The invention relates to a marking device (10) for applying a marking on an object. The marking device comprises a striking arm (11), which is provided with a striking head (12) at its outer free end, and actuating means (30) for actuating the striking arm (11). The striking arm is movably connected to a base (7) through a link arrangement (30). The striking arm is pivotable about a pivot axis (V1) under the effect of the actuating means and the link arrangement from a resting position to a striking position so as to thereby allow the striking head to hit against an object in order to apply a marking on the object. The link arrangement is arranged to move the pivot axis of the striking arm outwards so that the distance between this pivot axis and the base increases when the striking arm is pivoted from the resting position to the striking position.