Sources for small metal numbers and letters

[Bill Tokyo]

This post may surprise everyone who read the very interesting post on cowboy belt buckles.
If you didn't read it, let me sumarize a few discussions: basically it was agreed that large scale
production of buckles use die struck letters and numbers. Some forum members think the fastes way to
make small letters and numbers needed in belt buckles is to cut them out with a jewelery saw, and other
forum members think casting is the way to go.

My question is this: is there any 3rd party source for small metal letters and numbers such as
might be used in a belt buckle or even small piece?

I'm curious, because I'm in the watch business and have made some watch dials myself, as well
as having any number made for me. Basically many watch dial makers buy their letters and numbers
as well as making some themselves. In fact, they buy letters and numbers from other dial makers
or from a few companies in India and China that specialize in making numbers and indexes.

However, I'm curious: has anyone ever heard of a resource that sells small metal numbers or
letters suitable for belt buckles? Strikes me that it could save a bit of work.

It's also something I would like to know for small run watch dials.

Bill

 

[Powderhorn]

Bill:
I don't know if they will be as small as you need, but you could try Indian Jewelers Supply(ijsinc.com), or if you have casting ability, you could try Wilson's Wax Patterns (www.waxpatterns.com.

 

[magicmaker]

Bill;
They can quickly and easily be cut using a pantograph machine with the correct fonts and follower. This will allow making only what you need when you need it. Instead of merely engraving the letters, the pantograph is set to completely cut through the metal. A raised type of master font will work nicely. If you use a typical "v" cutter, the letters will have beveled edges.
Jim

 

[silverchip]

small letters

I used to get small gold letters from a company on the east coast;B.A. Balou and they were die struck,some of them had hard fired enamel in them.Great for buckles.Gist used these on there trophy buckles some 20 years ago.