This marking press for sheet metal articles and stock comprises a frame structure having a vertically adjustable cross member supporting an oscillatable embosser carrying the marking punch and, underneath, a roller for driving the sheets to be marked. Springs compensate the weight of the oscillatable embosser, cross member and fly bearings. A fluid-actuated cylinder and piston unit is provided for maintaining the oscillatable embosser in its downstream end position after the marking step proper and returning said oscillatable embosser to its upstream end position before the next marking step, without interfering with the driving of said oscillatable embosser by the passing sheet. Worms and nuts are provided for adjusting the position of said cross member as a function of the sheet thickness.