Metal type decoration terms

[Ralf Herrmann]

I am looking for 3 English terms from the metal type era. 

1. In German it’s Einfassung, which means something like “enclosure elements”. What was the common term for these in English?

 

2. Those decorative illustrations made as a single block. Is there a specific term for those in English as in German (Vignette)?

3. And lastly, what is the umbrella term for all these kind of elements that are not directly letter-based? How was that called typically in old English metal type specimens? Just “decoration” or is there another term?

 

Edited May 22, 2015 by Ralf Herrmann

[Ralf Herrmann]

Got a few answers on Twitter, but I would be happy if someone could offer additional clarity about these terms. 

 

[Member Geo…]

Interesting question, no perfect answer. In the ATF 1897 specimen book there wasn't a broad category. By 1923 they showed all of their Initials, Florets, Cuts, Spots, Borders, et al, in a section appropriately named "Decorative Material".

As regards the images you show, the first would be Borders, the second could be called
Vignettes depending upon use. In the second case they could also be called Cameos, Spots, Emblems, Symbols or Cuts depending upon design. If they were used along with additional decorative matter then I would refer to them as Vignettes. If they were used as an organization-specifc symbol they could be called Logos.

"Fleurons" is not an overall category but is a category of type matter which is floral by
design. They are also called "Florets".

In the old days what they were called was sometimes affected by the region of the world in which one was working -- especially in the US -- which further complicated the issue. In today's world that may not be so true.