Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus for printing labels on labeling machines. To carry out the printing procedure, a longitudinally translating ink coated ribbon runs through ink in a container and is advanced by a rotating inking roller. The inking ribbon contacts the outer circumference of the inking roller. In order to achieve interruption-free and low maintenance but uniformly good application of ink onto the stamping or printing head, the invention provides that the inking ribbon, at the point of contact between the ink ribbon and the ink roller, has its longitudinal extension arranged substantially transversely of the rotational direction of the inking roller.