something to do with stamps?

[Rayvenini]

it measures 2.5" high, it has a spring inside so you can push the knob down like a stamp, could it have something to do with cancling stamps ...cheers





.

[2209patrick]

Hello.

Have not seen a similar device before.
Since it's over a hundred years old (1904) my guess is it was used to flatten the sealing wax on a letter.
It would then be easer to imprint a symbol on the wax seal.
Just speculating here.

Pat.
.

[Granmaa]

I can't see it being very effective for that purpose, Pat. There are hallmarks on the inside surface which would leave an unwanted impression on the wax. Also, a seal stamp does a fine job of flattening and spreading the wax.

I wonder if it could be for crushing or squeezing something while not making a mess.

Miles
.

[dognose]

Hi,

I wonder if Ray was on the right track from the start?

Is this a device for applying postage stamps? You could load quite a few into the void, adhesive side showing, then dampen, stamp, dampen, stamp. The pressure applied would be sufficent to afix the stamp to the envelope.

John Culme in his Directory of Gold & Silversmiths, notes that Grey & Co. were known for their silver novelties, including makeing postage stamp boxes for Asprey & Co.

Trev.
.

[Rayvenini]

thanks all... trev i thought that but what would stop them all coming out at once.. the flat piece inside don't push all the way out it stops about 3mm from the bottom..oh yes i forgot to add it has an RD num .. 352929, but i can't find anything on this number
.

[admin]

Hi,
I believe it is a spring loaded rubber stamp, but lacking its rubber, hence the 3mm. gap when depressed.

Regards, Tom
.