Should makers "sign" their work?
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- Boggstandard
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Should makers "sign" their work?
As I have been documenting and cataloging my whips, I have found several whips whose maker(s) I cannot identify; either because I have forgotten, or because I did not know to begin with.
During the cataloging process, I have also noted, and been pleased by the fact, that several of the Australian and New Zealand makers "sign" their product with a brand, a medallion, or by in-plaiting their initials- permanent signatures if you will.
Many American makers will attach a card or leather tag to the wrist loop in order to identify their product. Unfortunately, these attached devices quickly become detached, and sometimes lost, if the whip is used to any extent.
I would like to ask the members for their thoughts as to their personal experiences and as to the value/importance of having a maker "sign" their work.
During the cataloging process, I have also noted, and been pleased by the fact, that several of the Australian and New Zealand makers "sign" their product with a brand, a medallion, or by in-plaiting their initials- permanent signatures if you will.
Many American makers will attach a card or leather tag to the wrist loop in order to identify their product. Unfortunately, these attached devices quickly become detached, and sometimes lost, if the whip is used to any extent.
I would like to ask the members for their thoughts as to their personal experiences and as to the value/importance of having a maker "sign" their work.
- Castor Dioscuri
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Personally, I'm at crossroads on this issue. On the one hand, it would be nice to know that yes, this whip IS a DM, or a JS, or a DC, etc, and having that little 'autograph', or branding would make it official.
However, I also seem to not like the idea of branding a bullwhip. Just makes it too 'commercial' for my tastes. IMO, having a good, handmade bullwhip is just about as old school Americana as you can get, and having a logo attached would be akin to a pair of Nike shoes with that swoosh, or a Lacoste shirt with that crocodile...
However, I also seem to not like the idea of branding a bullwhip. Just makes it too 'commercial' for my tastes. IMO, having a good, handmade bullwhip is just about as old school Americana as you can get, and having a logo attached would be akin to a pair of Nike shoes with that swoosh, or a Lacoste shirt with that crocodile...
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Castor, many "old school" American craftsmen, and by "old school" I mean actual craftsmen from many, many years ago, signed their work. Furniture often received a literal brand on them. Often times tables and chairs would receive the brand on the underside where no one would see them. Dressers and desks would get them on the underside of a drawer. Tailors always "tag" their clothes, artists sign their work, even potters and glass blowers sign their work.Castor Dioscuri wrote:However, I also seem to not like the idea of branding a bullwhip. Just makes it too 'commercial' for my tastes. IMO, having a good, handmade bullwhip is just about as old school Americana as you can get, and having a logo attached would be akin to a pair of Nike shoes with that swoosh, or a Lacoste shirt with that crocodile...
With those thoughts in mind, I'd like it if there was a way to, for lack of a better word, "authenticate" a whip. I bought a David Morgan on ebay about 3 years ago and asked David to verify that it was his. I've seen the stamps that Shane is talking about and I think they look great and are rather simple. They don't intrude on the design or look of the whip, and you kinda have to look for them.
Mike
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- Canuck Digger
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I didn't know that Paul stamped his whips this way, but I've been working on a brand of my own to use in the same spot (seems like the natural place for it in my view...), but I'm still struggling with the exact nature of the design. I know how many I've made so far so that's ok, I can still number them I suppose in the meantime.
Franco
Franco
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- myamoebafriend
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