Abstract: An adjustable hand stamp device controls stamp compression of the ink bearing stamp element. The device includes an inverted cup-shaped handle connected to a platen by a shaft. A shroud slidably mounted on the shaft and biased downwardly by a spring positioned between the handle and the platen covers the platen and the indicia-bearing element mounted on the platen. The position of the shroud relative to the platen is controlled by the position of an eccentric cam positioned between a bearing surface on the shroud and a bearing surface on the inside of the handle. The cam is connected to an adjusting knob rotatably mounted on the front face of the handle.