Convict brick?

I believe bricks with an arrow on them were made by prisoners. Any ideas??

Oh wow!!!1 Crikey!!! My husband sometimes reminds me that convicts were some of our first inhabitants ..... but I never really think about it   
Perhaps Tony and his brick history will be able to enlighten us ....?

I thought it meant "this way up" LOL   

The only reference I can find (in a quick search) regarding arrow marks on brick, is to do with surveying 'datum marks' or bench marks - are you sure it's an impressed mark?

Yes, it is quite a deep impressed mark impressed when made.

The "broad arrow" means that the brick is government property. Good examples of them are in situ at the Mt Cook Police Sation in Wellington see: historic.org.nz/TheRegister/RegisterSearch/RegisterResults.aspx?RID=1408 Part of the description says " In addition the Mount Cook Gaol (located on the hill above the new police station) supplied the bricks to build the building. The arrow marks that commonly adorned prison bricks can still be seen in the outside walls of the building and associated boundary wall on Tasman Street today".

Thanks so much for the information TonyK.

Agreed Tony and the 'Broad Arrow' as it is sometimes called can be found on all manner of property owned by Government , or used to be.