Gene Natan — Navajo Silversmith Hallmark

Biography by Mateo James

Hallmark of Gene Natan (Navajo) — photographed by T.Skies

Gene Natan's hallmark as photographed on an authenticated piece. © Turquoise Skies Inc.

Navajo · documented in the T.Skies hallmark library

The mark

Per Hougart 5e (p. ~222): Gene Natan's mark is N — a single-letter stamp — which is the same mark used by his son Gabriel Natan. Hougart notes explicitly that the father and son share an identical stamp, making attribution to one or the other dependent on provenance, style, or accompanying documentation rather than the mark alone.

Know more about Gene? Let us know.

References

  • Hougart, Bille. Native American and Southwestern Silver Hallmarks, 5th ed. (2022), p. ~222: "Gene Natan (Navajo). Stamp work. Shadow box; set stones. Bump-outs. Father of Gabriel Natan. Mark: N (same stamp as Gabriel Natan)." Also: "Gabriel Natan (Navajo). Traditional; set stones, stamp work. Son of Gene Natan. Marks: N; Natan."
  • Adair, John. The Navajo and Pueblo Silversmiths. University of Oklahoma Press, 1944. Roster: "Abram Natan" listed c.1933 (no confirmed family connection to Gene Natan).

Son: Gabriel Natan (shared mark N / Natan)