How Is Pipe Stamping Done?

[mso489]

Like most members, I puzzle over the stamping on my pipes. Some artisans just etch their stamp with an awl, but most larger volume carvers and factories use some kind or kinds of stamping devices. Could those who do this, or have learned about it, go into how the stamping devices work? I visualize them either grinding in the lettering with a moving bit or punching it in with percussive force. I could even visualize some kind of wood burning process, but I haven't seen anything like that. It would be informative to know what I am seeing when I read the stamps. Some are only partial with the brand name or otherwise faint or hard to read. What's going wrong? And why are some so clear, like Ser Jacopo and Luciano? I'm always wondering, but have never asked.

 

[augiebd]

Like most members, I puzzle over the stamping on my pipes.

Good question, Tom. I look forward to the responses.

 

[Country Bladesmith]

From what I’ve seen on videos, it’s just a stamp that is rolled against the wood with force. When I use a touchmark stamp on steel, I have the luxury of stamping a flat surface. I imagine it takes a bit of skill to stamp a curved shank without buggering it up.

 

[Chasing Embers]

 

[sablebrush52]

The old British stamps I've seen had a slightly concave front profile, making rocking unnecessary.

 

[paulfg]

i believe James Upshall used a laser engraver after a few years,I am sure
Ken Barnes has said it is a way of dating Upshall pipes

 

[anotherbob]

Like most members, I puzzle over the stamping on my pipes. Some artisans just etch their stamp with an awl, but most larger volume carvers and factories use some kind or kinds of stamping devices. Could those who do this, or have learned about it, go into how the stamping devices work? I visualize them either grinding in the lettering with a moving bit or punching it in with percussive force. I could even visualize some kind of wood burning process, but I haven't seen anything like that. It would be informative to know what I am seeing when I read the stamps. Some are only partial with the brand name or otherwise faint or hard to read. What's going wrong? And why are some so clear, like Ser Jacopo and Luciano? I'm always wondering, but have never asked.

it's a natural part of the briar. It's how they know which companies to send it too. . Seriously though I've wondered about this many times too.

 

[kola]

Hand drawn, no stamp or laser needed.

 

[mso489]

chasing', thanks for the video. So it really is stamped in with pressure. I thought that might tend to split the wood, but it is not striking the briar but just pressing the stamp into it. It is surprising the depth some of the lettering has, as if embossed or engraved. I may watch it again to visualize a little better what the mechanics of it are. Pretty neat device. The craftsman there mentioned he has wrapped his knuckles doing this by hand.

 

[dmcmtk]

A great 5 part series, La Pipa, you can see the laser marking in Part 5 at the 4:50 or so mark.

alberto belometti - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGZX0j6aDkbvwmghNzeWvXw

 

[STP]

I thought that this vid was interesting. Stamping towards the end:

 

[anantaandroscoggin]

I have one inexpensive Chinese-made churchwarden on which the stamp appears to have actually been cut by a 3D router rig, including on one side of the shank the month and year the pipe was made.