A motor operated imprinter is disclosed. The imprinter is easy to use as a consequence of the print bearing elements and formset being retained on a generally horizontal disposed surface. A head bearing a rolling platen is pivoted from an open position which exposes the surface for retaining the print bearing element and the formset to a closed position to activate the motor and the imprinting cycle. A brake mechanism including a head anester is provided to slow the opening movement of the head after the imprinting cycle.