Now Playing: The American Sign Printer

Letterology is typically not in the habit of making product reviews, but I'm making an exception today, and giving two thumbs-up for this dramatic production of the American Sign Printer kit by the Superior Marking Equipment Company of Chicago. Originally staged in the 1940s, the colorful art direction and cast of characters built a suspenseful yet familiar plot: young child with lofty ambitions of becoming a successful sign maker, quickly has hopes dashed by diminished expectations. "This American troupe's patriotic production must have been directed by the 'Inferior' Marking Equipment Company", cried some of the blistering reviews. In comparison to the mighty opening credits in the first act, the shrinking performance was considered uninspired and featureless. Unfortunately, even with its large cast of 26 characters and a parade of extras (along with one lone star), nothing could save this play from a short shelf life. Now, nearly 70 years later, the revival of the American Sign Printer is a real sleeper of a hit. It's now playing in limited release. Get one here and here while supplies last!  

Disclaimer: Letterology receives no funding nor commercial loot from independent dealers, and only offers reviews and recommendations as a public service ;)
  

Okay, they deserve one gratuitous star for casting an outline face. Done!

Lincoln & Lettering

This collection of mid-19th century songsheets from The Lincoln Collection in Fort Wayne, IN., exists to preserve the history and legacy of Abraham Lincoln. In addition, these songsheets help to preserve a historic record of hand lettering, ornamentation, and lithography of this same era as well. As a tribute to Lincoln's birthday today, we can celebrate him and the many songsheet title pages which were published in his time leading up to the Civil War and following his assassination. They are a window into one of the most pivotal times in US history, as well as one of the most engaging and visionary periods of printing and design. With a few exceptions, most of these songsheet title pages were published between 1860 and 1865. 

   

Pen Practice for George

An early 19th century Spencerian pen work drawing, "Sacred to the memory of the illustrious George Washington; Columbia's Great and Successful Son, Honored be his name." This lovely 17 x 22" hand-lettered drawing from a Nashville, Tennessee estate sold at Case Antiques auction house recently. The lettering artist is unknown, but the spirit of their pen work is felt in the message it conveys, "Gen George Washington departed this life Dec 14th 1799 And the tears of a Nation watered his grave." Based upon the technical skill of the calligrapher for this work, I would suggest that it was done as a student exercise, which was a common practice for penmans of that era.  

A similar George Washington memorial exercise seen here could very well have been lettered in the same classroom. It credits "Luther Tasker Professor of Penmanship" and in the lower left corner "Plain Writing Taught in one course of 12 sessions." Along the bottom it states "Lessons in Off Hand Flourishing Plain and Ornamental Writing." This sold manuscript and the one just below were both found at Skinner Auctions. 

Boy Are We Having Fun Now!

You can't make this crap up. This is No. 6 in the series It's Fun To Live In America aimed at pipe-smoking white guys working in huge factories for the man. And the man should show a little more respect for Futura too! 
:: From the Letterology Crap Collection