A length of iron rod forged to a flat, stamped head bearing a heraldic mark, fitted with a wooden handle. Cattlemen, horse-breeders, and estate stewards heat the iron in a forge fire until glowing, then press it into hide to mark ownership. The character of the mark — fine or crude, clear or muddied — speaks to the smith’s craft and the owner’s standing.
Branding Iron
Forged rod with heraldic stamp, heated and pressed into cattle hide.