WW2 Boxed Army Signal Ink Dating Stamp and Ink Pad MkII

An amazingly rare WW2 Boxed Army Signal Ink Dating Stamp And Ink Pad MkII in overall fair cosmetic condition, and still in its original Japanned tin case which has scuffs and blemishes.

Approximate Tin Size (WHD): 18 x 14 x 8cm

The stamp is marked with the WW2 Crown and the initials E&P, who I assume is the UK manufacturer. The stamp is in pretty good condition with some scuffs and scratching on the black wood handle. I haven't attempted to clean any of the components in the tin so you will end up with black inky fingers!

The paper instructions for using the field stamp are adhered to the face of the lid but are now illegible due to age and discolouration. A set of instructions, taken from the Royal Canadian Signals website, is included below.

The tin includes:-

• Components:
  • A rubber stamp with revolving date and letter wheels
  • An inking pad (intact but grubby) without its tray
  • A capped tin flask for ink (no ink included)
  • Three wood rubber stamp blocks. The rubber has degraded and the letters are practically illegible.
  • The inside of the tin lid contains a rubber stamping pad which makes the tin exceptionally heavy!
  • A small circular stamp / seal
• Purpose: These tools were primarily used for dating and coding documents by military signals units.
• Ink Type: While ordinary "Morse ink" could be used, De La Rue's "Obliterating Ink" was recommended for better results

I haven't changed the numerals and letters on the date stamp...it's probably somebody's idea of a joke...

A lovely military collectible for the vintage office or militaria collection.

Please click on the following link for more militaria.

Royal Canadian Signals website:- a big thank you from the Brits to our amazing allies!

The top of the tin has the instructions for use:

1. When in use in an office, keep the open lid with rubber stamping pad towards you.

2. To ink the pad. -- Take out the ink flask, turn down the right-hand clip and remove the ink pad from its tray. Pour some ink into the tray and replace the pad. Beat the pad with the stamp and then reverse it, repeating the process until the pad is sufficiently saturated with ink.

3. Keep the cap of the flask well screwed home.

4. To use the stamp. -- Tap in twice on the ink pad, lay the form on the rubber pad, then place the stamp where required, and press firmly and evenly.

N.B. -- Do not use the stamp with a blow. Do not ink or grease the rubber pad.

5. To alter date or code-letter wheels. -- Unscrew the locking pin, and withdraw it, shift the wheels as required, working them round with the thumb and forefinger, or with a piece of wood. Commence with the right-hand wheel, pushing the pin in as each wheel is placed.

6. Two of the letter wheels are engraved from A to M and the other two from N to Z, each wheel having one blank tooth. The relative position of these wheels can, if necessary, be changed by unscrewing and withdrawing the spindle, removing and replacing the wheels through the slot in the body of the stamp. In replacing the wheels be careful that the figures and letters are not upside down. In withdrawing and replacing the wheels keep the top and bottom letters or figures parallel to the face of the stamp, otherwise they will "jamb."

7. In packing up the stamp, be careful that the ink pad is securely clipped down, and that the stamp is laid in on its side, so that the lid may close properly.

8. Ordinary Morse Ink can be used on the ink pad, but De La Rue's "Obliterating Ink" gives much better results.