Ed,
Very interesting items and very similar to the 'Iron, Tyre Branding' used in Australia with two sized bits: a 1 inch (the Aust No.1 bit) and a 1/2 inch sized bit (the Aust No.2 bit) with the brand D (arrow) D. Branding was to be carried out by assembly contractors, and came into use in early 1943.
Prior to the 400 watt electric iron becoming available, a branding iron heated by blowtorch was issued to AEME units for branding tyres. It had its problems: too hot and too much pressure ruined/weakened the side wall, too little did not prevent buffing off the brand by unscrupulous third parties. In un-practiced hands, it was said to ruin more tyres than it saved from thieves.
In 1945, another iron bit became available, manufactured to Army drawings by E A Machin & Co. It was an (arrow) S (arrow) either horizontal, or vertical with the arrow heads facing the top and bottom of the 'S'. This was for branding unserviceable tyres prior to disposal, to show they had been legally disposed of. It was also available as a hand stamp for smaller items such as rifles.
An unusual and nice item of militaria.
Mike
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