jimestes

Thanks, Bob. I appreciate your assistance. I've followed your advice and posted a new thread there: http://leatherworker.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=50236 -Jim

I have my brother's large collection of stamps (300+) purchased second hand in the mid '60's in north Texas, that have been stored away all these years. It includes a variety of plated steel numbered Craftool, as well as quite a few unmarked stainless tools. The most intriguing part of the collection is a large set of brass stamps, with many patterns in graduated size. They are completely non-magnetic (even the stainless steel tools are very slightly magnetic). Plus, I lightly used a file on one end of one punch to examine the core metal: Its the same as the surface -yellow brass or bronze- no plating. I've tried to find online information on vintage leather tool makers who produced brass stamps with disappointing results (nothing substantial). Can anyone explain this mystery? (By the way. I'm new to this forum.) Here are some photos of the brass set (half the collection): First three photos are overlapiing sequence of the faces, in the wood case they came in. Last two photos are of the shank knurling, and the end I tested with a jewler's file. [Note: In the top part of the first photo, there's also a group of unmarked and un-plated carbon steel stamps, and a Midas.] I'd love to discover their history. Attached Thumbnails

Given that the stamps were bought in north Texas 45+ years ago, I wondered if they might have a Mexican connection. Where can I find history 'experts' on carving and stamping tools?

I have created a new discussion in the Stamping section, to continue there: http://leatherworker.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=50169

I have my brother's large collection of stamps (±300), purchased second hand in the mid '60's that have been stored away all these years. It includes a variety of plated steel numbered Craftool, as well as quite a few unmarked stainless tools. The most intriguing part of the collection is a large set of brass stamps, with many patterns in graduated size. They are completely non-magnetic (even the stainless steel tools are very slightly magnetic). Plus, I lightly filed and cleaned the end of one punch to examine the core metal: Its the same as the surface -yellow brass or bronze- no plating. I've researched online to find information on vintage leather tool makers who produced brass stamps, with disappointing results (nothing substantial). Can anyone explain this mystery? (By the way. I'm new to this forum.) Here are some photos of the brass set (half the collection): First three photos are overlapiing sequence of the faces, in the wood case they came in. Last two photos are of the shank knurling, and the end I tested with a jewler's file. [Note: In the top part of the first photo, there's also a group of unmarked and un-plated carbon steel stamps, and a Midas flower.] I'd love to discover their history.

Here are some photos of the brass stamps. First three photos are overlapiing sequence of the faces, in the wood case they came in. Last two photos are of the shank knurling, and the end I nicked with a jewler's file. [in the top left of the first photo, there's also a group of unmarked and un-plated carbon steel stamps, and a Midas flower.]

I have a large collection of stamps (±300) purchased used in the mid '60's that have been stored away all these years. It includes a variety of plated steel numbered Craftool, as well as quite a few unmarked stainless tools. The most intriguing part of the collection is a large set of brass stamps, with many patterns in graduated size. They are completely non-magnetic (even the stainless steel tools are very slightly magnetic). Plus, I lightly filed the end of one punch to examine the core metal: Its the same as the surface -yellow brass or bronze- no plating. I've researched online to find information on vintage leather tool makers who produced brass stamps, with disappointing results (nothing substantial). Can anyone explain this mystery? I will attempt to upload photos. (By the way. I'm new to this forum.)