Have you seen this cattle brand?

[RidgebackCustoms]

Needed a catchy title to maybe get more eyes.

I cut out and collect the brands I find in the hides I buy.  Some people like them, some people don't.  For the people that like them I hang on to them and use them for special projects.  For example I have a HP brand that I'm just waiting for the right customer to come along (initials or something) to use.

I have an Omega symbol that I've also been hanging on to to hopefully mate with an Alpha symbol.  Maybe for a custom bible rebind?  I don't know.

My question is:

1. Does anyone else collect their brands they find or am I a weirdo?

2. Is there any site or service that offers up brands to makers?  I.e. you can specifically buy the brand you're looking for or cool brands to integrate into a project?

3. What other unique ideas have you had to use those branded pieces?

[DieselTech]

I finally got my 1st side of leather with a brand mark. It is a horseshoe. I think I will make a wallet with it. 

When dyed it should really stick out & make a neat wallet. 

[AlZilla]

I like Brands. I also like that hides with brands often get a discount.

I try to feature brands somewhere on items I make. I think they add depth and character. And also distract from my man-made flaws ...

[Northmount]

Many jurisdictions (counties, states, provinces, etc.) have brand books that list the registered brands.  Some of these books are available on the web and go back many years.  I have found and identified registered brands for my parents, grand parents, and other relatives and friends.  Some example links:

https://archives.utah.gov/research/digital/brand-books/

https://archive.org/details/utahbrandbook00salt

https://archive.org/details/albertasaskatche00albe

https://archive.org/details/officiallivestock1970albe

Do a google search for the location and brand books and maybe even the year you want.  Some libraries have bound copies of local brand books.

A few years ago I looked up brands for a friend from Utah.  It included sheep ear cuts that were registered.  Found a few from her family.  Made coasters featuring cattle and horse brands and sheep ear cuts related to ancestors.

[Handstitched]

I used to work around cattle  branding marks, but not any more, when making belts for example, I keep the marks in , you don't get branding marks on vinyl  

HS