GUATEMALA. Nueva Guatemala. Colonial Era Silver Plate, ND (ca. 1790).
cf. Plateria de Guatemala-pg. 82; cf. Esteras-pg. 224/25. Weight: 154.48 gms; Diameter: 155 mm. Obverse: Quinto and locality mark located across from each other on the face near the rims; Reverse: "Marca de Buril" (scribe mark) and script monogram "AB" on the rim near the edge. An interesting piece of Spanish Colonial silverware with connections to the early republic of Honduras. The surfaces are bright from years of polishing with areas of light patina in the crevasses. Unfortunately, what is presumed as the makers mark, hand engraved "AB" monogram in script, is of an unknown entity at this time. The surfaces to exhibits signs of handling as would be expected from an artifact of its age. A handsome piece with interesting characteristics. It is interesting to point out that the present piece is distinctly Guatemalan. The motif of the rider over mountains is seen on numerous colonial proclamation medals. What's even more fascinating about this piece is the Crown Quinto mark. This is of particular interest pertaining to the necessity coinage of the provisional government of Honduras in 1825. The problem was so dire that when the Provisional Government issued the 8 November 1824 decree stating that all coins were to be brought to the government to be examined and if of proper or approximate weight and purity were to be countermarked. This included counterfeits in circulation as long as their weight and fineness were of good quality. Punches were ordered from Guatemala City, but were never received. It was later decided by the Honduran assembly to use an old colonial punch used for the King's Fifth or Quinto. The countermarking action effectively began about 6 months after the December deadline on 7 June 1825. For an example of this countermark on a contemporary counterfeit Cob 8 Reales please refer to our NYINC 2020 auction lot # 21035.

Estimate: $1000.00- $1500.00