Frank Peshlakai — Navajo Silversmith Hallmark — T.Skies Co-Op
Name-card placeholder — hallmark imagery to follow.
# Frank Peshlakai — Navajo Silversmith
Frank Peshlakai (1903–1965; Navajo) was active until 1965, working in the traditional style: jewelry and flatware with stamp work and set stones. He was the younger brother and student of Fred Peshlakai (see Fred Peshlakai), and he worked in various locations including in Los Angeles with his brother.
The Peshlakai brothers represent one of the significant multi-generational family lines in Navajo silversmithing. Frank's style and construction were very similar to his brother Fred's, which creates an important attribution challenge (see The Marks section below).
## The Marks
> "Frank Peshlakai (1903-1965; Navajo). Active ?-1965. Traditional; jewelry, flat ware. Stamp work; set stones. Younger brother and student of Fred Peshlakai. He worked in various locations including in Los Angeles with his brother. Marks: FRANK PESHLAKAI or F. PESHLAKAI (chisel cut); F. P. (rounded or (perhaps) squared P). Note: Both Frank and brother Fred Peshlakai used F. P. marks on their work. Because they produced work very similar in style and construction, assigning [a piece] to [ei]ther brother [is] highly speculative and requires careful research." > — Hougart, Bille. Native American and Southwestern Silver Hallmarks, 5th ed. (2022), approx. p. ~23046.
Attribution caution: Both Frank Peshlakai and his brother Fred Peshlakai used "F. P." marks. Because their work was very similar in style and construction, assigning a piece marked F. P. to either brother is highly speculative and requires careful research. Full name marks (FRANK PESHLAKAI or F. PESHLAKAI) are more definitive.
## References - Hougart, Bille. Native American and Southwestern Silver Hallmarks, 5th ed. Schiffer Publishing, 2022. Entry approx. p. ~23046.
Know more about Frank Peshlakai or the Peshlakai family silversmithing tradition? Contact T.Skies.