Blue Pencil no. 64—Type Specimens from 1800 to 1836
This is the fourth in a series of posts listing type specimens that have been digitized and placed online. Many of them are downloadable in whole or as individual pages. A few items listed are not type specimens, but books that show important typefaces in use.
N.B. Several of the St. Bride Library type specimens available at the Internet Archive have fold-out pages or inserted items which do not appear in the regular viewer or in the PDF downloads. To access them look for TIFF images in the download menu.
Warning: accurate dating of type specimens is notoriously complicated. The dates listed here come from the various institutions and organizations that have digitized them. In most cases they have not consulted with a type specialist and thus there are mistakes. Whenever I have noticed such a mistake or when one has been brought to my attention I have included that information here.
Index of Selected Punchcutters and Type Foundries
Alexandre, Jean—1819 (2)
Richard Austin—1827
Fratelli Amoretti—1811 (2)
Baskerville, John—1800
Binny & Ronaldson—1809 and 1812 (2)
Blake, Garnett & Co.—1819, 1827 (2), and 1828
Bodoni, Giambattista—1802 and 1818 (7)
Bruce Type Foundry—1818, 1820, and 1828 (2)
Caslon & Catherwood—1821
Caslon & Livermore—1826 and 1830
Didot, Firmin—1812, 1814, 1818, 1826 (2), 1828, and 1831
Didot, Henri—1828
Didot, Jules—1819 (4), 1824, and 1826 (2)
Didot, Pierre—1819 (5) and 1821
Enschedé—1816, 1824, 1825, and 1836
Fonderie de Gando Frères—1828 (2) and 1833
Fann Street Foundry—1821 and 1830
Vincent Figgins—1815, 1821, 1824, 1826, 1828, 1834, and 1836
Fleischman, Johan Michel—1816
Edmund Fry—1816 (2), 1824 (2), and 1826
Fry & Steele—1814 (2)
Gillé, Joseph G.—1804 and 1808
Grandjean, Philippe—1819 (2)
Laurent et De Berny—1828, 1830–1839
Luce, Louis—1819 (2)
Martin, William—1807
William Miller—1813, 1814, 1815, 1822 (2), and 1826
Molé le jeune—1823, 1826 (2), and 1830
Pouchée, Louis Jean—1819
Robert Thorne—1803
William Thorowgood—1821, 1826, and 1830
Vibert—1819 (4)
Alexander Wilson & Sons—1814 (2), 1823, and 1826
1800
A Specimen of Printing Types, by Fry, Steele and Co. Letter-Founders to the Prince of Wales, Type-Street
London: 1800
Internet Archive / St. Bride Library
[incomplete; includes 2 fold-outs]
[Berry & Johnson p. 47]
[Mosley 123]
Épreuves des Caractères de la Fonderie des Frères Levrault, a Strasbourg
Strasbourg: 1800 [8th Year of the Republic]
Internet Archive / St. Bride Library
Épreuves des Caractères de la Fonderie des Fréres Levrault a Strasbourg
Strasbourg: 1800 [8th Year of the Republic]
Google Books
[with “Caractères dans le Genre de Baskerville”]
Epreuves des caracteres (nouveaux goût) de la Fonderie de Louis Vernange [handwritten title and date]
Lyon: 1800?
Internet Archive / St. Bride Library
Orientalische Schriftproben
Leipzig: G. Kreysing, 1800
Hathitrust
1802
Saggio dei Nuovi Caratteri della Tipografia Paroni
Vicenza: Bartolomeo Paroni, 1802
Google Books
[“un saggio de’ nuovi caratteri Bodoniani”]
1803
[Robert Thorne specimen book]
London: 1803
Internet Archive / St. Bride Library
[no cover or title page]
[the only fat faces are italics]
[Blades pp. 10–11]
[Berry & Johnson p. 67]
[Mosley 195]
Épreuve et Catalogue des Caractères De l’Imprimerie de la veuve E.-C. Stryvkvant, á Bruxelles
Brussels: 1803
Google Books
[includes “lettres en bois” and “lettres en fonte montée sur bois”]
1804
Épreuves des Vignettes et Fleurons Polytipés Gravés sur Bois par J.L. Duplat
Paris: Gillé Fils, [1804]
Bibliothèque Forney
1805
Specimen of metal Cast ornaments, Curiously Adjusted to Paper, by Fry and Steele, Letter-Founders to the Prince of Wales, Type-Street
London: 1805
Internet Archive / St. Bride Library
[Berry & Johnson p. 47]
[Mosley 127]
1806
Proeve van Letteren, Welke Gegoten Worden in de Haarlemsche Lettergietery van Joh. Enschedé en Zonen
Haarlem: 1806
Internet Archive / St. Bride Library
[with history of the foundry upfront; types credited to Fleischman, Van Dyck, and Rosart]
1807
A Specimen of the Improved Types of G.F. Harris, Printer: (Successor to Mr. John M’Creery,) Houghton-Street, Liverpool
Liverpool: G.F. Harris, 1807
Internet Archive
[includes types by William Martin]
[Berry & Johnson p. 92]
[Mosley P23]
A Specimen of the Improved Types of G.F. Harris, Printer: (Successor to Mr. John M’Creery,) Houghton-Street, Liverpool
Liverpool: G.F. Harris, 1807
American Antiquarian Society
[includes types by William Martin]
[Berry & Johnson p. 92]
[Mosley P23]
1808
Recueil des Divers Caractères Vignettes et Ornemens de la Fonderie et Imprimerie de J.G. Gillé
Paris: Imprimerie de Gillé Fils, 1808
BnF Gallica
André Brossier, Épreuves des Caractères de l’Imprimerie d’André Brossier
Bordeaux: 1808
BnF Gallica
Schriftproben von Peter Hammer [Joseph von Görres]
1808
Hathitrust
1809
A Specimen of Metal Ornaments Cast at the Letter Foundery of Binny & Ronaldson
Philadelphia: Fry and Kammerer, 1809
Hathitrust
[1935 facsimile]
1810
[Specimen of Oriental types]
[France: 1810]
Internet Archive / St. Bride Library
[no cover or title page; includes 14 fold-outs]
Épreuves des caractères de la Fonderie d’Henri Delemer neveu, Rue de la vignette, No. 67, á Lille
Lille: 1810
Internet Archive / St. Bride Library
Épreuves des caractères de la Fonderie d’Allègre et Comp.
