During two recent restoration projects, I have come across bricks with what I
would discribe as molded "hallmarks" on the "top" surface of the brick.  I
have seen plenty of bricks with manufacturer's names both imprinted or
raised...these marks however are symbols.  One is a circle with a cross in
it, looks sort of like an Indian medicine wheel or something, and the other
looks like the cedar tree on the Lebanese flag.  Both bricks probably date to
1870-90.  Two questions:

1.  Has anyone else come across bricks with symbols on them, and what was the
probable vintage?

2.  Does anyone know if a directory or registry of sorts exists (like those
that are around for silversmith's hallmarks and the like) that would help to
identify the original manufacturers.  (These bricks appear to have been
mass-produced.)

I don't expect that any of these firms would still be in business, and if
they were, I don't think they would have any "1874 Distressed Reds" lying
about...it is more a question of morbid curiousity than anything else.

Thanks,
Mark

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