Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: Big IATSE Rubber Stamp

This is topic Big IATSE Rubber Stamp in forum Film-Yak at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.

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Posted by Manny Knowles (Member # 1171) on 07-31-2004, 07:39 AM:

I was in Florida earlier this week. One of my favorite things to do there is to visit the Flea Market and Pawn Shops with a friend of mine who lives there. This week we stumbled onto a HUGE rubber stamp with the IATSE "flower" logo on it. Local # is 646.

We spent a great portion of that afternoon trying to imagine what that stamp was for. Does anybody here know for sure?

Posted by Dennis Benjamin (Member # 1137) on 07-31-2004, 07:55 AM:

Don't they stamp their foreheads with it?

That way no-one messes with them!

Posted by Manny Knowles (Member # 1171) on 07-31-2004, 08:06 AM:

This stamp was much, much bigger than that -- about 6" square -- so, if this was a forehead stamp, those would have been some big guys!

Posted by Tim Reed (Member # 137) on 07-31-2004, 08:58 AM:

quote: Manny Knowles
the IATSE "flower" logo

(Only you, Manny!) [Wink]

It's an IA bug!

Posted by Paul Mayer (Member # 355) on 07-31-2004, 10:48 AM:

I think 646 is the stagehands local in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. That stamp was probably used to mark anything constructed in a union scene shop for use on stage or backstage, things like flats, stair units, and road boxes. Most union shops use a stencil and spray paint to apply the bug, but I could see situations where a stamp would be easier to use.

Posted by Bobby Henderson (Member # 840) on 07-31-2004, 12:14 PM:

The stamp would be good for dramatic purposes. Just slam it down to grab attention and shout, "no soup for you!"

Posted by Manny Knowles (Member # 1171) on 07-31-2004, 01:16 PM:

MY BEST GUESS: They stamped sets with it.
MY FRIEND'S BEST GUESS: They stamped contracts with it.

Let's sign this! THWUNK!!

...and you have to admit...it DOES look more like a flower than a bug...

Posted by Richard Fowler (Member # 893) on 07-31-2004, 02:30 PM:

Make your own T-shirt graphics....walking scenery [Razz]

Member IATSE #500 [Cool]

Posted by Robert L. Fischer (Member # 2424) on 07-31-2004, 02:57 PM:

I'm with Manny on this one. I've never seen a bug with 5 legs. [Wink]

Posted by Bobby Henderson (Member # 840) on 07-31-2004, 07:56 PM:

quote: Manny Knowles
...and you have to admit...it DOES look more like a flower than a bug...

I'd say it's a dated looking logo badly in need of a modern update. It also makes me think of a pentagram. Yeah. IATSE is really subliminally promoting devil worship! Yarrgh! Or maybe they're just big fans of Motley Crüe.

Posted by Steve Kraus (Member # 476) on 07-31-2004, 10:15 PM:

You shoulda bought it.

Posted by Manny Knowles (Member # 1171) on 07-31-2004, 11:07 PM:

I phoned my friend and, since we are still both intrigued by this, he has agreed to go back and see if he can find it again. If so, he will buy it.

Posted by Daryl C. W. O'Shea (Member # 1303) on 08-01-2004, 01:19 AM:

Here I thought it was a fire sprinkler.

Posted by Carl Martin (Member # 1146) on 08-01-2004, 02:58 AM:

a 5-bladed shutter?

Posted by Dan Lyons (Member # 1454) on 08-01-2004, 03:03 AM:

quote: Bobby Henderson
I'd say it's a dated looking logo badly in need of a modern update.

nooooooo!

I like it. [Smile]

Danny

Posted by Rick Long (Member # 213) on 08-01-2004, 03:39 AM:

My latest Union Bulletin does not list Local 646 as an active local. Next time I venture into my cobweb-filled basement, I will research older issues for a clue as to who they were.
The rubber stamp was often used to validate official dues receipts.

Posted by Ron Lacheur (Member # 1126) on 08-01-2004, 05:16 PM:

IATSE Local 646 merged with 316, 545, 623, 827 and 853 to create Local 500.

Posted by Manny Knowles (Member # 1171) on 08-02-2004, 11:44 AM:

Well...Thanks to a sense of intrigue provided by this thread, my dear friend is now the proud owner of "the big rubber stamp." Knowing him, he'll actually use it for something. It's a real intimidating-looking stamp so my guess is he'll use it for evil. [Wink]

Seriously, though, I know he will be grateful to know some of its history.
[thumbsup]