ID assistance-"R" backmark on Squash Blossoom neck

[mrsbuttons21]

Does anyone know who the designer might be on this Indian Squash Necklace. The hallmark was so hidden it was extraordinarly difficult to photgraph.

The signature is a raised plaque in the shape of a ?eagle or headress. "R" is the only deciperable character, although there are a row of letters above the "R". It is signed on the 'horseshoe" (naja) pendant and on each of the hand- crafted blossoms.

Also, since it isn't the typical 'squash' blossom, does anyone know what symbol the three turquoise leave symbolizes? The closest I could come up with was the crane but tribe used the crane as a symbol? Thanks for any information.




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[dragonflywink]

I've never seen a genuine squash blossom or any other Native American piece constructed as yours is. Have you had a jeweler look at the necklace, to my eye it appears to be costume, very similar to some silverplate pieces that a friend bought in South America the late '70s-early '80s.

Cheryl ;o)
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[admin]

The way it is signed with an applied tag supports Cheryl's suspicions. These tags are made of wax and applied to the original model to be cast. In this way, a large quantity could be mass manufactured without the need to mark each one separately.
Also, the beads are clearly machine made and, in general, a Navajo piece of this late vintage, if made of silver would usually be marked "sterling".
Regards, Tom
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