The Eagle System

Eagle marks, 1948-1980

The assay number that dates a piece, and what each one meant.

From about 1948 to 1980, registered silver in Mexico was stamped with an eagle enclosing a number. The number identified a location or a specific maker, and the stamp doubled as proof the piece had been assayed to at least sterling and taxed. Because it was only in use for that window, an eagle number is one of the strongest dating clues on a piece.

The numbers were never watertight. A single number was used by many makers, retailers co-stamped their brand over an actual maker's eagle, and well-known silversmiths turn up under several numbers. Read an eagle number as a strong lead and a date bracket, cross-check it against the maker's mark rather than treating it as proof.

Look It Up

Eagle number index

Pick an eagle number from the list to see who is documented under it (the ★ marks the location and maker anchors), or filter by a maker to find every number their work appears under.

★ documented location / maker anchor

Eagle 13

6 documented makers · William Spratling

Spratling's assigned number; also seen on others' pieces he marketed.

ConquistadorPlatería FarFanFVLLos BallesterosAntonio PinedaWilliam Spratling

147 eagle numbers compiled from the documented record of Mexican silver assay marks, 1948-1980.

Common Questions

Frequently asked

What is the eagle mark on Mexican silver?: The eagle is Mexico's national silver assay mark, used from about 1948 to 1980. Stamped inside the eagle is a number identifying a location or a registered maker. The stamp certified at least sterling (925) content and that tax had been paid, so its presence both authenticates and dates a piece to that window.
How do I date Mexican silver from the eagle mark?: No eagle and no letter-number code suggests a piece predates 1948. An eagle stamp places it roughly 1948-1980. A letter-and-number registration code (e.g. TS-24) points to after 1980, when the eagle was retired.
What do eagle 1 and eagle 3 mean?: Eagle 1 marks a Mexico City (Federal District) registration; eagle 3 is the city of Taxco, and perhaps Guadalajara. Eagle 50 is from the Guadalajara area. Location numbers were widely shared, so they place a workshop's registration rather than name the maker.
Which eagle number did William Spratling, Antonio Pineda and Margot use?: Spratling is associated with eagle 13, Margot de Taxco with eagle 16, and Antonio Pineda most commonly with eagle 17. These are strong associations, not exclusive assignments, the same numbers appear on other makers' work, so always confirm against the maker's mark.

Keep Reading

Number & letter codes →

The post-1980 registration system that replaced the eagle.

Maker’s mark database →

Documented marks by artist, to match against your piece.

Eagle marks, 1948-1980

The assay number that dates a piece, and what each one meant.

Eagle number index

Pick an eagle number from the list to see who is documented under it (the ★ marks the location and maker anchors), or filter by a maker to find every number their work appears under.

★ documented location / maker anchor

Eagle 13

6 documented makers · William Spratling

Spratling's assigned number; also seen on others' pieces he marketed.

ConquistadorPlatería FarFanFVLLos BallesterosAntonio PinedaWilliam Spratling

147 eagle numbers compiled from the documented record of Mexican silver assay marks, 1948-1980.

Frequently asked

What is the eagle mark on Mexican silver?

The eagle is Mexico's national silver assay mark, used from about 1948 to 1980. Stamped inside the eagle is a number identifying a location or a registered maker. The stamp certified at least sterling (925) content and that tax had been paid, so its presence both authenticates and dates a piece to that window.

How do I date Mexican silver from the eagle mark?

No eagle and no letter-number code suggests a piece predates 1948. An eagle stamp places it roughly 1948-1980. A letter-and-number registration code (e.g. TS-24) points to after 1980, when the eagle was retired.

What do eagle 1 and eagle 3 mean?

Eagle 1 marks a Mexico City (Federal District) registration; eagle 3 is the city of Taxco, and perhaps Guadalajara. Eagle 50 is from the Guadalajara area. Location numbers were widely shared, so they place a workshop's registration rather than name the maker.

Which eagle number did William Spratling, Antonio Pineda and Margot use?

Spratling is associated with eagle 13, Margot de Taxco with eagle 16, and Antonio Pineda most commonly with eagle 17. These are strong associations, not exclusive assignments, the same numbers appear on other makers' work, so always confirm against the maker's mark.