Belt, A Vintage, Concho, Hallmark Hector Aguilar, Vintage ‘40s, 670

ICONIC AND UNIQUE

The late Hector Aguilar has brought us a very interesting and unique piece for the true collector. This 1940’s belt begins on a simple black suede strap and features four X-form Mexican sterling silver conchos that are moveable. It is finished with a narrow silver buckle. Though its details are simple it is an iconic piece that has been seen in many images of artist Georgia O’Keefe. Grab this unique belt for a wonderful addition to anyone’s collection.

This belt has been published: Penny C. Morrill, "Silver Masters of Mexico: Hector Aguilar and the Taller Borda" (Atglen, PA: Schiffer, 1996), 107, fig. III-24; 108, fig. III-26.

Bio: Hector Aguilar was born in 1905 in Mexico City. Not much is known of his early years, but a chance encounter with William Spratling in the early 1930s set him on a silversmithing career that would span three decades. Aguilar brought tourists from Mexico City to the small town of Taxco, a place that as fate would have it also was where Spratling was starting his silver workshop. Aguilar worked for several years as the shop manager for Spratling while also becoming an apprentice silversmith. After three years, Aguilar left to start his own workshop, Taller Borda. That workshop would create countless beautiful pieces, with unceasing quality up until its closure in 1966.

• artist: Hector Aguilar
• affiliation: Taxco Mexico
• hallmarks: HA (conjoined) Taxco 940
• materials: sterling silver, suede
• measurements: 4x conchos measuring 2 1/4" x 3 3/4", strap is 27 1/2"
• weight:  235 grams
• nice vintage condition
• abrasions and surface wear commensurate with age
• silver has a nice patina 
• wear from use
• style: Belt-670