Vintage MCM Mexican Articulated Abalone Fish Bottle Opener 8" Los Castillo Style For Sale

Vintage Mexican articulated abalone shell fish bottle opener, approximately 8" long, in the style of the well-known Los Castillo articulated fish designs.

This is an unusually detailed and colorful vintage fish, constructed from numerous individually articulated pieces of iridescent abalone and mother-of-pearl shell over a metal framework. The segmented body is flexible and can be curved into a natural swimming position. The mouth functions as a bottle opener.

The shell has beautiful natural variations of pearl, pink, green, blue, lavender, brown and gold. The fish is approximately 8" long. A twisted hanging wire has been added to the fish and extends approximately 5" beyond the fish, allowing it to be displayed as wall art. The added hanging wire allows the fish to be displayed vertically, creating the appearance of a fish hanging from a hook.wire appears to be a later addition. The wire can be removed if desired.

Condition: This is a vintage piece with some damage and loss to three shell pieces which are chipped or missing, with the underlying material visible in places. I have included close-up photographs of the damaged areas so the condition can be fully evaluated. The damage is quite difficult to notice during normal viewing unless it is specifically pointed out. There is also normal age-related wear and variation to the shell and metal components.

There is no visible maker's mark, so I am not attributing this piece specifically to Los Castillo. Its construction and overall design are very similar to documented Los Castillo articulated fish bottle openers, so it is being offered as Los Castillo style.

An unusual vintage Mexican-style piece that works both as vintage barware and as a striking sculptural wall approximately 8" long

Please see all photographs for details, including close-ups of the damaged shell pieces.