How Are Letter / Hallmark Punches Made?

[Philip RoweParticipant @philiprowe13116]

Dave (SOD), In my younger days I used to suffer with "rusty fingers" where anything ferrous I touched would have a rust mark within a few hours. As a consequence any of my steel rules would over time become black in colour, even the so called stainless variety. To make them readable I used to fill the engraving with a white Chinagraph pencil and this certainly lasted quite well, maybe a black Chinagraph pencil if such a thing is available. Fortunately for me this skin problem disappeared after many years.

Phil

[PlasmaParticipant @plasma]

Black printing ink is the answer I believe.

I was fortunate to visit a rule making firm in Bolton I think? They engraved the scales then wiped the thick ink on which sat inbthe graduations.

I believe the firms in Sheffield who made trade advertising penknives etc used coloured printing ink to fill the stamped impressions.

It dries quickly and has the right consistency.

Mick

[BETTY HUNTParticipant @bettyhunt63677]

I have read about pantograph that is utilized these days for creating a mold for the punch and then cutting away the unwanted metal to create the hallmark.

[Author]

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