Meubelbrandijzer c. 1849 - 1890

This 19th-century "Meubelbrandijzer" (furniture branding iron) is a simple yet fascinating object. It is a long, thin metal rod with a square head. The head is engraved with a design - likely a maker's mark or a logo. This branding iron would have been used to mark furniture with a hot, searing brand. The piece, currently housed in the Rijksmuseum, provides insight into the history of furniture production and the importance of identifying a piece's maker or origin.