Alpaca & Sterling on Taxco Burro Pin

[Beckiep]

I am very confused about the mark on this cute pin (a previous owner "cleaned" the piece, but did not remove all of the cleaning paste.) It reads Puente Alpaca, has an eagle mark with a 3 and Sterling Taxco in a circle with MC in the center. (Puente=Bridge in Spanish.)
I have a couple of theories:
1. The pin is Alpaca, but the animal is sterling.
2. Puente Alpaca may refer to the type of animal.

Any help is greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance! Beckie



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[2209patrick]

Hello Beckie.

I believe your first theory is correct. The pin is Alpaca, but the animal is sterling.

My book lists the MC mark, but does not identify who used it.

Pat.

[Beckiep]

Thanks Pat!