Ben Eustace — Zuni Silversmith Hallmark
Ben Eustace's hallmark as photographed on an authenticated piece. © Turquoise Skies Inc.
Zuni · documented in the T.Skies hallmark library
Ben Eustace (also known as Bennie Eustace) was a Zuni silversmith and a patriarch of one of the most documented silversmithing families in the Hougart record. He worked in set stones, silver, and carved decorative designs. He was a noted award winner as early as the 1930s exhibition circuit.
The mark
The primary marks are BE paired with a Sage Clan symbol. An Eagle Clan symbol also appears as a mark variant. Hougart notes that one stamp was reportedly accidentally destroyed. The Schaaf (2003) caption text confirms the name "Ben Eustace (Bennie)" alongside the extended Eustace family portrait, including Felicita Eustace, Jolene A. Eustace-Hanelt, Charlotte Eustace, and Christina Eustace.
What is known
Ben Eustace was the husband of Felicita Eustace and father of at least six silversmithing children: Bernadette, Alice, Jolene, Linda, Nelson, and Joseph. His grandson is Robert Mac Eustace Jones. The Eustace family is among the most thoroughly documented extended silversmithing families in both Hougart and Schaaf. His daughter Bernadette Eustace (Cochiti/Zuni) worked in inlay and set stones, with marks including BE. His daughter Jolene A. Eustace (married name Hanelt) and son Nelson Eustace are also documented. A later descendant, R.J. Eustace, is identified as Ben Eustace's grandson with marks including RJ (offset) and RE.
The Sage Clan association embedded in his mark is a significant cultural identifier specific to Zuni clan identity.
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References
- Hougart, Bille. Native American and Southwestern Silver Hallmarks, 5th ed. (2022), p. ~191.
- Schaaf, Gregory. American Indian Jewelry I: 1,200 Artist Biographies (2003) — Eustace family caption (p. ~150/156).
Wife: Felicita Eustace