When I started building commissioned furniture, I knew I needed to permanently claim my work. I build tables and chairs that will survive through generations. Furniture with my name on it will outlast the folks buying it. It could be passed down to family; sold away; sold again; moved around the country. I'll be long gone, but I still want the credit for having handcrafted a quality product. Call it what you want- a hallmark, trademark, logo, emblem, brand, etc. This is an important fringe benefit of my craft. Customer's get a valuable piece of woodworking, and I get to leave my mark on the world.
Earliest versions were engraved or chiseled.
Another experiment, using the router.
Adaptable for non-flat surfaces.
The wood burner is one-size-fits all.
I don't sign my work until its complete.
Down on the floor with the dust bunnies.
Hiding in plain sight underneath a tabletop.
Easily seen, if you look for it.
Always there but seldom seen.
It's there. But subtle.
I built this stuff.
Once in a while, I embellish with a date.
I almost forgot to sign this one.
My signing ceremony is the last step.
Sometimes my mark is insufficient.