In one exemplar embodiment, an apparatus for impressing identifying characters into the end face of metal bar stock is disclosed. A stamping apparatus operates in conjunction with conventional bar stock drawing and cutting machines. The stamping apparatus has a die positioning member adapted for pivotal movement carrying a character imprinting die that is extended and locked in the path of the moving bar stock. The force of the bar stock moving against the die imprints the identifying characters in the end face of the bar stock. Just prior to cutting of the bolt blank from the bar stock the cutting machine signals the bolt stamping apparatus and the die positioning member begins to pivot and retract into the apparatus housing thereby relieving the pressure between the end face of the bar stock and the die. The die positioning member continues to pivot into the housing as the cutting machine cuts the bolt blank from the bar stock and allows the bolt blank to fall free for collection. The bar stock is advanced again and the die positioned to repeat the imprinting process on the next bolt blank.