Abstract: A striker mechanism for a high speed serial printer, for example of the daisy wheel type, includes a hammer movable axially towards the platen under the action of an electro-magnet whose armature carries a striker, and against the action of a return spring. Two lubricating felt pads are arranged on opposite sides with respect to the striker hammer and are pressed against the hammer by the grip of a spring for damping the hammer vibrations during the printing cycle. The armature comprises a pivoted lever which is damped with respect to its pivot by means of a felt washer and the lever is damped on return by a helical spring on a rod with a reduced diameter center section where it is struck by a pad on the lever.