Helen Slim — Navajo Silversmith Hallmark
Helen Slim's hallmark as photographed on an authenticated piece. © Turquoise Skies Inc.
Navajo · documented in the T.Skies hallmark library
Helen Slim (Navajo). Active since the 1970s. Works in nugget work. Marks: H. S.; H. SLIM (mark may be etched).
What is known
Per Hougart 5e (p. 292): Helen Slim is documented as a Navajo silversmith active since the 1970s, working in nugget work — a classic Navajo style featuring raw or semi-polished stones (typically turquoise or coral) set in silver. She uses two marks: the abbreviated initials "H. S." and the fuller stamp "H. SLIM," which Hougart notes may be etched rather than stamped.
The Slim family is represented by several other documented Navajo silversmiths in Hougart's same section: Billy Slim (active since 1980s, stamp work), Grace Slim (active since 1970s, mark: G. SLIM), Luanne Slim and Marvin Slim (a husband-and-wife team sharing stamps, active era not given), and Michael L Slim (active since 1980s, inlay and overlay). Helen Slim's exact relationship to these other Slim family members is not documented in Hougart.
No additional information found in Bedinger, Adair, Schaaf, or Hopi Silver sources.
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References
- Hougart, Bille. Native American and Southwestern Silver Hallmarks, 5th ed. (2022), p. 292.