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Why do some model names use "MKII"?

Ok I am going to show my ignorance here. It seems very common for an amplifier to have a model name with a MKII reference. It seems to designate either an upgrade or a special version of a previous model. Can anyone educate me as to the origin of this nomenclature? I am guessing it is a tribute to a classic guitar amp, but I'd love to know for sure.
waz664
pubul57
3,712 posts
 
Merovech.
pubul57
3,712 posts
 
After MKII, sure to follow will be Ultimate, Special Edition,
Signature Edition, Reference Signature, and finally Master
Reference Signature Edition MKII followed by the new MKIII.
stanwal's avatar
stanwal
3,147 posts
 
"Mark" is the term con men use for their victims.
jafox
1,456 posts
 
Pubul57: You forgot "Statement"
martykl
3,578 posts
 
Interesting question, though not, by any means, restricted to amplifiers (see cars, vaccuum cleaners, etc).

A little search on the etymology of the phrase didn't yield a direct answer, but here's a guess based on what I saw.

One archaic meaning of "mark" is boundary. "Mk II" would suggest an expanded boundary (presumably for performance) of the "Mk II" device in question, relative to the MKI. Similarly, the "Mk III" would push the boundary beyond the "Mk II".

Just a guess.

Marty
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