Gus Keene, Jr.

Biography by Mateo James

Gus Keene, Jr. — Navajo silversmith hallmark namecard

Overview

Gus Keene, Jr. is a Navajo silversmith active since the 1970s, the son of Gus Keene, Sr. and brother of Adrian Keene (Roy) — a working family of three documented smiths.

Collector's caution: Three Keene-family smiths are documented with related marks, so weigh stamp, period, and style together before deciding whose hand made a piece.

The Mark

"Gus Keene, Jr. (Navajo). Aetive since 1970s. Son of Gus Keene, Sr. Brother of Adrian Keene. Mark: KEENE (and …)"
— Hougart, Bille. Native American and Southwestern Silver Hallmarks, 5th ed. (2022).

The marks as documented in Hougart's hallmark reference: KEENE (and a bird).

References

  • Hougart, Bille. Native American and Southwestern Silver Hallmarks, 5th ed. Washington, DC: BilleHougartBooks, 2022.

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Name card shown; hallmark photo to come.

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