Juan Martinez — Navajo Silversmith Hallmark
Juan Martinez's hallmark as photographed on an authenticated piece. © Turquoise Skies Inc.
Navajo · documented in the T.Skies hallmark library
Juan Martinez is a Zuni silversmith documented as active since the 1970s. His work spans an unusually wide technical range: stamp-and-file work, stone sets, mosaic inlay, and kachina figures — a combination pointing to formal training and sustained workshop experience rather than a casual bench career.
The mark
Per Hougart: Marks J M and J. MARTINEZ.
The J M mark is shared by other silversmiths in the same period, so the spelled-out J. MARTINEZ stamp is the diagnostic identifier for attribution.
What is known
- Nation: Zuni (per Hougart; DB currently says Navajo — flag for correction)
- Active: since 1970s
- Techniques: stamp-and-file work; stone sets; mosaic inlay; kachina figures
- Trading post: possibly Atkinson Trading Company
- Marks: J M; J. MARTINEZ
Know more about Juan? Let us know.
References
- Hougart, Bille. Native American and Southwestern Silver Hallmarks, 5th ed. (2022), p. 208. Entry: "Juan Martinez (Zuni). Active since 1970s. Stamp-and file-work; stone sets; mosaic inlay; kachina figures. May be [associated with] Atkinson Trading Company. Marks: J M; J. MARTINEZ."