Western Electric Stamp Kit R-2315 - Craigslist find

[GG]

I found something that might work really well.  Check this out, stock and customizable versions that are usable for almost all types of telephone numbering:

http://www.thestampmaker.com/Departments/Rubber-Stamps/Number-Stamps.aspx

a)  In-stock models:  With movable bands with the numbers 0 - 9 and a blank space on each band.  Six, eight, and ten band versions.  Use the six-band for formats up to X XXXX, use the seven-band for format NXX XXXX. 

b)  Custom models:  To make a six-band with a dash, for X-XXXX, or seven-band with dash for NXX-XXXX, or a twelve-band with dashes for NXX-NXX-XXXX:  Click the link at the end of the line of text above the pictures on the webpage above:  "If the number stamps below do not meet your needs, or you need characters other than numbers, try our LINK: Custom Band Stamps."  That link will take you to a page with a "Band stamp wizard" link on it, that brings up a configuration page that works in Windows and Mac browsers. 

You can probably custom-configure with three alphabetical bands, and six numeric bands, to get two letters, space, single digit, dash, four digits.  Thus, numbering such as KL 5-2368.   And with three alpha bands, you could spell out EXT (or four for UK "EXTN") followed by however-many digits.

Typical price for the 12-band would be about $40.  Takes two weeks to arrive.  Not bad, eh?

Suggestion: Laser-print your dial cards with the full exchange name spelled out (and the abbreviation Ext. or Extn. if needed), and get a custom 4-digit stamp for filling in the digits.   For example: 

KLondike 5  (or three-letter prefix such as MONument) (laser printed)
2368  (number stamped)
Ext. (laser printed)  123 (number stamped)

[DavePEI]

Tro-Dat used to make one which was perfect for stamping numbers on dial cards. I bought one in the early 80's, but haven't seen them since. This is the same idea as what GG was talking about. It contained aside from the changeable type, three holders which would hold  1, 2, or 3 lines of type, a stamp pad, and a pair of tweezers for inserting the type into the holders. I used it for years until I got a proper HOMS number stamper...

TroDat:

Here is a photo of the Tro-Dat 6080 numbering kit which used to be available in the 80's. I used it for all numbering until I got the Homs 187S shown next to it.

By the way, TroDat still makes its Typo Series of changeable stamps, although nowadays they are fancier and self-inking:
http://www.trodat.net/020+Products/010+Stamps/030+Typomatic/_en-US/3+1+TYPO+PRINTY.htm

Homs:

The Homs was designed specifically for number stamping on dial cards. It has been several years since I last cleaned the Homs and re-inked its pad, but it still makes a passable card imprint. While Homs stamps are no longer being made, the Homs stamps show up on eBay from time to time. Mine needs to have it's type cleaned and to be re-inked for best imprint. Job for today. The Homs uses a felt pad which flips up when you stamp a number to ink the stamp's brass number dials.

Update: a couple of hours later: I have the type cleaned now - and have been re-inked and again makes a perfect impression! The stamping below was before cleaning and the stamp has since been re-inked.

Many of my dial cards. particularly repetitive ones, are now done in MS Word, but I often use the Homs imprint where I want an authentic looking stamping on a card. Computer printed numbers look good, but can be too perfect for a vintage dial card.

Note: Below the photo is a link to download BSP Section 080-118-101, Station Numbering Machines - Homs Model 187S in PDF. I scanned this BSP Feb 21, 2007, and it has been posted to http://xy3.com/bsp/ and later to  http://www.telephonecollectors.info/ along with many other tool BSPs I scanned around the same time. The scans were from 3 books of tool BSPs, one I picked up on eBay, and two borrowed from Jeremy Walters. Nice to be able to make them available! Check out those sites for more!

Dave

[Chewbaca6900]

I found a N-2315 WWII era stamping and lettering kit in almost mint condition
I had no idea what it was until I followed all of the links available and found this site
I think I will impress many this kit is about 75 years old
And looks like it was just purchased new it's beautiful and I'm going to put it up for sake as soon as I can figure out how here. I'll post pics as soon as I figure that out as well

[Greg G.]

I found a N-2315 WWII era stamping and lettering kit in almost mint condition
I had no idea what it was until I followed all of the links available and found this site
I think I will impress many this kit is about 75 years old
And looks like it was just purchased new it's beautiful and I'm going to put it up for sake as soon as I can figure out how here. I'll post pics as soon as I figure that out as well

Welcome!  Very much interested in seeing the pics.  Just posting the model number will be very helpful in doing searches. 

We have a Classifieds section:  http://www.classicrotaryphones.com/forum/index.php?board=5.0