Where to apply your makers mark?

[gtwister09]

Here's some food for thought.

What vehicle do you drive?

What cell phone do you use if any?

Do you wear tennis shoes/sneakers?

Do you wear pants?

What computer do you use?

Do any or all of these have their makers mark/brand name on them? Just something to think about....

As far as advertising for the maker. I guess the ladies that carry D&B, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Prada, Gucci, Hermes, Ralph Lauren and Versace just to name a few might not agree with you on that point. They want you to know that they are carrying such and such purse and they absolutely want you to know whos purse it it.

Makers marks in good taste...is the key. Even the big names listed above generally don't overdo their marks.

Regards,

Ben

[Denise]

One of the first things a lot of people do when looking at a saddle is check for a maker's mark to learn who built it. (And yes, saddles out west at least are "built", not "made". Don't ask me why...) The name can definitely add to the value of the saddle.

On the other hand, I have seen a saddle so plastered with the maker's mark in every available spot it was just ugly. Actually, thinking about it, that saddle wasn't overly pretty to start with... The kicker for the customer was that they had asked to have their brand on the back of the cantle. Instead there was a 2 1/2" maker's mark with Saddle # whatever it was there. Not a happy camper. They got someone else to put a large concho over it to hide it, and the bad publicity that maker gets every time someone comments on that saddle is the reverse of his intention when he placed his marks on it.

[steveh]

Good places for makers stamp on saddles, is on the seat about an 1 1/2 back from the hand hole, or if you used a frog to connect the rear jockeys, is a good place. I dont like latigo carriers as they can wear out, or can be easily removed.,

[DCKNIVES]

When I do sheaths and holsters, I always put my mark on the beltloop.I have a small mark that I use on my knives , only 1/16" lettering.On the front like spur straps or anything else just tool a decorative border around a small area, off in a corner and apply your stamp.I see it no different than a painting as long as you can make it flow.Dave

[hidepounder]

They got someone else to put a large concho over it to hide it, and the bad publicity that maker gets every time someone comments on that saddle is the reverse of his intention when he placed his marks on it.

....I love that!

Bobby

[Windom Leather]

Thanks everyone for your input. A lot of great views. Seriously, a 2 1/2 inch stamp? That even sounds tacky! I agree with the fact of "in good taste". Afterall we are tryin to make a good lookin piece and try and get top dollar for it and I like the fact of makin the makers mark flow within the design. I feel it might actually maybe enhance the piece.

[nobearsyet]

The saddle I just finished it's right in the middle of the Cheyenne roll, belts, spur straps, little stuff, it goes on the fold over around the buckles (so it winds up on the back side) all other projects (notebook covers, etc.) it gets hidden somewhere inside unless there's no place to hide it then I use my own good judgement about where to stick it someplace tasteful

[Johanna]

Nobearsyet- not to detract from this thread, but in May you were doing your first wallet, and now you have completed a saddle? And in another thread you are going to make a video of how to make a saddle? And in another thread you want to make boots? Pardon me, but I'm having trouble with all this. I owned a leather shop for 15 years, and I don't have the skills or the tools to make saddles and boots. There are guys here that have spent their whole lives learning the art, but you have mastered it in less than 6 months? I'm not going to bring up the debacle on the other board, but can you see why leatherworkers are not taking you seriously?

Johanna