Brass letter stamps
 

A mate of mine bought these and asked if I could find out what they were used for - not sure why the original chap thought they were military but assuming he was right what use ? Bedplates ? Leather ? The letters themselves are 5/8th on an inch square. Also age?

Think you will find they are printing blocks, normally found on wood, and brassis too soft for a punch.

I concur with the previous post. Printer’s blocks, maybe still used by printers doing “Handmade” job lot for posters etc.

About 30 years ago I was given one of these by an ex-RN sailor. The letters were permanently affixed to the wood and spelt out his name and initial. This would be dipped in paint and applied to any of his belongings . It was an issue item

GTB

Something like this?

Tim

Yes, exactly. Mine belongs to a Maltese sailor 'A. GAUCI'. (applied with an old inkpad).
The letters blocks are ingeniously held compactly in place by taut twine glued into slots cut into the base of the wood, the whole I guess made by Ships Carpenter (?)

GTB

To illustrate

GTB

The Forum strikes again, we learn something new every day.

Thanks guys.

Regards Phil.