properly --needing a skilled silversmith to do it properly ---it was used alot on the spanish jewelry of old -- and the method was pasted down thru the years in mexico (somethings are still made "old school" silver style in mexico even to this day however)--- it is most likely a wealthy ladies purse / make up holder * --and yes I'd remember very well where you found it as there might very well be several "interesting items" near by . :wink:
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Thanks Ivan I hope to go back one day. I imagine my friend is digging as we speak. :tongue3: I posted additional pictures Two back from this one. I believe it is a compact two. Looks kind of crude construction to me.
Burdie
 

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Nice piece! The red stones appear to possibly be carnelians. :icon_scratch: Does it look like there might have been a mirror in the lid at one point?
 

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Very nice find!

Possibly a coin purse, but I think more along the lines of a Victorian style mini purse. Used for more formal occasions. Could be worn as a pendant or even a brooch.

I don't think it is old enough to actually be Victorian era. Just that style...

DCMatt
 

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Going on Ebay this week for those interested. ID is 06sebstation. Thanks for all the replys.

Burdie
 

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first off it is not "filigree ".
By the stones and settings it is most likely made in India. From the photos in may be nickle silver. Good luck with the ebay thing.
 

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Like Gypsy says, it's beautiful. :thumbsup:

:wink: RR
 

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I guess most people don't know that ladies (HA!) during the victorian period used tobbacco snuff, and that my friends is just what I think yer little purse is.........A purty, ladies snuff box....NGE
 

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