Vintage Mexican Abalone & Mother-of-Pearl Pill Box (Marked Alpaca) 🇲🇽🐚🌸
This is a Charming Vintage Miniature Pill Box with a dazzling inlaid lid. The top features an intricate mosaic of iridescent Abalone shell surrounding a central Mother-of-Pearl flower.
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Material (Lid): Genuine Abalone and Mother-of-Pearl Inlay.
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Material (Body): Marked Alpaca (Nickel Silver Alloy).
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Style: Mid-Century Mexican Tourist Art.
| Dimension | Measurement (Approximate) |
| Diameter | Approx. 1.25 inches (Based on comparison to pushpin) |
| Height | Approx. 0.5 inch |
| Function | Pill Box, Snuff Box, or Wearable Fob |
2. Item Details & Design ✨🎨
The box showcases the beautiful iridescence of natural shell:
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Shape: Small, round, hinged box.
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Lid Inlay: The lid is entirely covered in precisely cut pieces of shell: the perimeter is the vivid, multicolored Abalone (blue, green, purple hues), and the center is a six-petaled Mother-of-Pearl flower.
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Body: The metal body is simple, with a dark, aged patina.
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Feature: Features a small hook/loop attached to the hinge, suggesting it was carried or worn.
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Mark: Clearly marked "ALPACA" on the base.
3. Historical/Period Context 🌏🕰️
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Period: Mid-20th Century (c. 1950s–1970s). This type of inlaid Alpaca jewelry and accessory was a staple of the souvenir and tourist trade in Mexico.
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Significance: Represents a classic genre of Mexican folk artistry centered on natural materials and vibrant shell mosaics.
4. The Ideal Collector 💡🧐
This item is perfect for:
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Collectors of Abalone/Mother-of-Pearl Inlaid Jewelry and Accessories.
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Enthusiasts of Mid-Century Mexican Tourist Silver (and silver-style alloys).
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Buyers seeking a unique, iridescent accent piece for a vanity.
5. Condition & Valuation 💎💰
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Condition: Good Vintage Condition. The shell inlay is largely intact (slight gaps/roughness are typical of the material). The metal body shows heavy, desirable patina and some oxidation/verdigris inside. The hinge is functional.
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Rarity: Low to Moderate (A common tourist design, but highly attractive examples maintain appeal).
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Valuation Strategy: Price is driven by the high visual appeal of the iridescent Abalone inlay and the collector history of the Mexican Alpaca souvenir trade.