Lyon: 1810
L’Armarium
1811 [1808]
Fratelli Amoretti
Notizie Bibliografiche Intorno a Due Rarissime Edizioni del Secolo XV
Angelo Pezzana
Parma: Co’ Tipi Bodoniani, 1808
Internet Archive / St. Bride Library
[bound in after the blank page following p. 91 is Saggio de’ Caratteri e Fregi della Fonderia dei Fratelli Amoretti Incisori e Fonditori in San Pancrazio Presso Parma (1811)]
Saggio de’ Caratteri e Fregi della Fonderia dei Fratelli Amoretti Incisori e Fonditori in San Pancrazio Presso Parma
San Pancrazio: 1811
L’Armarium
1812
Firmin Didot
Épreuve d’un Nouveau Caractère pour l’Imprimerie Impériale
Paris: Fonderie de l’Imprimeries Impériale, 1812
Internet Archive / St. Bride Library
A Specimen of Modern Cut Printing Types, by Alex. Wilson & Sons, Letter-Founders, Glasgow
Glasgow: James Hedderwick and Co., Printers, 1812
Internet Archive / St. Bride Library
[Berry & Johnson p. 54]
[Mosley 215]
George Jefferys
[Specimen of new type for an edition of the New Testament]
Boston: 1812
Library of Congress
[1 page plus documents]
Specimen of Printing Types from the Foundery of Binny & Ronaldson
Philadelphia: 1812
Hathitrust
[Annenberg p. 66]
Specimen of Printing Types from the Foundery of Binny & Ronaldson
Philadelphia: 1812
Internet Archive
[Annenberg p. 66]
Épreuves des Caractères de la Fonderie de Rey Père et Fils, Graveurs et Fondeurs
Lyon: 1812
Bibliothèque Forney
1813
Specimen of Printing Types, by William Miller & Co. Letter-Founders, Edinburgh
Edinburgh: A. Balfour, 1813
Internet Archive / St. Bride Library
[Berry & Johnson pp. 73–74]
[Mosley 155]
1814
Specimen of Printing Types, by William Miller & Co. Letter-Founders, Edinburgh
Edinburgh: A. Balfour, 1814
Internet Archive / St. Bride Library
[Berry & Johnson p. 74]
[Mosley 156]
Fry & Steele’s Specimen of Printing Types
[1814]
Internet Archive / St. Bride Library
[no cover or title page; extracted from Cyclopedia opposite “Printing, Method of” in vol. XXVIII—which one see below]
[Mosley 132]
Fry & Steele’s Specimen of Printing Types
Hathitrust
[inserted in The Cyclopedia; or Universal Dictionary of Arts, Sciences, and Literature by Abraham Rees (London: Longman, Hurst, Rees, Ore, & Brown, 1819) vol. XXVIII—see images 507–514]
[Mosley 132]
Specimen of Printing Types by Alexander Wilson & Sons, Letter-Founders, Glasgow
Internet Archive / St. Bride Library
[1814]
[no cover or title page; extracted from Cyclopedia opposite “Printing, Method of” in vol. XXVIII— see below]
[Mosley 217 with date c.1815]
Specimen of Printing Types by Alexander Wilson & Sons, Letter-Founders, Glasgow
Hathitrust
[inserted in The Cyclopedia; or Universal Dictionary of Arts, Sciences, and Literature by Abraham Rees (London: Longman, Hurst, Rees, Ore, & Brown, 1819) vol. XXVIII—see images 515–523]
[Mosley 217 with date c.1815]
A Sa Majesté l’Empereur Alexandre, Honorant de sa présence La Typographie de Firmin Didot
[Paris]: 1814
BnF Gallica
broadside
Schrift-Proben aus der Lindauer’schen Buchdruckerey in München
Munich: 1814
Bayerische StaatsBibliothek Digital
Schriftproben von F.G. Wetzel [vol. I]
Bamberg: neues Leseinstitut von C.F. Kunz, 1814
Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin
Schriftproben von F.G. Wetzel
Bamberg: neues Leseinstitut von C.F. Kunz, 1814
Hathitrust
1815
Épreuves de la Fonderie de F.G. Levrault, Rue des Juifs, No. 33, a Strasbourg
Strasbourg: L’Imprimerie de F.G. Levrault, [1815]
Internet Archive / St. Bride Library
Specimen of Printing Types by William Miller & Co. Letter-Founders, Edinburgh
Glasgow: R. Chapman, 1815
National Library of Scotland
[Berry & Johnson p. 74]
[Mosley 157]
Specimen of Printing Types by Vincent Figgins, Letter-Founder, West Street, Smithfield, London
[London]: 1815
RIT Digital Collections
[Berry & Johnson pp. 62–63]
[Mosley 96]
“Chronologically, this is the fourth of five copies without any watermarks dated later than 1815. Two further copies contain watermarks dated 1817, the earlier issued between 1817 and 1819; the later issued in 1820. This RIT copy (formerly owned by Stephen Saxe) of the 1815 Figgins specimen has an 1817 specimen of newspaper types bound in, so it was probably issued in 1817.”—John A. Lane (email 25 December 2022).
