PBS show "Antique Roadshow" frequently says that authentication of makers identification will increase value, often doubling it given identity of maker.
I stamp my name and the year of completion in a hidden location on every piece I build. I don't do it to brag but rather for future generations to know who built it, since almost all of my pieces are for family.
This. pretty much anything of any consequence that I build, or have built is for family/ friends, and has my signature and date hidden somewhere, (underside of a table or benchtop for example) for posterity. Nothing too fancy - most often just a simple sharpie signature on bare wood, before finishing, so that it get's "locked in". Often times the piece is "payed for" w/ a bottle of Basil Hayden, (personal favorite), though Maker's would certainly work as well to keep this thread relevant, ha.
So far so good! The "oldest" piece of mine is a crib I made just before my first son was born, (he'll be 11 in June, so lets say 12 years). Cherry w/ Waterlox for finish, and the black sharpie sig on the back of one of the legs is still visible.Does a finish over sharpie hold up over time?