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This is an iconic, highly collectible vintage Mid-Century Modern articulated fish bottle opener, crafted in the distinctive style of famed Mexican silver workshops like Los Castillo and Taxco artisans.
The functional centerpiece of this sculptural bar tool is its cast-metal open mouth, expertly designed to pop bottle caps. The remainder of the fish features an intricately detailed, flexible reticulated skeleton. Individual overlapping segments are inlaid with panels of authentic, natural abalone shell, showcasing a striking iridescent play of color with vivid flashes of emerald green, deep purple, and pearlescent pink. The design is rounded out with small inset dark bead eyes. Its clever, flexible engineering allows the fish to sway realistically from side to side. Additionally, the curved dual-fin tail acts as a stable tripod base, allowing the piece to stand upright independently on a bar or table surface as a miniature work of pop-art decor when not in use.Condition: generally very good. Articulates well, and the bottle opener area is good. See the last two photos showing missing abalone shell. Because of the patina of the brass, it blends in and really doesn’t show. Priced with this in mind.Specifications:
• Type: Articulated / Reticulated Figural Bottle Opener
• Motif: Jumping Fish
• Origin: Mid-20th Century, Mexico (Taxco / Guerrero style)
• Materials: Inlaid Natural Abalone Shell, Silver-tone Base Metal / Brass Pins
• Hallmarks: Unmarked / No visible stamps (very typical for these handmade souvenir and artisan pieces)
• Dimensions: Measures 6 inches long by 0.5 inches wide (expanding to its widest configuration at the stable tail fins)Message with any questions. Thank you for looking.
