Handgun Stamping

[jimmyj]

The stamping on handguns such as S&W Victory Models stamped with "U.S. Navy, revolver or pistols with department name and/or rack numbers" how is these latters/numbers stamped ? my hand, machine, etc ?
If by hand how does the stamper keep the letters, numbers straight ?

 

[Hondo44]

Single character stamps are hand held as well as serial # stampings on pre war Smiths, however by experienced and practiced craftsman.

Stamping jigs can be used to hold several stamps aligned in a straight row; Brownells sells them. Factory stamp presses are used in manufacturing to hold and impress the stamp.

Intricate multi character markings like barrel addresses, etc., are roll stamped. All the characters are on the circumference of a roll die, shaped like a wheel or small doughnut mounted in a press and rolled across the surface.