[PA-RIVER]

When you hit the date stamp to the paper, what is the typical mechanical action?

For example:

Do you hit the bottom of the stamp to the paper first, and then roll forward making sure the top is pressed upon the paper? Does the bottom of the stamp typically make contact first, absorbing much of the energy of the initial strike?

[philman_36]

When you hit the date stamp to the paper, what is the typical mechanical action?
What "mechanical action" is there in the hand stamp in question?
There are no "moving parts", but there are "removable parts".

[upcountry miss]

Have been out most of the afternoon and now trying to catch up - not trying to monopolize the thread. Don't want to take anything away from Danae’s fabulous work. It has always been my habit to use the date stamp hitting the bottom first as you suggest, then, pushing upwards to complete the postmark.

I suspect most other clerks do the same, as when we received instructions for hand stamping the First Day covers for the Reagan/Bush Inauguration, we were specifically made to practice applying even pressure on the envelopes to ensure an even postmark.