Description
This is a very strong and well made Mid Century Mexican sterling silver ladies’ compact with a deeply recessed Aztec border and a beautifully decorated Aztec pattern on the inside. It is marked Patente Pend. (patent pending) Hecho Mexico, AVB (maker mark) Sterling, 925, left facing eagle with #29 which has been identified as belonging to maker AVB. Size is 3″ across in diameter by 5/16″ thickness top tof lid to bottom of base. Weight is 101.6gr with the mirror which is approximately 22%-25% of total weight. The original powder puff is very worn but still contained in the compact along with its netted sifter. The original mirror is still intact and excellent. The case was never monogrammed or inscribed. The best part of the compact is the powder puff cover with all of the inside geometric Aztec symbols. Both the case and the inside cover work securely. Both have that loud snap when they are closed and they remain securely closed; won’t reopen. The latches are strong and secure. The pop up opening for the inside cover is fine; just press the silver button with your nail and the cover pops up to reveal the powder. This compact has not been polished out in many decades and has 2 very small dings on top (one of which is so shallow that it is not eye noticeable). Other than it is in excellent condition. Never monogrammed. Never altered or repaired. No deep scratches, gauges or tears. From the estate of the original owner. Kept all original and not freshly polished out. This is a lovely older vintage hand crafted workshop compact in solid sterling silver for your antique and vintage ladies vanity or accessories collection.
Mid Century AVB Sterling Silver Workshop Reference:
- The Eagle Assay Mark (#29): The Mexican government utilized the eagle system between 1948 and 1979. The number 29 stamped inside the eagle’s chest was the official registration number assigned specifically to the A.V.B. workshop to guarantee legal sterling silver purity.
- Specialization: A.V.B. was a prominent modernist artisan who specialized almost exclusively in vanity items, tourist souvenirs, and men’s accessories. Their most famous pieces include detailed Aztec calendar powder compacts, sterling perfume bottles, souvenir spoons, and money clips.
