The Store Keeper's Mark used by Inspectors to mark their approval on the buttstock of the King's Musket, known today as the Brown Bess Musket.
The Store Keeper's Mark is generally found on the lock side of the butt stock, embossed directly into the wood after final finish.
The Store Keeper's Mark is about .480" wide, about .400" tall, and the tool body is 2-1/2" length, 1/2" diameter, brightly polished steel, hardened to Rc 62 to 65 (as hard as a file). Wrap the body with masking tape to provide a better grip.
Made in the USA, of very hard steel, this tool will give a long life, if used correctly.
Be careful, be safe. If mis-struck, this steel marking punch can become a projectile. Wear safety glasses. Protect your fingers.
Our instructions are included with each tool. Or click the download tab to view, and print these step-by-step instructions as a .pdf file.
Marks on rounded or flat steel surfaces require multiple strikes, in sequence. Marks in wood require only one controlled strike.
No Return, No Refund, No Exchange. Steel marking punches are expendable hardened steel tool bits, with a service life similar to drill bits or hand taps. The value is in the first use. Longevity is under the control of the user. We do not offer a warranty nor a refund for these tools. They are an investment for future use.
Never attempt to mark tempered steel, plated steel, or case-hardened steel with these hand stamps.
We offer the full set of four (4) hand stamps, replicas of original marks found on Brown Bess Muskets: