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					Originally Posted by Jim McDougall
					
				 
				... So the question is: 
When was the broad arrow first implemented as a marking on arms? ... 
			
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 Yes Jim; that is the original question indeed 

. Udo is coming close, so it appears 

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As for this mark having been used since early times as a symbol of the King's property, the most bizarre things are found with such mark; meaning that, finding it in plausible property like canteens, is nothing comparing to bizarre items like screws 
 
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