Wonderful example of sculptural artistry originating from Mexico. This piece was designed to be functional as well as beautiful, as the mouth of the pelican opens for serving. Almost two feet long, this is the largest piece of it’s kind I’ve been able to find. The silver metal I’m assuming is silver plate but there is no evidence of any wear at all, could perhaps be “Mexican silver”. Abalone inlay is intact and beautifully crafted. The mark underneath reads “metales hecho en Mexico hand wrought”. There is also, next to the marking, a warrior figure. This could be the makers signature, but must be somewhat rare. Also, I did not polish this piece, but you may see some older polish in the pictures, easily removed. I tried to take adequate photos, but item looks much better in person. Note: In my personal research, Los Castillo was the primary maker of pieces such as this and most of them have been attributed to Los Castillo. However I have been unable to verify that they did, in fact, make this item. I would welcome any information another Ebayer may have regarding this piece.