WILLIAM SPRATLING SERPENT 980 SILVER BROOCH
Maker and Designer: , , Mexico
Material: 980 Sterling Silver
Markings / Hallmarks: William Spratling mark, Taxco and 980
Dimensions: Side view: 2 1/4" round
Weight: 41.5 grams
This Spratling brooch is heavy and made of 980 sterling silver, which William Spratling used during his early design phase. 980 silver has higher silver content than today's more commonly used 925 sterling silver. Based on the marks, this brooch was likely made between 1933 and 1938. It depicts Quetzalcoatl, a pre-Columbian symbol which means feathered serpent to the Aztec people, representing the God of wind, wisdom, and learning.