Hallmarks of the Southwest: Who Made It? (A Schiffer Book for Collectors)

This is a superb compendium of the marks and tribal associations of Native American artists, particularly silversmiths and artisans. I learned a lot while looking up several items in this book, the signatures and marks are mostly well-illustrated, although I found the mix of cursive, symbolism and print marks to be inconvenient....better if, as in some silver books I have for English silver, it was divided according to the KIND of mark, animals--plants--cursive letters--print--full names---nicknames, etc. Also, some of the photographs of the marks are so small that it is difficult to compare them with the "real thing". I also found that "lesser" artisans whose work is out there in the marketplace are not included, even though they are more common. Even these need to be identified as to family lineage, etc. by the collector since very often we see pieces included in auction bundles and their identification is sketchy at best. Much of what I have is as gifts from a relative in Arizona, signed pieces of great beauty, and yet I could not find a single one identified in this book. So is one then to assume that they are necessarily lesser works? As I've gotten into this more I've not found any book that approaches the subject in a tutorial format....I guess that is what I'm looking for! My understanding from others more involved in SW jewelry collecting is that they learned how to select the best items by trial and error....but for silver in this market that seems to mean rather costly lessons must be learned!

Good book

A very well written book on this subject. It could use a few more color photos of items, though. A must have for anyone who loves Native American jewlery!

My first order got "lost in the mail". However, after verifying, the seller offered a refund or replacement. I chose replacement and was very pleased to receive it in record time. Seller used expedited mailing at no charge to me. Thank you so much. It is a very comprehensive book. And very helpful in my work.

This is the eagerly-awaited second edition of Hallmarks of the Southwest; as a longtime collector of Native American jewelry, I'm happy to finally have a copy of this book.Naturally, not every craftsman can be represented in such a comprehensive work, and complicating this is that not every piece is stamped with identifying marks. (Some of my favorite jewelry isn't stamped at all, even with "Sterling.") Many of the references are a carry-over from the first edition; since silversmithing is often a family tradition, certian respected craftsmen working today may not be represented but their families are.It's a valuable overview, and leaves the reader [me, at least] wanting more.

Anyone who has an interest in Native American jewelry should have this book within arm's reach at all times. It's a great resource for finding all those cryptic and obscure markings that are often found on Tribal jewelry. Right after buying this book, I was able to identify a hallmark for a friend of mine who sold her piece for much more than she would have without the information I gave her. The book is layed out well, easy to read, and seems to include every artisan who ever dabbled in Indian jewelry arts. My only regret is not finding this book sooner.

Gathering a comprehensive list of SW silverworkers to include their hallmarks is a daunting task, given that the work of these artists covers many decades. Further, the artists are from a huge geographical area where modern communications are limited or lacking, such that, to get accurate information and confirmation would require a tremendous amount of travel, time, and expense. The book is a remarkable attempt in that regard. However, it is also strewn with errors, omissions, and misidentifications. There is scant information on many of the artists, and in some instances 2 different artists are confused as being the same. There are other similar works that are more comprehensive, useful and credible than this particular piece.

I bought this book because of my collection of authentic Native American jewelry. An accumulation of over 40 years. Unfortunately, most of what I have is not listed in the book and I assume that is because of the fact the jewelry was not made in the southwest. Some of the pieces I have did have the Artisans and Hallmarks represented in the book and it gave me the information I needed. I would highly recommend this book. It is filled with drawings and sketches and history. I would also recommend Margaret Wright's book on Hopi Hallmarks.