Henry Sam — Navajo Silversmith Hallmark
Henry Sam's hallmark as photographed on an authenticated piece. © Turquoise Skies Inc.
Navajo · documented in the T.Skies hallmark library
Henry Sam (Navajo). Works in nugget work, leaf and rope applique, large set stones, stamp work, and bracelets. Mark: HS (may have stamped symbols surrounding the letters).
What is known
Per Hougart 5e (p. 273): Henry Sam is a Navajo silversmith working across a broad range of classic techniques: nugget work, leaf and rope applique, large set stones, stamp work, and bracelets. His mark is the initials HS, with Hougart noting that the mark may include stamped symbols surrounding the letters — a decorative border or frame device around the initials, a characteristic that can help distinguish his mark from other HS-initial smiths.
No active dates or biographical information are given by Hougart. The Sam family is well represented in the same section, with Alice Sam, Benson Sam, Betty Sam, Jim Sam, Junior L. Sam, Kyle Sam, Margaret Sam, and Russell Sam also listed — indicating an active Navajo silversmithing family, several of whom worked through trading companies (Atkinson Trading Company and Indian Hammers are specifically noted for Jim Sam, Junior L. Sam, and Margaret Sam).
No additional information found in Bedinger, Adair, Schaaf, or Hopi Silver sources.
Know more about Henry? Let us know.
References
- Hougart, Bille. Native American and Southwestern Silver Hallmarks, 5th ed. (2022), p. 273.