1816
Specimen of Printing Types, by Edmund Fry, Letter Founder to the King, and Prince Regent, Type, Street, London
London: 1816
Internet Archive / St. Bride Library
[includes 2 fold-outs]
[Blades p. 10]
[Berry & Johnson p. 48]
[Mosley 134]
Specimen of Printing Types by Edmund Fry, Letter Founder to the King, and Prince Regent, Type Street, London
London: 1816
Google Books
[Blades p. 10]
[Berry & Johnson p. 48]
[Mosley 134]
Proeven van Drukletteren, der Lettergieterij van Joh. Enschedé en Zonen [Tweede Gedeelte]
Haarlem: 1816
AllardPierson
1817
A Specimen of the Printing Types of Thomas Rogerson, Printer, Stationer, Bookseller, and Bookbinder, 23, Market-Place, Manchester
Manchester: The Office of T. Rogerson, 1817
Internet Archive / St. Bride Library
[Berry & Johnson p. 93]
[Mosley P44]
1818
Épreuves des Caractères, Vignettes et Polytypes, de l’Imprimerie et Fonderie d’Auguste Semen…
Moscow: 1818
Internet Archive / St. Bride Library
[includes 1 fold-out]
Feuille d’Épreuve no. 4 de Fonderie de Firmin Didot
[Paris]: 1818
Graphic Arts Collection (Princeton University)
type specimen sheet
Manuale Tipografico del Cavaliere Giambattista Bodoni vols. I & II
Parma: Presso la Vedova, 1818
Bridwell Library (Southern Methodist University)
[Blades pp. 19–20]
Manuale Tipografico del Cavaliere Giambattista Bodoni vols. I & II
Parma: Presso la Vedova, 1818
Rare Book Room (Octavo)
[Blades pp. 19–20]
Manuale Tipografico del Cavaliere Giambattista Bodoni vols. I & II
Parma: Presso la Vedova, 1818
Google Books
[Blades pp. 19–20]
Manuale Tipografico del Cavaliere Giambattista Bodoni vol. I
Parma: Presso la Vedova, 1818
Bayerische Staatsbibliothek
[Blades pp. 19–20]
Manuale Tipografico del Cavaliere Giambattista Bodoni vol. I
Parma: Presso la Vedova, 1818
Biblioteca Bodoni
[Blades pp. 19–20]
Manuale Tipografico del Cavaliere Giambattista Bodoni vol. II
Parma: Presso la Vedova, 1818
Biblioteca Bodoni
[Blades pp. 19–20]
Manuale Tipografico del Cavaliere Giambattista Bodoni vol. II
Parma: Presso la Vedova, 1818
Internet Archive / St. Bride Library
[Blades pp. 19–20]
Prove di Caratteri Fregi e Vignette
Brescia: Tipografia di Bettoni e Soci, 1818
Google Books
A Specimen of Printing Types, Cast at the Letter-Foundry of D. & G. Bruce, in Chamber, Near Chatham-Street, New-York
New York: 1818
Internet Archive / St. Bride Library
[includes 3 fold-outs]
[Annenberg p. 83]
[Blades pp. 13 and 24]
The Printer’s Guide; or, An Introduction to the Art of Printing: Including an Essay on Punctuation, and Remarks on Orthography
C.S. Van Winkle
New York: White & Hagar, 1818
Google Books
[missing type specimens from D. & G. Bruce and Elihu White; see copy below]
[Annenberg p. 82]
The Printer’s Guide; or, An Introduction to the Art of Printing: Including an Essay on Punctuation, and Remarks on Orthography
C.S. Van Winkle
New York: White & Hagar, 1818
Internet Archive
[includes A Specimen of Printing Types, from the Foundry of E. White (images 241–272) and A Specimen of Printing Types Cast at D. & G Bruce’s Foundry (images 273–294)]
[1970 facsimile]
[Annenberg p. 82]
n.d. 1792–1818
[Specimens of printing types] /W. Caslon Jun. Letterfounder, Salisbury Square
[London]
Hathitrust
[no cover or title page; includes the first sans serif typeface]
1819
Specimen des Caractères, Vignettes, Armes, Trophées et Fleurons de l’Imprimerie Royale I.re parte: ancienne Typographie
Paris: L’Imprimerie Royale, 1819
Internet Archive / St. Bride Library
[with Romain du Roi by Grandjean, Alexandre, Luce; others by Molé, Luce, Hérissant, Fagnon, Renard; includes 5 fold-outs]
Specimen des Caractères, Vignettes, Armes, Trophées et Fleurons de l’Imprimerie Royale I.re parte: ancienne Typographie
Paris: L’Imprimerie Royale, 1819
L’Armarium
[with Romain du Roi by Grandjean, Alexandre, Luce; others by Molé, Luce, Hérissant, Fagnon, Renard; includes 5 fold-outs]
Spécimen des Nouveaux Caractères de la Fonderie et de l’Imprimerie de P. Didot, l’Ainé
Paris: Chez P. Didot l’Ainé, et Jules Didot, Fils, 1819
Internet Archive / St. Bride Library
[types cut by Vibert]
[Blades p. 21]
[Birrell & Garnett no. 53]
Spécimen des Nouveaux Caractères de la Fonderie et de l’Imprimerie de P. Didot, l’Ainé
Paris: Chez P. Didot l’Ainé, et Jules Didot, Fils, 1819
BnF Gallica
[types cut by Vibert]
[Blades p. 21]
[Birrell & Garnett no. 53]
