I haven't been following the branding iron thread, but just in case it has not
been mentioned up to now, a branding iron was recovered from the
(Josiah) Winslow site in near Plymouth, MA.  It is from the late 17th century
and bears the initials HP, for Henry Pelham, Winslow's father in law, I
think.  I'm thinking this is illustrated on the Plimoth Plantation web site and
perhaps in an article by me, Karin Goldstein, and Craig Chartier
forthcoming in a special issue of Avalon Chronicles.  Though maybe not;
it's been so long since we submitted the piece and so long since I
proofed the galleys I cannot remember for sure what's in it  by way of
illustrations.  We exhibited the branding iron recently in the exhibit
"Frontier Challenges" at the Fitchburg Art Museum, so of its existence I am
certain!

MCB


Mary C. Beaudry, PhD, RPA
Department of Archaeology
Boston University
675 Commonwealth Avenue
Boston, MA 02215 USA
tel. 617-358-1650
email:  [log in to unmask]