Hey Steve, see my quote above. Supposedly there was an overlap with both stamping and ink.
sorry about the confusion.
If they did switch from ink stamping to hammering it into the cantlepiece, then I can see some advantages.
The ink stamp seems pretty awkward to apply once the saddle has been assembled, especially since it is applied to a curved surface.
Of course, hammering the date code into the concave surface of the cantlepiece seems a bit challenging too. Plus, the stamp might break the chrome plating?? That would permit corrosion at the break. Doesn't seem to be a problem in my saddles, though.
The current process at least applies the code to the flattest surface of the underside, so that's a distinct advantage.
I've gone through my own issues of applying markings and date codes to some electronic assemblies, so I empathize with whatever troubles caused Brooks to change methods.
Steve in Peoria