Spécimen des Nouveaux Caractères de la Fonderie et de l’Imprimerie de P. Didot, l’Ainé
Paris: Chez P. Didot l’Ainé, et Jules Didot, Fils, 1819
Internet Archive / Google Books
[types cut by Vibert]
[Blades p. 21]
[Birrell & Garnett no. 53]
Spécimen des Nouveaux Caractères de la Fonderie et de l’Imprimerie de P. Didot, l’Ainé
Paris: Chez P. Didot l’Ainé, et Jules Didot, Fils, 1819
Hathitrust
[types cut by Vibert]
[Blades p. 21]
[Birrell & Garnett no. 53]
Specimen des Nouveaux Caractères de la Fonderie et de l’Imprimerie de P. Didot, L’ainé
Paris: Chez P. Didot l’Ainé, et Jules Didot, Fils, 1819
Deutsches Technikmuseum
Schriftmusterbücher Sammlung Berthold AG
[types cut by Vibert]
[Blades p. 21]
[Birrell & Garnett no. 53]
Specimen of Printing Types, &c. by Blake, Garnett, and Co. (Successors to Mr. W. Caslon, of London) Letter-Founders, Sheffield
Sheffield: [1819]
Internet Archive / St. Bride Library
[with letter from Harrild & Sons 1884 inserted]
[Blake, Garnett, and Co. announce purchase of Caslon foundry; includes Two Lines Egyptian “sans serif” example]
[Berry & Johnson p. 77]
[Mosley 20 with date c.1819]
[Gray figs. 16, 17, 18, 23, and 24]
Specimen of the Founts of Printing Types Already Completed at the New Type Foundry, of L. I. Pouchée, in Great Wild Street, Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London
London: 1819
Internet Archive / St. Bride Library
[with “Address to the Printers” re: pricing; no decorative types]
[Berry & Johnson p. 80]
[Mosley 180]
n.d. [c.1819–1827]
Fonderie Polyamatype de Henri Didot et Cgnie.
Internet Archive / St. Bride Library
type specimen sheet
[the first book printed using Henri Didot’s polyamatype process was Imitation de Jésus-Christ (1816); the process was won an international award in 1819; the foundry became Fonderie Polyamatype de H. Didot, Legrand et Cie. in 1828]
1820
A Specimen of Printing Types Cast at the Boston Foundry, No. 51, Cornhill
[Boston]: 1820
RIT Digital Collections
[Annenberg p. 73]
A Specimen of Printing Types, Cast at the Letter Foundry of D. & G. Bruce
New York: c.1820
RIT Digital Collections
[Annenberg p. 83]
1821
Épreuves des Caractères de la Fonderie de C.-J. Hartung
Antwerp: Chez le Fondeur
Internet Archive / St. Bride Library
Recueil des Divers Caractères, Signes, Fleurons, Vignettes et Ornemens de la Fonderie des Frères Delemer
Brussels: Imprimerie des Frères Delemer, 1821
Google Books
Supplément au Specimen des Nouveaux Caractères de l’Imprimerie et de la Fonderie de Pierre Didot, l’Ainé, et Jules Didot, Fils
Paris: 1819 [1821]
Internet Archive / St. Bride Library
[Birrell & Garnett no. 54]
Specimen of Printing Types, by Vincent Figgins, Letter-Founder, West Street, West Smithfield, London
London: 1821
Internet Archive / St. Bride Library
[Birrell & Garnett no. 95]
[Berry & Johnson p. 63]
[Mosley 98]
[Gray fig. 30]
Specimen of the Last Modern Cut Printing Types, By A. Bessemer, Letter-Founder, Hitchin, Herts.
Hertfordshire: 1821
Internet Archive / St. Bride Library
[Berry & Johnson p. 81]
[Mosley 16]
Specimen of Printing Types by Caslon & Catherwood, Letter-Founders, Chiswell Street, London
London: Bensley & Sons, Printers [1821]
Internet Archive / St. Bride Library
[title amended in pencil to read: Specimen of Printing Types by Henry Caslon, Letter-Founder, Chiswell Street, London]
[Berry & Johnson p. 23]
[Mosley 69]
[Gray fig. 35]
Thorowgood’s New Specimen of Printing Types, Late R. Thorne’s, No. 2, Fann Street, Aldersgate Street, London
London: 1821
Internet Archive / St. Bride Library
[includes 2 fold-outs]
[Berry & Johnson pp. 67–68]
[Mosley 201]
[Gray figs. 5, 8, 11, 15, 25, 27, and 38]
[Vignetten aus der Deckerschen Druckerei]
Berlin: Köningliche Geheime Ober-Hofbuchdruckerei, 1821
Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin
1822
Specimen of Printing Types, by William Miller, Letter-Founder to His Majesty for Scotland
Edinburgh: James Ballantyne & Co., 1822
Internet Archive / St. Bride Library
[Birrell & Garnett no. 96]
[Berry & Johnson p. 74]
[Mosley 158]
[Specimen of Printing Types by William Miller supplement]
[1822]
Internet Archive / St. Bride Library
[no title page or cover]
[Birrell & Garnett no. 98]
[possibly Mosley 159]
Saggio delli Caratteri di Francesco Andreola Tipografo Guberniale e Provinciale di Venezia e Treviso
Venice: 1822
Google Books
1823
