Is this what I think it is?

[ericwt]

I think I know what this is but I wanted some opinions.

 

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[ericwt]

Another
This came out of Jefferson, MO.

 

[Montana Jim]

Reminds me of a cattle branding iron... sort of. Is that a "B" or "8"?

I've never seen brands from a solid block with charactors on it... even freeze brands have the traditional look, and in fact can be used hot or cold.

Are you not willing to say what you think it is?

 

[EDDE]

slave brander

 

[Montana Jim]

slave brander

I was seeing that... he has each picture labled as slave brander...

 

[PBK]

I believe this item may be a log brand or stamp.

 

[Gypsy Heart]

A logging stamp is more like a mallet that you hit the end of the log with.......I think it is a cattle brand.....too big for a slave brand

 

[PBK]

A logging stamp is more like a mallet that you hit the end of the log with

Actually, there are a number of types— hammers, as you have described; axes, with the stamp on the poll; stamp dies made to be attached to a mechanical striking device; dies made to be held in place on the face of the log and struck with an ordinary hammer or axe poll; and branding iron types which were heated and burned (rather than merely stamped) into the wood.

This item could as easily be used for one type of branding as the other.

 

[mojjax]

Here's one that was used to brand wooden lobster traps here in Maine .

 

[ericwt]

My initial thought was it was a slave brand. It is not as long as it looks. It is 15 inches long. Sorry about the poor quality photos.

The reason I thought it was a slave brand was because of the property (it's history).

But I do not know for sure. I figured I would ask. I hope it is not.

Montana Jim: It is a "B"

 

[mojjax]

Could be a slave brander ? Hard to believe they use to do that to people .

 

[ericwt]

Is there any way to find out?

I found the names of the property owners during the period before the Civil War and the Initials match. They were big time slave owners.
They owned a huge farm.

Anyone have any ideas on where to proceed?

 

[mojjax]

Is there any way to find out?

I found the names of the property owners during the period before the Civil War and the Initials match. They were big time slave owners.
They owned a huge farm.

Anyone have any ideas on where to proceed?

There are a lot of genealogy sites - some are semi-free most want money . Maybe someone here is already a member of one and can help you ? Good luck ! Local libraries have good sections on family histories .

 

[nhbenz]

I'm fairly certain its a cat brander. I've heard that the the poor felines would go somewhat crazy after these were applied. My understanding is that the cat's face would become quite ferocious looking upon application.

 

[Montana Jim]

If you want to find out if it is a livestock brander,

contact one of the University of Missouri Extension livestock specialists in southwest Missouri: Eldon Cole at (417) 466-3102, Gary Naylor at (417) 345-7551, and Dona Funk at (417) 276-3313. Each county recorder should also have a copy of the brand book.

Of course, this is only for Missouri.

B

I agree...

Each state is different... If I want to see brands, or research, I need to drive to my local livestock inspector and flip through the brand book, or, drive to the capitol to register a brand. (Montana)

I'm fairly certain its a cat brander. I've heard that the the poor felines would go somewhat crazy after these were applied. My understanding is that the cat's face would become quite ferocious looking upon application.

Ferocious Cats?

 

[Dunky]

Could be a slave brander ? Hard to believe they use to do that to people .

OMG--I don't like to think about these things. I know it happened but......
Can't we pretend it's a fireplace poker? I'm going to my "happy place" now......lalalalalalallalaa!

 

[ericwt]

If you want to find out if it is a livestock brander,

contact one of the University of Missouri Extension livestock specialists in southwest Missouri:...Of course, this is only for Missouri.

B

Thanks I will check with them in a month or so. I have one more project to do right now. But this will help.

Montana Jim and nhbenz: FYI: My avatar is one of my cats "Sadie" who is having a big yawn. Locogato is a nickname I picked up. Although Sadie is very moody she is by no means loco.

I welcome any other comments.

I would like to thank all who commented. If I do find out I will post. Understand although the value of the brand would be considerable if it is a slave brand, I would rather it not be one.

However if you saw the area you would be creeped out. I am not going into details but it was a chilling reminder of some of the darker aspects of US history.

If it is a slave brand I will likely donate it to a museum.

 

[Charlie P. (NY)]

Is there any way to find out?

I found the names of the property owners during the period before the Civil War and the Initials match. They were big time slave owners.
They owned a huge farm.

Anyone have any ideas on where to proceed?

Check local antique dealers and see if they ever turn up apple or peach crates with the initials JBR burned into the wood. The only way to prove it was used as a slave brander is to find a branded slave. Could have been used inside horses lips (where their brands are today).

http://www.bbqblanton.com/onlinetype2irons.htm

Here's a company that sells "Miniature Branding Irons" for grilled steaks. ;-) First example is "JKW". Also can be used on leather crafts, wood, pie crusts or even tortillas.

Not saying yours isn't what you think, but it could have been slightly less sinister.

 

[Montana Jim]

Brands inside the lips?

I know they tattoo there, didn't know they branded there... ouch!

Montana still brands livestock in the traditional places. Cheeks, Shoulders, Hindquarters... either left or right.