Maker's stamp for Christmas

[Sir Charles deMouton-Black]

I know you havn't heard me boast, and I can't.  I've made my own leather, and have sold exacttly 2 knife sheaths and a shooting bag.  My kids are impressed enough to have ordered a maker's stamp as my Christmas present.  They are waiting for me to confirm the order.

I'll describe it as follows:

Oval .74" high and 1.5' long 
Across the middle my Initials "COG" spread out, having the "O" shown as a wagon wheel or gear (cog, if you will!)

So far so good.  I like it.  Underneath, in a shallow arc is 'LEATHER MAKER".  There doesn't appear to be room for my location VICTORIA BC, but that is fine with me.

Here is my Question,  Is "leather maker" appropriate, or should I shorten it to "MAKER"?

A thought occurs to me!  Make it more circular, with COG across the centre with "VICTORIA" above and "MAKER" below.

Any opinions and advice gratefully received.

[Howdy Doody]

Maker is what I have noticed the most. It sounds old timey too. Go for just Maker. The wagon wheel O sounds good too.

[Marshal Will Wingam]

I agree with Howdy. The term "MAKER" IS what I've seen most often. As to the O/wheel, that will look good. If you wanted an earlier design, just letters rather than graphics, but your idea will be more attractive. A little graphic design really makes them look more interesting. The stamps got more decorative as time passed but simple ones were still used. Basically, get what you like on that. I think the decorative borders and such started showing up in the 1880's. Typically, I see ovals with the name across the top arc, the word, "maker" in the middle and the location across the lower arc. The shorter, "maker" allows for the outer text to wrap around the ends some. I've seen some without the word "maker" on it at all, just the name across the top arc, the location across the bottom and a steer's head or such in the middle. You could put your initials with the O/wheel in place of the steer's head. Whatever you decide, be sure to post it for us to enjoy. In fact, I may start a thread just for maker stamps so pards can see what others are doing to help with their designs. Thanks for getting this started.

[Pitspitr]

I know you havn't heard me boast, and I can't.  I've made my own leather, and have sold exacttly 2 knife sheaths and a shooting bag. 

Your opperation sounds a lot like mine. Only it is my wife getting my mark for me. It's ordered, but not here yet.

I went for the more old time looking mark, so that it would fit in with reproduction items I make. The best I can describe it is as follows: a single line bordered oval with "J M Davenport"  following the top curve with "MAKER" in larger letters across the center line and "Sargent, Nebr." following the bottom curve. I used "Nebr." instead of the more modern "NE" abbriviation.

[Sir Charles deMouton-Black]

I'm going to try for the following; 

Oval with "C  O(shaped like a toothed cog)  G" boldly across the middle.  "Victoria BC" across the top arc, and "C Gustafson   MAKER" across the bottom arc.

Thanks for the input.  My NY Resolution is to learn to post piccies.

[Dalton Masterson]

Pitspitr, thats funny! Mine is on order too. I went with an oval:

Plum Creek Leather Works
MAKER
Plum Creek, Nebr. Terr.

I am ordering 2 different sizes, both oval. 1 large and 1 small for little projects. DM

[outrider]

Dalton...who did you order your stamp from?

[Pitspitr]

Dalton...who did you order your stamp from?

I was just going to ask that too!
Mine is ordered from Hidecrafters http://www.hidecrafter.com/ I had found another outfit, but they wanted like $250

[Dalton Masterson]

My mother ordered them for bday and xmas combined. I think she went thru Hidecrafters too. There was another outfit, but they are going to be about 300+ for 1. Little too rich for mama to buy. (and me when there are alternatives).

[Marshal Will Wingam]

Sounds like you have good stamps coming. Nice to have both sizes. I may have to do a larger one eventually.

Be sure to post pics of them on the "What does Your Maker Stamp Look Like?" thread when they arrive.

[Sir Charles deMouton-Black]

My Yung'uns went to Infinity stamps.  I have no idea what they will have to cough up.

8577 Canoga Ave. Canoga Park, CA 91304, USA ● www.InfinityStamps.com
Phone: 818-576-1188 ● Fax: 818-576-1166 ●E-Mail: inquiries@infinitystamps.com

[Pitspitr]

Let's just say that it appears that they are very fond of you!

[Sir Charles deMouton-Black]

The design is sealed!  COG in the centre, with the "O" in the form of a cogwheel.  C.GUSTAFSON   MAKER arcing around the top, and VICTORIA B.C. arcing around the bottom,  Size of oval;  .740"  X  1.5"

Thanks for your input, Pards!

[Marshal Will Wingam]

Great, pard. Congrats. Be sure to post photos of it.

[Sir Charles deMouton-Black]

I've just received my Maker's Stamp!  It was too heavy to mail, so I had it presented in person.  First one I've ever seen.  A solid block of bead blasted steel 5 inches long with the imprint engraved on one end.  I'm moving at present, so there will be a delay in posting piccies.  BTW; I did learn how to post photos, as per my NYR!

My question;  How does one use it?  My thoughts are;
1. Case the leather.
2. Give 'er H.E. double hockey sticks with a "dead-blow" hammer., or
3. Press the stamp into the leather.  How?  A vise, or "C" clamp?

[Dalton Masterson]

Cant wait for pics Sir Charles! Sounds like quite a piece of machinery. With mine, I just use my maul on well cased leather, and give about 3 whacks. Gives a decent impression that way. Just have to be careful with bounce, so I whack slowly making sure it all lines up correctly each time. DM

[Marshal Will Wingam]

I'm looking forward to seeing your stamp when you get the chance. Congratulations.

My stamp is small so I can normally do it with one whack. Multiple whacks can result in double images if I'm not careful enough. I use a fairly hefty steel and plastic deadblow hammer. One of those cast steel ones with the replacable plastic and hard rubber tips.

[Irish Dave]

As my maker stamp is shorter (in the stamping position), I use an arbor press and a few good whacks on the press with a substantial brass hammer. Sets 'er deep every time.