Reference Book of James Hedderwick & Son, Printers, Melville-Place, Glasgow Exhibiting the various Sizes of Printing Types with which their Office is Furnished
Glasgow: Britannia Press, 1823
Internet Archive / St. Bride Library
[types presumably from Alexander Wilson & Sons]
[Berry & Johnson p. 94]
[Mosley P26]
Molé jeune, Épreuves de caractères arabes, gravés et fondus par Molé jeune, sous la direction de M. Langlès
Paris: Imprimerie de Evrat, 1823
BnF Gallica
Saggio de’ Caratteri e Fregi della Tipografia di G. Marenigh in Trieste
Florence: 1823
Östereichische Nationalbibliothek
1824
Specimen of Modern Printing Types, by Edmund Fry, Letter Founder to the King, Type Street
London: 1824
Internet Archive / St. Bride Library
[includes 2 fold-outs]
[copy 1]
[Blades p. 10]
[Berry & Johnson pp. 49–50]
[Mosley 137]
[Gray figs. 42 and 43]
Specimen of Modern Printing Types, by Edmund Fry, Letter Founder to the King, Type Street
London: 1824
Internet Archive / St. Bride Library
[includes 2 fold-outs]
[copy 2]
[Blades p. 10]
[Berry & Johnson pp. 49–50]
[Mosley 137]
[Gray figs. 42 and 43]
Specimen of Printing Types by Vincent Figgins, Letter-Founder, West Street, West Smithfield, London
London: 1824
Internet Archive / St. Bride Library
[includes 1 fold-out]
[Berry & Johnson p. 64]
[Mosley 99]
Livre pour une Petite Fille Bien Sage Imprimé par Jules Didot, l’Ainé, en Trente Caractères…
Paris: Nepveu, 1824
Archives de Lure
[type specimen in the form of a children’s book]
Proeven…van P. van Vlissingen…lettergieterij van Joh. Enschedé en Zonen te Haarlem 1824
Haarlem: Johannes Enschedé en Zonen, 1824
AllardPierson
[text in Dutch and French]
Proben aus der Schriftgiesserey der Köninglichen Ungarischen Universitäts-Buchdruckerey
Ofen: 1824
Internet Archive / St. Bride Library
Sammlung von Verzierungen in Abgüssen für die Buchdrucker-Presse zu haben bei F.W. Gubitz Erstes Heft No. 1–474
Berlin: In der Vereins-Buchhandlung, 1824
Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin
[vignettes]
Sammlung von Verzierungen in Abgüssen für die Buchdrucker-Presse zu haben bei F.W. Gubitz Zweites Heft No. 475–866
Berlin: In der Vereins-Buchhandlung, 1824
Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin
[vignettes; see also 1826, 1832, and 1836]
1825
Schriftproben der Buchdruckerey bon Dr. Carl Wolf in München
Munich: 1825
Internet Archive / St. Bride Library
[Walbaum or Prillwitz type?]
Proben aus der Schriftgiesserei von Karl Tauchnitz in Leipzig
Leipzig: 1825
Internet Archive / St. Bride Library
[missing Aeltere Antiqua-und Cursiv-Schriften]
[Birrell & Garnett no. 68]
Proben aus der Schriftgiesserei von Karl Tauchnitz in Leipzig 1825
Leipzig: 1825
Bayerische StaatsBibliothek Digital
[Aeltere Antiqua-und Cursiv-Schriften include types by Miklos Kis]
[Birrell & Garnett no. 68]
Proben aus der Schriftgiesserey von Gottlob Francke in Berlin
Berlin: 1825
Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin
Schriftproben der Buchdruckerey von Dr. Carl Wolf in München
Munich: 1825
Google Books
Schriftproben der Buchdruckerey von Dr. Carl Wolf in München
Munich: 1825
Bayerische StaatsBibliothek Digital
Druck- und Schrift-Proben der Buchdruckerei von Michael Lindauer in München
Munich: 1825
Bayerische StaatsBibliothek Digital
Druck- und Schrift-Proben der Buchdruckerei von Michael Lindauer in München
Munich: 1825
Bayerische StaatsBibliothek Digital
[different copy from that above]
Proeve van Letteren welke gegoten worden in de Haarlemsche Lettergietery van Joh. Enschedé en Zonen
Haarlem: 1825
Internet Archive / St. Bride Library
New Specimen of Printing Types, from the Fann-Street Letter Foundry, London
London: 1825
Internet Archive / St. Bride Library
[includes 3 fold-outs]
[William Thorowgood; Robert Thorne]
[Berry & Johnson pp. 68–69]
[Mosley 205]
[Gray figs. 39 and 41]
Specimen of the Last Modern Cut by A. Bessemer & J.J. Catherwood, Letter-Founders, Hitchin, Herts.
Hertfordshire: 1825
Internet Archive / St. Bride Library
[includes 6 fold-outs]
[partnership existed in 1820]
[Berry & Johnson p. 82]
[Mosley 18]
1826
Specimen of Modern Printing Types, by Alex. Wilson and Sons, Letter-Founders, Glasgow
Glasgow: 1826
Internet Archive / St. Bride Library
[Mosley 219]
[Supplement to Blake, Garnett & Co. 1826 specimen]
Internet Archive / St. Bride Library
[Berry & Johnson pp. 78–79]
[Mosley 22]
Specimens of the Types Commonly Used in the Temple Printing Office… Bouverie Street.
