Abstract: A printing device for use in a wire dot printer having a plurality of printing wires. The printing device includes a frame and a carriage slidably supported on the frame for lateral translation thereacross. A printing head is supported on the carriage and includes a nose member which supports the plurality of printing wires. First and second holding members are disposed on the carriage so that the nose member is intermediate the first and second holding members. A ribbon mask constructed from an elastic material is disposed on the nose member. The ribbon mask is removably held between the first and second holding members and extends across the nose member.