This is the oldest known version of 3M's logo, dating from 1906. During the first half of the 20th century, 3M used several different logos, sometimes using only the diamond in the middle, & sometimes using only a "3M" mark in various incarnations.
Three M
1926–1938
3-M (first era)
1937–1942
3M Co (second era)
1938–1942
3M (first era)
1942–1944
3-M (second era)
1944–1948
3M (second era)
1948–1950
3M Company (first era)
1950–1951
This logo is dated 1950, and was often used during the 1950s. As with its predecessors, different variations soon started to appear. Sometimes the oval was removed, sometimes it was filled, sometimes a different font was used, and sometimes laurels were added around the oval.
3M (third era)
1951–1954
1952
3M Brand (first era)
1952–1954
3M Line Brand
1953–1954
3M Company (second era)
1954–1955
1954–1957
1955–1958
3M Research
1955–1957
3M (fourth era)
1956–1957
3M Brand (second era)
1957–1958
1958–1960
1960
3M (fifth era)
1960–1961
1961–1978
Designer:
Gerald Stahl & Associates
Typography:
Plumber's Gothic
This logo was created by Gerald Stahl & Associates in 1961. It came with a manual containing a few approved versions of the logo.
1978–present
Print version
Designer:
Siegel & Gale
Typography:
Unknown
As need arose for a new logo, one was developed by Siegel & Gale. This logo is the still used today.