London: J. Moyes, 1826
Internet Archive / St. Bride Library
[Birrell & Garnett no. 99]
[Berry & Johnson p. 95]
[Mosley P36]
Specimens of the Types Commonly Used in The Temple Printing Office, Bouveries Street; with Their Names, and the Names of the Founders: Also, Specimens of Wood Engravings
London: Temple Printing Office, 1826
[bound in with Specimens of Types, and Inventory of Printing Material Belonging to the University Printing Office of Glasgow…]
Internet Archive / St. Bride Library
[typefaces from Figgins, Thorowgood, Caslon & Livermore, Fry, Wilson & Sons, Miller]
[Birrell & Garnett no. 99]
[Berry & Johnson p. 95]
[Mosley P19 and P36]
Specimens of the Types Commonly Used in The Temple Printing Office, Bouveries Street; with Their Names, and the Names of the Founders: Also, Specimens of Wood Engravings
London: Temple Printing Office, 1826
Google Books
[typefaces from Figgins, Thorowgood, Caslon & Livermore, Fry, Wilson & Sons, Miller]
[Birrell & Garnett no. 99]
[Berry & Johnson p. 95]
[Mosley P36]
Recueil des Divers Caracteres, Vignettes et Ornemens de la Fonderie et Imprimerie de J.G. Gillé
Paris: 1826
Internet Archive
[dated 1808 on title page but with internal date of 1814]
Recueil des Divers Caracteres, Vignettes et Ornemens de la Fonderie et Imprimerie de J.G. Gillé
Paris: 1826
Bibliothèque Forney
[the specimen has a title page dated 1808 and includes leaves dated 1793, 1808, 1812, and 1814]
Specimen des Caractères de l’Imprimerie de Lachevardiere Fils, Tue de Colombier No. 30, á Paris
[Paris]: 1826
BnF Gallica
Manuel de la Typographie Française ou Traité Complet de l’Imprimerie…
Pierre-Adolphe Capelle
Paris: 1826
Bibliothèque Forney
[before the rear cover there is a fold-out Spécimen des Principaux Caractères de MM. Firmin Didot, Jules Didot, et Molé]
type specimen sheet
Manuel de la Typographie Française ou Traité Complet de l’Imprimerie…
Pierre-Adolphe Capelle
Paris: 1826
Internet Archive
[missing the fold-out Spécimen des Principaux Caractères de MM. Firmin Didot, Jules Didot, et Molé]
Sammlung von Verzierungen in Abgüssen für die Buchdrucker-Presse zu haben bei F.W. Gubitz Drittes Heft No. 867–1272
Berlin: In der Vereins-Buchhandlung, 1826
Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin
[vignettes; see also 1824, 1832, and 1836]
1827
Abdruck der Schriften in der k.k. priv. und ö. Landschafts-Buchdruckerey des Anton Edlen v. Schmid in Wien
[Vienna]: 1827
Internet Archive / St. Bride Library
Pierre Durouchail, Épreuves des Divers Ornemens Typographiques: Gravés sur Bois et Polytypés
Paris: Imprimerie Duverger, 1827
Google Books
[cuts; with inserted documents dated 1830 and 1832]
Specimen of Printing Types, by Vincent Figgins, Letter Founder, London
London: 1827
Internet Archive / St. Bride Library
[newspaper types—with specimen text on the history of newspapers]
[Berry & Johnson pp. 64–65]
[Mosley 102]
Specimen of Printing Types, Cast at Austin’s Imperial Letter-foundery, Worship-Street, Shoreditch, London
London: [1827]
Internet Archive / St. Bride Library
[Berry & Johnson p. 77]
[Mosley 3]
Specimen of Printing Types, by Blake, Garnett, & Co. (Successors to Mr. W. Caslon, of London,) Letter-Founders, Sheffield
Sheffield: Blake, Garnett & Co., [1827]
Internet Archive / St. Bride Library
[Mosley 24; 1819 date cut out and 1827 added by hand
[Gray fig. 63]
[Supplement to 1827 specimen of Blake, Garnett & Co.]
Internet Archive / St. Bride Library
[Berry & Johnson p. 79]
[Mosley 23]
[no title page or cover]
1828
Specimen of Printing Types, by Vincent Figgins, Letter Founder…
London: 1828
Internet Archive / St. Bride Library
[includes 6 fold-outs]
[with printed letter at front dated 1819]
[Berry & Johnson p. 65]
[Mosley 103]
[Gray fig. 12]
[Supplement to Specimen by Blake, Garnett & Company 1828]
Internet Archive / St. Bride Library
[no title page or cover]
[Berry & Johnson p. 79]
[Mosley 26]
Recueil de Vignettes Gravées sur Bois et Polytypées par [Charles] Thompson
Paris: de l’Imprimerie de J. Pinard, 1828
Internet Archive / St. Bride Library
[1st copy]
Recueil de Vignettes Gravées sur Bois et Polytypées par [Charles] Thompson
Paris: de l’Imprimerie de J. Pinard, 1828
Internet Archive / St. Bride Library
[2nd copy]
Specimen des Caractères de la Fonderie Polyamatype de H. Didot, Legrand et Cie.
