+VLFBERHT: name? Brand? Invocation?

[urbanspaceman]

Hey Jim, this is just one area that you have opened up for exploration on the forum but, ironically enough, it is probably the most important.
I have asked a few questions myself over my time spent getting to the source of the Shotley Bridge story and I am still exploring the perimeters of that tale and finding that answers are not readily available.
I keep thinking that - being such a newcomer - others, far more experienced, must have already tread these paths but... one thing I am almost absolutely convinced of is, if it was ever written down, you will have a copy in your boundless library. So when it stumps you too I realise this is yet another area remaining unexplored over the centuries.
I can see why so many collectors constrain their efforts to 1800 onwards. Personally, I prefer the challenge. Glutton for punishment.