Hi All,

I would urge caution when making reference to the carpenter's mark illustrations that can be found within the pages of books. This really is a topic where variety is the order of the day and marking is not covered to any great extent within the pages Richard's timber framing primer. This book provides a good affordable start to beginning to understand English timber frame practice but gives little insight into mainland European or North American practice.

Tradition, practice and typical patterns employed in the marking of timbers do not travel far, it is variable across counties, countries and centuries and is also dependant on whether the timbers are green or dry (inc. reused) when marked.

Oft times timbers do not appear to be marked at all. Its quite possible that concealed marking might be employed.

I am not yet aware of anyone who has made an extensive never mind exhaustive study of timber marking.

Regards

Ken Hume