Hand stamping uses individual steel metal stamps (or punches) with a letter or number at the bottom of the punch. By striking the top of the punch with a hammer, letters and numbers are impressed into the metal, one by one. This technique relies on the hand and eye to create beautiful pieces that have a more natural and organic look than the mechanical perfection of engraved items. This also means that there might be very slight variations in letter depth and placement, which is considered part of the charm rather than a flaw. Unlike engraved metal, hand stamping leaves a slight imprint on the reverse of each piece since the force of stamping displaces the metal. Hand stamping means your plaque is unique as no two hand stamped plaques are ever alike!