merkkileimaa
A merkkileimaa is a type of rubber or polymer stamp used primarily in Finland and in other Nordic countries, although the concept is common worldwide. It typically consists of a stamped head attached to a handle or base, with a reservoir of ink or pad. The stamped head contains a pre‑engraved or molded design, text, or number, and is pressed onto a surface to transfer the ink. The word “merkkileimaa” is a compound of the Finnish words for “mark” (merkki) and “stamp” (leima), and it literally means “marking stamp”.
The use of merkkileima dates back to the early nineteenth century, when embossed and later rubber stamps
Typical categories of merkkileima include authorized stamps for state agencies, business seals, property transaction stamps, and
In many jurisdictions, the use of a merkkileimaa on official records is legally regulated. For example, Finnish
The manufacture of merkkileima is a niche segment of the printing and stationery industry, with a few