The number of antique faces in the Charles Broad Matrix Collection that we have yet to cast is dwindling, but here’s a new one and it’s a good ‘un. Elegante originated as Sensation in 1913 at Germany’s Hoffmeister foundry. Some time later is was produced in the U.S. by Baltotype (with or without permission), and it is these matrices that we have. In American Metal Typefaces McGrew describes it as a recutting, but that is not accurate—the mats are electrodeposited, and therefore exact duplicates of the original. Elegante in 36pt has a number of specials including guillamets, a curlicue interpoint (no that’s not an @ sign) and what is surely the most useless logotype in history: Etc, capitalized, no less. While the bulk of the font is on 36pt body, descenders are cast on 42 to avoid kerns. See the product listing for a full specimen.
July’s relentless heat did not stop us from hauling in two more loads of new old stock ATF type from our out-of-state source. The inventory currently shows 466 line items totaling about 3,100 lbs and we have an estimated 6,000 lbs of type yet to inspect and list. At least this much more is yet to be brought in. The inventory is accessible on the main menu of our web site and all of it is available for purchase. (Our hispanic friends may be interested to know that there are Spanish Accent supplements for many of the faces.) Watch for revisions, posted when, as, and if we get more of the incoming type evaluated.