THE BANGLE:

This Bullfighter/Matador theme bangle is a classic/timeless Mexican design that quite a few artists have emulated through the years. Taxqueño artisan Antonia Pineda I know did cufflinks with this design & many artists from the region did this in link style bracelet, but more times than not, you will see this design done in a bangle that was made in various width's. It is so classic, that even in present day, modern day Mexican artisans are now paying homage to pieces from the past, with this design becoming a very signature design of Mexico.

The cut out overlay design is made up of 2 sheets ,where the bottom sheet is left plain & oxidized & then by doing the cut out work on the domed top sheet, creates the silhouette of the bullfighter/matador, which also gives it, it's accentuated design. It is designed in two 3-3/8" sections where the design is repeated from one section to the other & are divided by the hinge.(photo 4) Comes with a non-detachable security chain. Because of the lighter gauge of sterling the artist worked with, this is not a heavy bracelet.(See weight below)

It lacks the 'eagle" hallmark, which started in 1948 & was a mandatory stamp that was stamped on anything that was sold within or shipped out of Mexico. The eagle's duration lasted from 1948-1979.So with that said, I would put the bracelet's timeline somewhere around 1943- 1945. The bracelet has developed a softened patina & will send it exactly like it is. I do not believe in polishing patina off of vintage pieces & definitely do not recommend it, but if you want it that way, I do have a professional buffing machine,but you would just have to let me know before sending.

This can either slip over the hand (If your small to small/medium boned) or if your medium boned, you can use the clasp that opens with a push in/pull out tongue clasp. Bangles are not like cuffs & you want some 'play' in it,since bangles should not fit tight.

SIZING:

To see if this will properly fit, I suggest you take a bangle that fits you well & measure it by laying it on top of a paper measuring tape & starting on say the 1" line, you will then see where it measures from & to (east to west) The 'interior' part is what you want to pay attention to, NOT the outer most part, since the dome design will give an inaccurate reading.. Then compare it to my'Interior East/West measurement below**.

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ARTIST: J "C"(?) V? (I'm sorry but I cannot make out the hallmark name!)

MADE IN: Mexico

CIRCA: Early to Mid 1940's

METAL: Sterling

WIDTH: 1"

LENGTH: 7-1/2"(Measured while opened on the interior without the tongue clasp)

EAST-WEST INTERIOR MEASUREMENT: 2-3/8"(Measured laying as shown in photo 6,then laying flat atop of the tape measure, I measured the interior from east to west.) You may want to do the same thing with a bangle you own to see if this would fit.

WRIST SIZE: Average

WEIGHT: 46.4 Grams (1.62 Ounces)

CLOSURE: Push in/Pull out clasp with strong "Click" sound

HALLMARKS: See last photo

CONDITION: Well cared for for almost 80 year condition..Normal surface scratches.Natural Patina.

COMES GIFT BOXED.

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PLEASE NOTE:

In order to give you close up photos so I can provide you with all the detail, can tend to make the item look much more larger & everything is more magnified than in actuality. So to get an accurate idea of how big this is, check out photo 2 where you can see it worn or if you have a tape measure, you can compare it to my given measurements that are above.