Reverse maker mark?

[Marc Garlasco]

Gents,

Just got a marked 26 today - will post photos when I get home. But I see something so interesting and wonder that I have never noticed it before. On the front of the pin is the standard 26 mm stamped nice and clear. On the reverse of the pin is the MIRROR IMAGE as if the stamping was so intense and strong as to make a reverse 26 stamp on the back. Is this usual? I will have to check my other EKs when I get home, but was I just missing something all this time?

Puzzled,
Marc

[George Stimson]

I can see the reverse image of the mark on the inside of the pin on my "26" as well.

Which brings to mind another question. Do you think these marks on pins were applied with, say, a hammer and a punch, or with a pliers or vice-type of mechanism?

[Marc Garlasco]

George,

An excellent question and one I think we need to put out there to metalworkers. I am certain contemporary empirical evidence will answer this one fairly easilly.

Regards,
Marc