During the Middle Ages European trade guilds began using marks to signify information about their products origin and content. The term "hallmark" comes from the identification marks that metal artisans stamped into metal when exhibiting wares in the guild hall in London. In the image above the anchor refers to the town where the product was made, the lion signifies the type of metal (sterling silver) and the letter B refers to the year the item was marked. (Image source)
The terms ear mark and branding have origins in the practice of farmers establishing ownership of their animals. The freely ranging herds intermingled with others in common pastures, making ownership marks an imperative. Ear marks are cuts or marks on the animals ears and branding is a scar burned into the skin.
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