identifying hallmark for a native american silversmith

gmwthree · #1 May 3, 2008, 12:47 PM

Several months ago my wife bought a belt buckle at a garage sale. It is fairly ornate with two bear claws, three pieces of turquoise ranging in size from the size of my thumbnail to the size of my index fingernail and two pieces of red coral. My first assumption on the bear claws was that they were plastic. However, on closer examination, I've determined that they are real bear claws. Total weight of the buckle is 90 grams.

On the back, there is a hallmark very near the word "Sterling" which we first thought was an "M". Just above "Sterling", there are additional letters which are very faint and very difficult to make out.

When I researched the buckle on the web, I was, at one point, fairly certain that, since the hallmark appears to be a fancy "M", the silversmith must be "M. Thomas, Jr.". The silver work on the buckle, the bear claw placement and the stones used are all very consistent with his style. Unfortunately, (or fortunately, since I haven't lied to anyone about what I thought I knew, yet) I found an M. Thomas, Jr.s piece online last night which showed his hallmark. It is nothing like the hallmark on our piece.

I would like to sell this buckle but, now I can't figure out who made it. Without that information, it is very difficult to find the value. So, I am having to research that hallmark. Last night I took some fairly high-resolution close-up pictures of the hallmark and the faint writing above the "sterling" mark. After downloading the pictures, I was able to zoom in to over 200% of original photo size without loosing a lot of clarity. I now believe the hallmark could be the initials "gn" or, maybe, "gm". The lettering above "sterling" begin with what appears to be a "g" followed by what looks like an "n", then an "O", then maybe an "m". Beyond that, it is difficult to make out anything further.

I have attached a photo of the hallmark, the sterling stamp and the additional writing. Hopefully, that will help.

Does anyone know where I could Google to identify and, possibly, value this buckle?

Thanks in advance!



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