Monogram

For example, the monogram of Achaea consisted of the letters alpha (Α) and chi (Χ) joined together.

[2] Monograms have been used as signatures by artists and craft workers on paintings, sculptures and pieces of furniture, especially when guilds enforced measures against unauthorized participation in the trade.

The "IHS" Christogram, denoting the first three letters of the Greek name of Jesus, is usually written as a cypher, but sometimes as a monogram.

Signum manus (sometimes also known as Chrismon) refers to the medieval practice, current from the Merovingian period until the 14th century in the Frankish Empire and its successors, of signing a document or charter with a special type of monogram or royal cypher.

Monograms of the names of monarchs are used as part of the insignia of public organizations in kingdoms, such as on police badges.

Countries that have employed this device in the past include Bulgaria, Great Britain, Russia, Sweden and many German states.

An individual's monogram may appear in stylized form on stationery, luggage, clothing, or other personalized items.

Married or engaged couples may use two-letter monograms of their entwined initials, for example on wedding invitations.

The connected "CC" company logo, created by Coco Chanel, is one of the most recognizable monograms internationally.

Athletes have also been known to brand merchandise with their monogram logo; notably Tiger Woods and Roger Federer.

[9] Similarly, in Poland during the war, the "PW" monogram was used as a resistance symbol, known as 'The Anchor' (Polish: Kotwica), due to its characteristic shape.