Identification Guide
How to Read Maker Marks on Vintage Finds
Maker marks can narrow down who made an object, where it was produced, or which line it belongs to—but a mark should be treated as evidence, not a guarantee.
Start with a clean record
Photograph the entire object first, then make close photographs of every stamp, label, signature, mold number, patent number, country mark and symbol. Keep the original photograph even if you later crop or enhance a copy for readability.
Write down exactly what you see
Record letters, numbers, punctuation, logo shapes and placement without correcting spelling or filling in missing characters. A partial mark is still useful evidence.
Compare several facts together
Do not identify an item from a logo alone. Compare the mark with construction, materials, dimensions, pattern, hardware, manufacturing method and other physical details.
Separate identification from dating
A maker mark can identify a company without proving an exact production year. Date an object only when the mark style or other evidence supports a specific period.
Keep uncertainty visible
If two makers or time periods remain plausible, record both possibilities and explain what evidence would resolve the question.