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Offered... a fortuitous find of a pair of Austin (Ike) Wilson clip-on earrings unsigned but absolutely guaranteed to be his work. I included a picture of a ring of his which I sold which was stamped with his hallmark and has the exact stamp work as one of these earrings. And I have a signed pair now, as well, available separately. These earrings are both made by him but they are slightly different from each other. The main stamp in the center is the same on each but the side framing stamps are different on each. They still work well together as a pair. They are sterling silver and could take a post added easily for a conversion, or a wire, as you choose.
The pair is 11/13" in diameter and domed. The pair together weigh 5.8grams. So they are very light weight on the ears. Simple and beautiful! The clips are tight and can easily be adjusted to be looser. I included above a picture of the matching ring which I sold and also a small box I recently added to the store, available separately.
Ike Wilson, Navajo, is being attributed more recently with Austin Wilson's work. A great artist of CG Wallace fame. Wilson was particularly interested in tobacco, which was and still is used in Navajo ceremonials for both healing and purification. The burning of tobacco is part of the most sacred Navajo ceremonials. So his making earrings like these and putting the tobacco blossoms in a central place is very meaningful. It doesn’t mean what it means to the current, non Native American culture at all, but has a sacred and central meaning,
This piece is unsigned and not marked for silver content which is usual for that period of time but it's Ike (previously called Austin) Wilson's work, guaranteed, and it's sterling silver at .925.
Wilson, Navajo, became very famous, worked for CG Wallace, was represented in the Sotheby's sale catalog and was always renowned, prize winning, and his work very highly valued. He lived from 1901 to 1942 and began to win prizes in inter tribal Gallup by the 1930s. He was also featured as a very successful silversmith in Adair's book "The Navajo and Pueblo Silvermiths." He was referred to as Ike Wilson but there was confusion in great part due to Barton Wright's books which referred to his hallmark as Austin Wilson's. This mistake was perpetuated by all the books; sloppy research to copy from previous authors without double checking. Now, one of the authors has updated and corrected. To underscore the point the artist who was known as Austin Wilson and used the extended bow and arrow hallmark, was a great artist and used the same tobacco plant stamp centrally in these earrings which he used on several of his signed pieces. His actual name was Ike Wilson, not Austin Wilson.
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I'm no longer accepting returns having refunded $1350 for a bracelet I never received. Returns must be in the same condition they were shipped. If I make a significant mistake in a listing I'll always give you a full refund. The 20% restocking fee does not apply when the mistake is mine. I care that you're happy and about my accuracy, and will always stand behind my work. My attributions are guaranteed for my lifetime.
When I include pages from published books in my listings it is in accordance with Fair Use Law, which permits the use of source material for discussion, reference, education and criticism.
Attributions on many of the old pieces of Native American jewelry are sometimes a moving target. All the books have errors, so in addition to counterchecking, I have developed some expertise over the years and I do care about getting it right, so as more information comes to light I update my listings and also get in touch with my previous buyers, to inform them of any changes in attributions. I am sincerely committed to ongoing accuracy.
Everything I sell comes from my personal collection or is something that I would include in my personal collection. Most pieces are museum worthy and gallery suitable, sold to you at great pricing. I vet every item carefully for quality and condition, and offer you the best. I want you to be able to rely on me for top quality, superb items that are often unique and rare examples of old antique vintage southwest, indian, native american and fine gold and gemstones, whether you're starting a collection or adding to one, or want something great to wear or gift. My goal is that all my buyers are delighted, that my special pieces find the right homes.
