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Identification

Mid-Century Mexican "Metales Casados" Mixed Metal Dish

Photo reference

5 uploaded photos

Overview

The piece is definitively identified by its clear stamping: 'METALES CASADOS', 'HANDWROUGHT', and 'HECHO EN MEXICO', alongside a standing indigenous figure studio mark and 'A 4'.

Story

This piece originates from the mid-20th century Mexican silver renaissance, likely centered around Taxco. The 'metales casados' technique involves seamlessly soldering different metals—typically copper, brass, and silver or alpaca—to create striking geometric patterns. Though the specific workshop behind the standing figure hallmark is unidentified, the construction and stamping are textbook examples of the era's regional output.

Maker / Origin

Unattributed

Condition & Value

The dish exhibits notable surface wear, scratches, and oxidation/tarnish spotting across the various metals. Because the aesthetic appeal of married metals relies heavily on the clean contrast between the different alloys, this uneven tarnish and spotting moderately depresses the value compared to pristine, well-maintained examples.

Full Research

See what it's actually worth.

Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

Market Analysis

The market for mid-century Mexican modernist metalwork remains active, driven by collectors of 1950s-1970s design and Taxco craftsmanship. While pieces by marquee names like Los Castillo or Margot de Taxco command high premiums, well-executed but unattributed 'metales casados' (married metals) pieces trade steadily as accessible decorative arts on platforms like eBay, Etsy, and mid-tier auction houses.

Value Drivers

▲ Clear 'Metales Casados' and 'Hecho en Mexico' hallmarks confirm era and regional authenticity

▲ Tri-lobed modernist form with footed spheres aligns perfectly with mid-century collector tastes

▲ Complex married-metal construction demonstrates high handicraft quality

Concerns

▼ Unverified dimensions — if the dish is smaller than 6 inches, value will skew toward the $40-$70 floor

▼ Visible oxidation and tarnish spotting detracts from the geometric contrast of the metals

▼ Lack of a specific, recognized designer attribution (e. g., Los Castillo) limits the ceiling

Best Venue

List on a broad secondary marketplace like eBay or Etsy with a Buy It Now price of $125, allowing offers down to $80. Before listing, consider a very gentle, non-abrasive polish to restore the contrast between the copper, brass, and silver-tone metals, which will significantly improve listing photos. Ensure exact dimensions are prominently included in the description.

Upside Potential

If the standing figure hallmark can be definitively attributed to a major Taxco silversmith or workshop, or if the dish is exceptionally large (over 10 inches in diameter), the value could shift into the $250-$350 curated retail tier.

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Also found — market-range context

Related comps outside the valuation band· 1 comp

Surfaced during research but not used to anchor the valuation — wrong form, species, era, or no published price. Shown so the market range around this item is visible.

  • Jasper52
    1950s Los Castillo Patinated Metales Casados Sculptural Dish
    Excerpt indicates a brass and shell turtle tray, which is a different material and form.
    $50