Help with hallmark on belt buckle from the 70s!

Identifying & Discovering
1

My parents bought this Navajo buckle for me at The Kiva in Sun Valley, ID in 1976 when I was 15 years old. Still wear it all the time. I have searched many books and the internet for the maker, but no luck. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you!
Tom

http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x475/thedesertghost/IMG_9997_zpsqebltc3n.jpg

http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x475/thedesertghost/IMG_9994_zpsnr6jfwwn.jpg

1 Like
2

When I saw the picture of the buckle I immediately thought Robert and Bernice Leekya. Then I saw the hallmark and was confused. I have looked through all the resources I have and have found nothing. I am starting to think it could be a shop mark, but I really have no clue. Good luck and thanks for sharing.

3

Thanks Jason. I guess the mystery continues. Please tell me more about a “shop mark”.

Tom

4

Jason,

Good observation on Robert Leekya. I thought I found the maker a few months ago when I saw this buckle set by Robert Leikei.

https://ciscosgallery.com/collections/vintage-navajo-southwest-belts-buckles/products/robert-l-leikei-4-piece-set-w42

5

A business will employ several Native American artisans to make jewelry. The business will have a shopmark, just like a hallmark. Instead of representing an individual artist it will represent the shop.

They missed that spelling, but that is the work.

6

Thanks Jason! I appreciate your time and interest.

Tom