What does "hallmarking" actually mean?

 

Perhaps you have already read the word "hallmarked" on some articles and asked yourself? What does that actually mean?

Simply put, it means a hand-hammered pattern that is worked into damp leather. It is of course not as simple as the whole thing reads.

First of all, there are tons of different stamps that you need to work on the leather. Depending on what you plan to do, of course. To enumerate and name all these irons would actually go beyond the scope.

The fact is, however, that they come in all possible forms. From stamps with patterns to those that are needed to create individual shapes. The irons can be smooth, pecked or grooved, depending on the effect you want to achieve. There are also extra hallmarks to work the background around a pattern and thereby emphasize its shape.

So you can see that the topic of hallmarking is broad.

First of all, you first have to decide on a motif that is to be applied to the leather. So there is still a lot of preparatory work to be done. Personally, I like to edit the size of the motif again on the PC (some artists only draw) and then print out my pattern to then transfer it to the leather. (Which are also different ways you can do this.) When you have completed the above steps, you can now move on to the actual act.

You need the right surface and a good mallet (special hammer) to create the imprint in the leather. Before you start hitting, you may need to cut the lines of the pattern with a swivel knife (A blade that moves through a ball bearing and is guided with the finger resting on above), which is then made with the stamping tool or only with modeling tools (yes, there are also additional ones !) to be reworked.

In addition, you have to wait for the right time when the leather, which is previously made wet, is not too damp and not too dry. Every leather is different and so you always have to get in the mood and try it out.

This is also the case with dyeing, as every leather absorbs the color slightly differently. When tooling, the stamp is set one after the other step by step. Every stroke a stamp step, so to speak. So a lot of work with elaborate motifs, as you now know.

In order to illustrate the whole thing a little better, I have a video for you afterwards. I hope I have been able to provide you with a little clarification with this little text !?

Have fun watching!