H. Spencer — Navajo/Diné Silversmith Hallmark
The “H. Spencer” under a curved arrow mark, as photographed on an authenticated piece. © Turquoise Skies Inc.
Navajo/Diné · documented in the T.Skies hallmark library
H. Spencer (Navajo). Active since 1970s. Works in nugget work and applique. Marks: H. SPENCER; H. SPENCER (under a curved arrow).
What is known
Per Hougart 5e (p. 297): H. Spencer is documented as a Navajo silversmith active since the 1970s. His two known marks are plain stamped "H. SPENCER" and "H. SPENCER" appearing under a curved arrow device. The style — nugget work and applique — is characteristic of classic Navajo silversmithing from that era, typically featuring raw or semi-polished turquoise or coral nuggets set in silver with applied decorative elements.
No first name beyond the initial "H." is given by Hougart. Hougart lists a large Spencer family of Navajo silversmiths (Dorothy, E., Evelyn, Glen, J.J., John, K., Kee Tso, Michael, Perry, Patsy, Pearlene, Percy, Pricilla, R., Sammy, W.); H. Spencer's exact family relationship to these other Spencers is not documented.
No additional information found in Bedinger, Adair, Schaaf, or Hopi Silver sources.
References
- Hougart, Bille. Native American and Southwestern Silver Hallmarks, 5th ed. (2022), p. 297.
- Schaaf, Gregory, with Angie Yan Schaaf. American Indian Jewelry I: 1,200 Artist Biographies, ca. 1800-present. American Indian Art Series, Vol. 5. Santa Fe: CIAC Press, 2003. Cited by printed page. Statements describe conditions as of 2003.
From the Library: Schaaf, American Indian Jewelry I (2003)
2003 primary source. Anything described as current here describes 2003, not today.
Schaaf (2003, p. 295) recorded his stamps as H. Spencer, and H. Spencer under a bowed arrow symbol over the word Sterling. [1]
Schaaf (2003, p. 295) recorded H. Spencer as Navajo, active from the 1970s in silver jewelry, and as a smith for Felix Indian Jewelry. [1]
Field Notes by Mateo James
I notice this page says Schaaf has nothing on this maker. Schaaf's 2003 register has an entry for H. Spencer, a Navajo smith of the 1970s whose marks match the two recorded here, though like Hougart it gives only the initial.
This profile is maintained in support of Native American silversmiths and compiled from published references. See something inaccurate, or want to add to it? Contact us.