Branding?
 

Hey, guys: I realize that I'm over 40 (closer to the big 5-0), so the affection for this item on eBay escapes me. Somebody's trying to sell a branding iron w/our letters on it. Here's the address:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...918634269&rd=1

To my knowledge of things in "the olden times" (mid-1970's), the only GLO's that gave their members brands were NPHC organizations.

I realize that tattoos have become more popular since that time, and have seen people marching around General Assembly & Leadership Seminars w/the Coat of Arms tattooed on their arms/calves/wherever. But BRANDING?

Is this supposed to be an example of how deeply felt one's feelings are for dear old Lambda Chi? I don't know if Messrs. Cole, Mason et al had this in mind. It almost sounds like a hazing issue to me. If it's not, let me know.

ZAX,
BF

I saw that too, but I just assumed it was for branding your belongings, rather than other people. At the Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico, scouts are permitted to brand their belts, boots, etc. with branding irons to show that they've been there.

Woodworkers use a similar technique for marking their creations. Their branding iron is an attachement for a soldering iron or propane torch.

In other words, while it could be used in a negative manner, I'm not so sure that the object is sinister in and of itself.

Ottor

I was interested in that item until it got too pricey, for the reasons Ottor stated - putting the letters on wood or leather. I "think" that brands used for cattle (or people) are made with an open, wire-like, construction. This is on a block, more like a rubber stamp. I don't think it's intended to brand flesh, but I'm no expert by any means.

ZAX,
Jono

I wanted to look at the item before I commented but yeah if you really wanted to that could be used to brand an arm too. I've seen anything from coat hangers to actual cattle iron looking things be used for branding. The longer irons are made of the same basic material this thing appears to be made ofand are sometimes thick but usually rather thin. FYI I lived near farms and saw their branding equipment as well as having seen one drunk ex get his done.