Paris: Imprimerie de E. Duverger, 1828
Internet Archive / St. Bride Library
[includes 5 fold-outs]
[Birrell & Garnett no. 57]
Fonderie de Firmin Didot Père et Fils…
Paris: Imprimerie de Firmin Didot, 1828
Internet Archive / St. Bride Library
[Birrell & Garnett no. 58]
Spécimen des Caractères de la Fonderie de Gando Frères…
Paris: Imprimerie de J. Tastu, 1828
Internet Archive / St. Bride Library
[includes 1 fold-out]
Specimen des Caractères de la Fonderie de Gando Frères
Paris: Imprimerie de J. Tastu, 1828
BnF Gallica
[includes 1 fold-out]
Specimen Divers Caractères, Vignettes et Ornemens Typographiques Fonderie de Laurent et De Berny
Paris: 1828
Bibliothèque Forney
Collection des Polytypages de Gallay, Fondeur en Caractères et Marchand-Fabricand d’Ustensiles d’Imprimeries en Lettres, Lithographiques et en Taille-douce de Presses Stanhopes, Colombiennes, Mécaniques et d’Encre
Paris: 1828
Google Books
[with Épreuves de la Fonderie de Joniaux-Feit (Bruxelles, 1828) inserted at back]
Épreuve des Caractères de Foudriat et Pennequin, Graveurs et Fondeurs, rue Villa-Hermosa, No. 706, à Bruxelles
Brussels: Imprimerie de H. Remy, 1828
Google Books
Recueil des Divers Caractères, Signes, Fleurons, Vignettes, et Ornemens de la Fonderie Typographique Royale
Brussels: Imprimerie de L. Dumont, 1828
Google Books
[cover is dated 1826; fold-outs are poorly scanned; invoice inserted at back]
Saggio di Caratteri, Ornati, e Vignette della Fabbrica de’ Punzoni di Carlo Cataneo, Regio Incisore, e Direttore della medesima Stabilitá Con Real Dispaccio nella Stamperia Reale
Napoli: Cataneo, 1828
Google Books
A Specimen of Printing Types and Ornaments, Cast in the Letter-Foundry of George Bruce, at No. 10 Chambers-Street, Near Chatham-Street. New York
New York: 1828
Hathitrust
[Annenberg p. 83]
A Specimen of Printing Types and Ornaments, Cast in the Letter-Foundry of George Bruce, at No. 10 Chambers-Street, Near Chatham-Street. New York
New York: 1828
Internet Archive
[Annenberg p. 83]
1829
Schriftproben J.E. v. Seidel’schen Buchdruckerei zu Sulzbach im Regenkreise Bayerns
Sulzbach: 1829
Google Books
Schriftproben J.E. v. Seidel’schen Buchdruckerei zu Sulzbach im Regenkreise Bayerns
Sulzbach: 1829
Bayerische StaatsBibliothek Digital
[Boston Type and Stereotype Foundry Additional Specimen]
Boston: 1829
American Antiquarian Society
[title page missing]
[Annenberg/Saxe p. 250]
1830
Specimen of Printing Types by Caslon & Livermore, Letter-Founders, Chiswell Street, London
London: Bensley, Printer [1830]
Internet Archive / St. Bride Library
[includes 2 fold-outs]
[Berry & Johnson p. 24 with c.1829 date]
[Mosley 74]
[Gray figs. 40 and 59]
Bower & Bacon Improved Specimen of Printing Types, Sheffield, 1830
Sheffield: 1830
Internet Archive / St. Bride Library
[Berry & Johnson pp. 72–73]
[Mosley 33]
[Gray figs. 31 and 32]
A Specimen of Book and Newspaper Printing Types by Hugh Hughes, Letter Cutter and Founder, 23, Dean Street, Fetter Lane
[London: 1830]
Internet Archive / St. Bride Library
[Berry & Johnson p. 83 dated c.1825]
[Mosley 142 dated “after 1823”]
A Specimen of the Types Used by B. Bensley, Printer
Andover: [1830]
Internet Archive / St. Bride Library
[Berry & Johnson p. 95]
[Mosley P12]
Specimen of the Last Modern cut Printing Types, by A. Bessemer, Letter-Founder, 54, Red Lion Street, Clerkenwell, London
London: 1830
Internet Archive / St. Bride Library
[Berry & Johnson p. 83]
[Mosley 19]
[William Thorowgood]
[Additions to the Specimen of the Fann Street Letter Foundry]
Internet Archive / St. Bride Library
[no title page or cover; “Proof” marked in pencil on many pages]
[Berry & Johnson p. 70]
[Mosley 209]
[Gray fig. 34; she refers to a specimen dated c.1828]
Caractères Gravés et Fondus par Molé Jeune…
Paris: de l’Imprimerie de J. Tastu, 1830
Internet Archive / St. Bride Library
[Birrell & Garnett no. 60]
Spécimen des Caractères de la Fonderie de Vve Constantin aîné et Constantin jeune, à Nancy. Meurthe.
Metz: Imprimerie de C. Dosquet, 1830
Google Books
Eerste Vervolg op de Proeve van Letteren, welke gegoten worden in de Lettergietery van Joh. Enschedé en Zonen Haarlem
Haarlem: 1830
Google Books
Saggio sulla Vita e Sulle Opere di Antonio Canova [Seconda Edizione]
Pisa: Presso Niccolò Capurro, 1830
internetculturale
[only the title page and p. L (50) are viewable; the title page says “co’ caratteri di F. Didot”]
Muestras de los Caractéres de Letras que se hallan en la Imprenta, de Roque Gallifa
Zaragoza: 1830
Hathitrust
Proben von Buchbinderschriften aus der Schriftgiesserey der Andreaeischen Buchhandlung
Frankfurt am Main: 1830
Deutsche Nationalbibliothek
[This is a manufacturer of brass type. For more information on brass type see “Germany’s brass type foundries: Project start” by Dan Reynolds]
1830–1839
Fonderie de Laurent et De Berny Lettres pour les Affiches
Paris: Chez Claye et C., [between 1830 and 1839]
Bibliothèque Forney
[includes 3 fold-outs]
1831
Fonderie de Firmin Didot Frères 2e Cahier, Contenant Les Caractères Grecs
Paris: Imprimerie de Firmin Didot Frères, 1831
BnF Gallica
1832
Letterproef [Lettergieterij van Joh. Enschedé & Zonen te Haarlem]
[Haarlem: c.1832]
AllardPierson
type specimen sheet
Épreuve et Catalogue des Caractères de l’Imprimerie de Feu Mr. P.F. de Goesin-Verhaege
Gand: Chez la Veuve de P.F. de Goesin-Verhaege, 1832
Google Books
[includes Capitales Montées sur Bois]
Sammlung von Verzierungen in Abgüssen für die Buchdrucker-Presse zu haben bei F.W. Gubitz Viertes Heft No. 1273–1516
Berlin: In der Vereins-Buchhandlung, 1832
Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin
[vignettes; also see 1824, 1826, and 1836]
Proben aus der Buchdruckerey von Friedrich Humann in Bamberg
Bamberg: 1832
Bayerische StaatsBibliothek Digital
Paas & Co.: Manufacturers of Bookbinders’ & Printers’ Brass Ornaments & Graining Plates of every description: Engravers and Printers in General
London: n.d. [c.1832]
RIT Digital Collections
[single sheet]
[not in Mosley]
Specimen of Printing Types from the Boston Type & Stereotype Foundry, Nos. 37 & 39 Congress Street. John G. Rogers, Agent.
