Earliest Documented Existence of Use of Sans Serif Font on Sheffield Maker's Stamps

Jim McDougall · 1st March 2012, 03:35 AM

Chris and Spiral thank you both so much for taking this intriguing topic out of the other thread, and placing it with its own. I must say I really like this constructive and team oriented move which is proving a valuable look into this otherwise subtle nuance of markings.

With the interesting perspective you have both shown, I am curious just how much variation might have been in place with both styles of font in contemporary use. It would seem that in many cases long established makers might have used older forms longer, and possibly more modern and industrialized style prevailed in those regions where this was more prevalent.

Also, I am wondering just how much metalworking stamps would follow the character of printed material, for example the use of the long or medial 'S' which looked like an 'f' in this context. Obviously the use of majescule letters would be presumed for stamping, while perhaps the cursive script so often used in markings in the 18th century would have favored the print characters. .. or did it?

Excellent topic guys!!!! Thank you again.

All the best,
Jim

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1st March 2012, 03:35 AM	#9
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,306	Chris and Spiral thank you both so much for taking this intriguing topic out of the other thread, and placing it with its own. I must say I really like this constructive and team oriented move which is proving a valuable look into this otherwise subtle nuance of markings. With the interesting perspective you have both shown, I am curious just how much variation might have been in place with both styles of font in contemporary use. It would seem that in many cases long established makers might have used older forms longer, and possibly more modern and industrialized style prevailed in those regions where this was more prevalent. Also, I am wondering just how much metalworking stamps would follow the character of printed material, for example the use of the long or medial 'S' which looked like an 'f' in this context. Obviously the use of majescule letters would be presumed for stamping, while perhaps the cursive script so often used in markings in the 18th century would have favored the print characters. .. or did it? Excellent topic guys!!!! Thank you again. All the best, Jim