About the Branding Iron

When most people think of the branding iron, images of the Wild West come immediately to mind. Branding irons were definitely a staple in America's wide open plains, but they were in use centuries before that and continue to be used today. Several different types are available, suitable from branding everything from livestock to artwork.

History

Branding can be traced as far back as 2000 B.C., from scenes depicting cattle being branded that were found on the walls of some Egyptian tombs. The practice eventually reached Europe and the Middle East, finally hitting the Americas in the 1800s. The Spanish were largely responsible for the spread of branding into the Americas and the Western Hemisphere.

Uses

Marking livestock to prevent theft and prove ownership is one of the most common uses of the branding iron, although it is also useful for other products. Artists often use a brand to mark their signature on pieces made of wood, leather or even plastic. Some chefs or restaurants use branding irons to mark steak or other meats while grilling. Branding has also been used on humans, both to mark slaves with some type of identification and also as a type of body art.

Types

The type of branding iron with the longest history is made of metal and heated over an open flame. More recent developments have brought other types of irons into play. The electric branding iron, which is plugged into a socket and heated through an electric current, is an easy one to use. Branding irons can also be heated with propane. One more type freezes a mark into the skin using dry ice to freeze the metal until it is cold enough to leave a mark.

Branding Head

The branding head is the metal piece that fits atop the handle of the iron. It is the most important part of the iron as it contains the unique artwork that marks the product as the user's own. Branding heads are usually made of stainless steel or brass and are either fixed or feature removable characters. Those that are fixed have the design molded out of the thin strips of metal, while those with removable characters have a slotted head into which different letters or numbers can be fitted.

Artwork

Any design used on the branding iron should be fairly simple and immediately identifiable. Notable Spanish designs in the past have included a straight line with a circle on each end, the letter T with the letter S snaked atop, and the letter J. Examples of early Anglo brands in Texas and those used in the Old West include a circle with a line coming off it on the left, a wavy letter W, and the letter Y with a slightly rounded tail. Any artwork can be used, but lines should not be too close together so they run together or fade over time.