This is a vintage Mexican Sterling Silver Insect or Bug Brooch or Pin. This whimsical bug pin has eight legs and two large wings. The pin is marked TG-189 and Mexico 925. It measures 2 5/8 inches wide and 1 5/8 inches tall. It weighs .4 ounces on my postage scale, which converts to 11.34 grams. In 1980 Mexican silversmiths initiated a letter and number system to register silversmiths. The first letter indicates the city (T for Taxco) and the second letter is the first letter of the silversmith's last name. His silversmith number is 189.

True flies have two wings, they make up the order of insects known as "Diptera” or "Two Wings”. This order contains house flies, crane flies, and mosquitoes. Most insects have four wings, butterflies, dragonflies, etc. All insects have six legs (this brooch has eight). Arachnids (spiders) have eight legs. This is obviously not a spider, it is an unusual insect for sure, an abstract imaginary insect.

This is in good vintage condition with a nice patina forming. I have not polished it as many people prefer the older silver color, I will leave any polishing up to you. The pin on the back is a safety clasp closure and is intact and secure. There is a separation of the bottom top right leg from the wing where the solder is no longer attached. It doesn't affect the integrity of the piece at all (see arrows in picture). There is also a spot on the top of the wing where the solder was attached.

This would be a fun brooch for any insect lover. Great gift for anyone studying for a degree in Entomology. It also looks great standing on it's own, it could easily be a decorative collectible.

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