Old stamp?

[Rossr]

I have had this stamp for a while.   It appears quite old to me at least.   No plating.  No names, numbers or any markings on it.   The end you would hammer was ground almost to a point which I found odd.   I am assuming this was a one off made by a tool maker.  Figured some others might like to see it.  If anyone knows anything about it, age or what not Feel free to share.

 

Ross

 

[JW]

Hey Rossr,

The reasoning behind the pointed striking surface is to 'direct' the energy more efficiently towards the stamp surface. I don't find it that it helps much, since the majority of the time, the maul/hammer slips of off the surface. Same theory would apply to a nail without a head, sure, it would direct the energy 'better', but it would increase the likelihood of missing and smashing your thumb.

As to the nature of the stamp, I seem to recall the design, but it looks like either a one-off, or a heavily modified/misused production stamp-- a stamp that has had it's surface defaced. But I would lean towards the one-off theory.

Thanks for sharing!

-JW

[Rossr]

Thanks for the response Jw,  I can see your point in regards to the point end.   If nothing else it is neat to see things like this at least to me.

 

Ross

[ChasCS]

Wouldn't that pointed end stamp, cause more noticeable wear on your maul or mallet as well. 

But a sharp file on that point, would eleviate this. ;-)

 

Chas

[YinTx]

Wondering if it started life out as something entirely different, like a large nail/spike?  Blunted the tip, and filed/carved the head end into the shape it is now?

Folks have been making stamps from nails, bolts, and other odd items like valve stems for a long time....

YinTx

[DocOwens]

I vote it started out as a rod out of a engine, lol.

[mikesc]

It tapers towards the "design end", not many ( any AFAIAAO ) valves / " rods" taper towards the "face" end..although non sodium filled valves are very good for making your own stamps.