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Offered... This is a group of three which includes one of the best boxes I've ever seen which was made by Austin (Ike) Wilson. the attribution based on the M stamp which I came to refer to as the McDonald's stamp, having seen it on several signed pieces by this artist. Thetruly exquisite box has not only superb stamp and repoussee´ work but also superb intense natural turquoise. Gorgeous deep green with golden brown matrix.
This box is in great shape, measures a significant size at about 3-3/8" x 2-13/16" and the height is approximately 1/2" including the bump outs and the turquoise which have some height. The weight of the box is 95.9grams. I haven't seen such a nice box for a long time. It closes well, and nicely, the condition is superb vintage and collectible. There are no problems. It is unsigned and not marked for silver content but it's sterling silver and natural turquoise. I believe it's natural Royston turquoise.
There are two ashtrays also by the same artist and I'd like to keep the three pieces together as a set though I'm willing to sell the pieces separately; write me if you want part of the set. Both ashtrays are scalloped on the edge and each contain stamps I can trace to Austin (Ike) Wilson. The first has tobacco stamps on the holders and several fine stamps on the inside and framing the scalloped edge. This one measures 4" long including the holders and 2-1/2" wide. It has four ball feet and weighs 47.4grams.
The other one has Austin Wilson's known tobacco stamp at the center and also has scalloped edge with stamps framing it. Especially gorgeous stamp work on it and the four feet are gorgeously stamped and formed. It is 4.5" long and 2.5"wide 54.4grams in weight.
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 ashtrays like these and putting the tobacco blossoms in a central place and on the holders 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.
These pieces are 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. They are in wonderful, superb, vintage, and collectible condition.
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 uses used the same tobacco plant stamp centrally in the ashtrays which he used on several of his signed pieces. His actual name was Ike Wilson, not Austin Wilson.
All the pieces are in superb vintage and collectible condition and while unsigned are guaranteed to be the work of Ike (Austin) Wilson. This is a museum quality set as collectible as can be! If you want only part of the set write me.
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Returns will be accepted for 30 days after your receipt for any reason without question. Please let me know if you would like to return something. 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.
