Skip to content

Where to buy antique typography catalog, first edition ?

Featured Replies

This topic was imported from the Typophile platform

Hi,

I want to buy first editions of these nineteenth century catalogs,
to scan them to have the best quality to vectorize ornaments and add them to my Vectorian Pack http://www.vectorian.net

- Gravure et Fonderie Charles Derriey - Specimen Album - 1862
- American Type foundry catalog - 1897 or 1912
- George bruce's Son & Co - 1882

Do you know where I can buy it online?
Or do you know any specialized bookshop that I can contact?

So far, I've just found Abebooks.com for buying first editions.

Thanks,
Vincent

The French foundry I can't comment on; never seen it offered.

The ATF 1897 or 1912 -- watch eBay. The older ones come up about once every 12-18 months.

George Bruce's Son & Co., 1882 -- not much chance of seeing that except rarely, usually at auction. Then you should be prepared to pay a hefty price for it.

Check Oak Knoll Books and The Veatches Arts of the Book; they usually have some specimen books for sale. You can find them through Google since they're both well known firms.

You might also approach a known specimen book collector to ask if they have duplicates.

I have a copy of the 1912 ATF catalog, numbered A3247, in better-than-average shape for a one-hundred-year-old book. One caveat: mailing it to France could in itself cost a tidy sum, since the book weighs over 5 kilos. Reasonable offers will be entertained, if you're interested.

  • Author

Thanks a lot for your help!

Majus, you're right: ebay is the best place, and I found a a ATF 1912 at 215$, not bad.
Look forward to catch a 1897 :-)

George bruce is untouchable, saw one at 17000$ !
(and I guess that the french market was smaller than the american one, it should be so rare...)

The Veatches Arts of the Book is a excellent Book shop: found a Barnhart & Spindler at 150$ (year 1900).

OldNick, your offer is super nice, thanks a lot :-)
As I got already the ATF 1912, no need to send it to me.
By the way, delive rin France is not that expensive, 50$ in priority box with USPS.

Thanks!
Vincent

Create an account or sign in to comment

Important Information

We are placing functional cookies on your device to help make this website better.

Account

Navigation

Search

Search

Configure browser push notifications

Chrome (Android)
  1. Tap the lock icon next to the address bar.
  2. Tap Permissions → Notifications.
  3. Adjust your preference.
Chrome (Desktop)
  1. Click the padlock icon in the address bar.
  2. Select Site settings.
  3. Find Notifications and adjust your preference.