1959 Stamp Pad

[Jimmy J.]

Could someone post a picture of an original 1959 stamp pad with the letter 2 in it. Thanks, Jimmy

[Jimmy J.]

I mean the Number 2 *NM*

[Jim D.]

Re: 1959 Stamp Pad

Here's a "519" block cast L159.

[Jack H.]

Nice example!

Note the use of two different '2' characters in the stamp. Looks 'righteous' to me...

[Dave Suesz]

Interesting- the second 2 doesn't match. *NM*

[Jimmy J.]

Re: Nice example!

Would these number characters (2s) be typical to a 59 Corvette? Thanks, Jimmy

[Jack H.]

Might be...

The gang stamp was opened and dies changed (suffix code for this run of engine, then this other run of engines) throughout the work day. Then, when the day changed physically, the date die(s) were changed. Last, when the month changed, those dies further upstream in the gang were changed.

Now, if a given die broke, it was changed too. Also, if during the process of changing dies in the gang, the stamp agent happened to drop the gang and lose/scramble dies, the order might have changed.

Bottom line, those who judge and are 'expert' in the art, generally keep private notebooks based on 'original' cars they've encountered and look for 'trends' in the font (What specific shape '2' or '0' or '4' is known to have been in what relative position at what time?).

No, it's not a 'solved science' and it's VERY much an artform of determining what's 'correct' for a given engine built at a given time... But, the example shows clearly, there wasn't just one '2' in the stamping die inventory!

[Jim D.]

Re: Nice example!

This motor was found in a 64 Chev. Implala 4 door that was wrecked, parked, & junked over 30 years ago. The last time this motor ran, nobody had even heard of a re-stamping a motor. I'm 100% positive this one is for real. I don't know what it originally came in but it has been rebuilt at one time as it has been bored out.