Hallmarks of the Southwest (A Schiffer Book for Collectors) [Hardcover]

Barton Wright (Author)

Book Description

Series: A Schiffer Book for Collectors | Publication Date: May 2000

American Southwest Indian artists working in metal, clay, wood, textiles, and paint have proudly left their individual hallmarks on their work-and until now there has not been a comprehensive source for identifying the marks. Barton Wright, the pre-eminent historian, curator, and proponent of these native crafts-people, has filled that void by collecting and organizing these hallmarks into a useful book. Compiled over many years of work with the craftspeople, and with the cooperation of one of their main organizing bodies, the Indian Arts and Crafts Association, Mr. Wright has with this book both made a useful tool for identification and left an important record of the work of these talented people. The information is alphabetically arranged with important personal data, tribal affiliation, working dates, materials used, and facsimiles of their marks.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 272 pages
• Publisher: Schiffer Pub Ltd; 2 Rev Exp edition (May 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764309897
• ISBN-13: 978-0764309892
• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 8.8 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (26 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #53,932 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #4 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Antiques & Collectibles > Textiles & Costume

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars I've waited a long time for this book!, December 27, 2006

By 

Beth Sopko (New York, NY) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Hallmarks of the Southwest (A Schiffer Book for Collectors) (Hardcover)

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.

19 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Hallmarks of the Southwest, June 30, 2001

By 

Marla Rich (Shakopee,MN) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Hallmarks of the Southwest (A Schiffer Book for Collectors) (Hardcover)

This book is an excellent reference to anyone who collects or sells Native American Jewelry. It shows the mark of the well know artists in Native American silver jewelry. The Navajo , Hopi , Zuni Indians are all included in this book. Very detailed, I highly recommend it.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent reference - but a work in progress, January 11, 2006

By 

S. Levy "levysteve" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Hallmarks of the Southwest (A Schiffer Book for Collectors) (Hardcover)

I have been using this book since this edition was published. It is an excellent compilation of summary information about makers of Native American jewelry and other collectible wares. I expect that this has - to this point - only about one-third or one-half of the people listed who make jewelry. I annotate mine with added marks for unlisted jewelry makers, together with summary information on them. When I can, I ask the artisan to autograph the book, preferably near the added information.