T. BENALLY
- Maker
- T. Benally attributed, not confirmed
- Struck in
- Navajo Nation, Southwestern United States attributed, not confirmed
- Recorded on
- 1 piece
This mark combines a standard silver purity mark ("STERLING") with the stamped surname and initial of a Navajo silversmith, "T. BENALLY". The purity stamp certifies that the alloy is at least 92.5% pure silver, while the name serves as the artisan's signature mark.
Benally is a well-established Diné (Navajo) family surname associated with several generations of skilled jewelry makers across the American Southwest. Multiple Navajo artists share the initial "T" (including Tom Benally and Tommy Benally), and without an additional shop stamp or distinct pictorial hallmark, narrowing the stamp to a single specific individual remains unconfirmed. Work bearing this mark typically features fabricated sterling silver settings showcasing cabochons such as lapis lazuli, turquoise, or other semi-precious stones.
The mark is generally struck straight across in clean, uppercase block lettering directly into the reverse sheet of silver pendants, buckles, or cuff interiors. It should not be confused with other Benally family stamps (such as "E. BENALLY", "C. BENALLY", or "BENALLY" alone).
As struck on the pieces recorded here, the full run of stamps reads “STERLING T. BENALLY”.
Previously sold with this mark
Kept on the record — a maker's back catalogue is most of the evidence that a mark is what we say it is.
What this entry is based on
- one piece carrying this mark, handled and photographed by this shop Written with the piece in hand. No published hallmark reference covers most of these marks.
Nothing outside this shop has been checked for this mark yet. What is above comes from the pieces themselves and from what was written while they were in hand.
Know something we don't about this mark? Tell us — corrections from collectors are how a reference like this gets better.