Boston: Samuel N. Dickinson, Printer, 1832
Internet Archive
[Annenberg p. 73]
A Specimen of Printing Types and Ornaments, from the Baltimore Type Foundry, Lovely Lane, Near South Street
Baltimore: Jas. Lucas & E.K. Deaver, 1832
Hathitrust
[Annenberg p. 52]
1833
Épreuve des Vignettes Polytipées de la Fonderie de Gando, a Bruxelles
Brussels: [1833]
Google Books
[at the back of Collection des Polytypages de Gallay… (1828)]
Suplemento a las Muestras de los Caracteres de la Fundición de J.B. Clement Sturme y Compañía. Valencia
Valencia: Manuel Lopez, 1833
Biblioteca Digital Hispanica
Muestras de los Nuevos Caracteres que se Funden en el Obrador de la Imprenta Real
Madrid: 1833
Biblioteca Digital Hispanica
Specimens of Modern and Light Face Printing Types and Ornaments, Cast at the Foundry of White, Hagar & Co., 45 Gold-Street, New-York
New York: 1833
RIT Digital Collections
[with 1 fold-out]
[Annenberg p. 238]
1834
Specimen of Printing Types, by Vincent Figgins, Letter-Founder, West Street, West Smithfield, London
London: 1834
Wellcome Collection
Saggio di Caratteri della Fonderia Reale di Torino
Torino: 1834
Google Books
Specimen of Printing Types from the New England Type Foundry, Henry Willis, No. 66 Congress Street
Boston: Dutton & Wentworth, Printers, 1834
Hathitrust
[Annenberg p. 204]
1835
Fonderie de E. Tarbé, Successeur de Molé, Rue de Madame, N. 4 Premier Cahier Caractères Romains et Italiques, Lettres de Titres et d’Affiches
Paris: Imprimerie de Béthune e Plon, 1835
Google Books
Primo Saggio di Caratteri e Fregi della Fonderia dello Stabilimento de Giuseppe Antonelli, Premiato della Medaglia d’Oro
Venice: 1835
Google Books
1836
Specimen of Printing Types by V. & J. Figgins, Successors to Vincent Figgins, Letter Founder, West Street, West Smithfield, London
London: 1836
Bibliothèque Forney
Premier Specimen des Caractères de la Fonderie A. Latouche et M. Buffet, Graveurs et Fondeurs, Rue Saint-Jacques, 41, Paris
Paris: 1836
Google Books
Premier Specimen des Caractères de la Fonderie A. Latouche et M. Buffet, Graveurs et Fondeurs, Rue Saint-Jacques, 41, Paris
Paris: 1836
Bibliothèque Forney
[cover and title page missing]
Tweede Vervolg op de Proeve van Letteren, welke gegoten worden in de Lettergieterij van Joh. Enschedé en Zonen
Haarlem: 1836
AllardPierson
[mainly vignettes]
Proeven van Drukletteren, welke gevonden worden ter Boekdrukkerij van C.M. van Bolhuis Hoitsema te Groningen
Groningen: 1836
Hathitrust
Sammlung von Verzierungen in Abgüssen für die Buchdrucker-Presse zu haben bei F.W. Gubitz Fünftes Heft No. 1517–1688
Berlin: In der Vereins-Buchhandlung, 1836
Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin
Specimen of Printing Types and Ornaments by Robb & Ecklin, Letter Founders, Corner of Crown & Callowhill Streets, Philadelphia
1836
RIT Digital Collections
[Annenberg p. 219]
References
Annenberg = Type Foundries of America and their Catalogs by Maurice Annenberg (New Castle, Delaware: Oak Knoll Press, 1994). With additions and an introduction by Stephen O. Saxe.
Blades = Some Early Type Specimen Books of England, Holland, France, Italy, and Germany catalogued by William Blades (London: Reprinted from the “Printers’ Register”, 1875)
Gray = Nineteenth Century Ornamented Types and Title Pages by Nicolete Gray (Berkeley and Los Angeles: University of California Press, 1976)
Kelly = American Wood Type 1828–1900 by Rob Roy Kelly (New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1969)
Mosley = British Type Specimens before 1831: A Hand-List by James Mosley (Oxford: Oxford Bibliographical Society, Bodleian Library in association with the Dept. of Typography & Graphic Communication, University of Reading, 1984)
Shields = The Rob Roy Kelly American Wood Type Collection: A History and Catalog by David Shields (Austin, Texas: University of Texas Press, 2022)
Acknowledgements
I would like to thank Stephen Coles, Dan Reynolds, and John A. Lane for suggestions and comments regarding specimens included in this list; and Bob Richardson and Alicia Chilcott of St. Bride Library for information about their digitized specimens.