Wax Seal Components

[Octo]

Some wax seals seem to be made of separate components for the handle and stamp. The parts screw together. Are the threads standardized and does anyone know their dimensions?

[kiavonne]

Some wax seals seem to be made of separate components for the handle and stamp. The parts screw together. Are the threads standardized and does anyone know their dimensions?

 

 

This I cannot be sure about. If you buy the handles and coins (stamps) from the same retailer, then I am assuming they are interchangeable. In one example, Nostalgic Impressions sells wooden and glass handles that can be used with their stamps that screw into the handle. I do not know whether you would be able to interchange those handles with stamps from another retailer.

 

There are many antique seals which are 2 part seals, but there are so many different sizes of seals out there that I don't believe all of those handles will be interchangeable.

 

So, maybe the short answer might be, some modern seals may be interchangeable, but there is no guarantee.

[Octo]

Thank you. I had wondered because I've seen such interesting antique handles on the bay and some have no stamp attached. You saw right through my question to the question behind it. I'd also wondered about buying a simple handle and making my own "coin" that might screw into the handle.

 

Have you ever considered buying an unengraved stamp like some of those on the auction site and having them engraved somewhere? Of course, such wouldn't hold a candle to the lovely custom made stamps you have.

[kiavonne]

Thank you. I had wondered because I've seen such interesting antique handles on the bay and some have no stamp attached. You saw right through my question to the question behind it. I'd also wondered about buying a simple handle and making my own "coin" that might screw into the handle.

 

Have you ever considered buying an unengraved stamp like some of those on the auction site and having them engraved somewhere? Of course, such wouldn't hold a candle to the lovely custom made stamps you have.

 

 

I actually did purchase a beautiful little antique stamp that was not engraved. I believe I'll just get a nice monogram on it, but I haven't figured yet where I will send it for the engraving. It has a very small surface for engraving. Someone suggested it was a pipe tamper instead of a seal, but I believe it is a seal.

 

I have lots of different stamps from antique to modern, some not as "pretty" as others, but I do like them all, regardless. But, yes, my Dexter seals are my indulgences in true wax seal art.

[Vulcan1066]

for some of my wax seals I didnt buy handles with them I just made my own. My favorite is for my fleur de lis stamp. It is a bit of deer antler, which was cut off the main antlers for another project. I drilled a hole in it and filled it with wood glue. I have had the stamp for 20 years now, and even thought it has had a rough life, I have yet to have any problems.

[Octo]

If you purchased the stamps from varying sources, can you tell me whether the threads on the stamps allow you to use handles interchangeably?

 

Do you have time to post photos of the stamps and handles you made and of the wax impressions if you made the stamps.

[Vulcan1066]

Oh I didnt make the stamps just the handles. The stamps available from Michaels in their wedding department give you the letters plus some symbols and have an interchangable handle. I just enjoy making my own handle if I buy a stamp that has a threaded end. One of these days I am gonna get a deal from customwaxnseals in England and see if i can get it without a handle as I have some buffalo horn I would like to use as a handle on it.

 

Off hand I would venture to say that there are only 2 different sizes of threads on the seals I have seen.

Edited January 26, 2012 by Vulcan1066