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ID assistance-"R" backmark on Squash Blossoom neck

Posted: Fri Nov 11, 2005 1:07 am
by 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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Posted: Fri Nov 11, 2005 3:40 pm
by 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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Posted: Fri Nov 11, 2005 4:38 pm
by 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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