Which Metal Hand Stamp Do You Need? A Complete Buyer's Guide

There are more types of metal hand stamps than most people realise — and choosing the wrong one for your project is a frustrating and expensive mistake. This guide covers every major category of steel hand stamp, explains what each type is best for, and helps you find exactly what you need for your specific application.

Type 1 — Factory-Correct Restoration Stamp Sets

These are what RestoStamps specialises in. Factory-correct restoration stamps are CNC-machined to replicate the exact font, character size, and design used by the original vehicle manufacturer. They are not generic letter or number sets — each is engineered specifically for a particular make, model, and year range.

Best for: Concours restorations, numbers-matching builds, show cars, vehicles being authenticated by registries and clubs.

Why font accuracy matters: The DZ302 engine code stamps used on a 1969 Camaro Z/28 have a specific character geometry that an experienced NCRS or Bloomington judge will recognise. A generic letter set looks wrong — even if the correct characters are there, the proportions and style give it away immediately.

Browse our restoration stamp sets by vehicle:

• Porsche Stamps — 356, 911, 912, 914, 930
• GM / Chevrolet — Camaro, Corvette, C10, Firebird
• Ford Mustang — 1964–1973
• Harley-Davidson — Panhead, Shovelhead, Knucklehead
• BMW — 2002, E30, R-series Motorcycles
• Vespa / Piaggio — PX, VBB, LML
• Military Jeep — GPW, Willys MB

Type 2 — Custom Made-to-Order Stamps

Custom stamps are manufactured from your artwork, drawing, or specification. They can include logos, maker's marks, inspection codes, symbols, text in any font, or any design you can draw. Our custom metal hand stamps are CNC-machined in the USA from hardened tool steel — the same material and process as our restoration sets.

Best for: Knifemakers wanting a maker's mark, leatherworkers, jewelers, custom fabricators, businesses needing inspection or identification stamps, anyone who needs something unique.

How to order: Send us your design — even a sketch or a photo of what you want. We convert it to a CAD drawing, you approve it, and we machine it. Available in any size, from tiny jewelry stamps to large industrial marking stamps.

Type 3 — Individual Letter and Number Stamps

Individual stamps give you the flexibility to stamp any combination of characters you need. You buy each stamp separately — or as a set — and use them one at a time with a stamp holder to keep everything aligned.

Best for: Applications where you need to stamp different codes each time, partial replacement of a set you already own, or situations where only specific characters are needed for a particular vehicle.

Many of our vehicle-specific kits offer individual stamps for when you only need one or two characters — for example, our Alfa Romeo extra letter stamps and Porsche 911/930 extra body letters for restorers who have most of a set and just need specific characters.

Type 4 — Stage Kits (Complete Sets with Holder)

Our Stage kits are the most popular option for restoration work. They include every stamp needed for a specific vehicle application, plus a holder that keeps all stamps aligned for consistent, straight impressions in one pass.

Best for: Restorers who want everything needed for their vehicle in one purchase, professional shops doing multiple restorations of the same model, and anyone who wants alignment accuracy for frame and engine stamps.

Stage kits are available for Ford Mustang, Ford F-Series trucks, Vespa scooters, and many other models.

Type 5 — Data Tags and Plates

Beyond stamps, we also produce period-correct replacement data tags — the small metal plates affixed to firewall, door jambs, and body panels. These include our Porsche Reutter paint and chassis tags, Mustang windshield data tags, and other period-specific identification plates.

Best for: Concours restorations where original data plates are missing, damaged, or illegible.

Quick Selection Guide