Looking for the fonts used in 1940's JBL logo

[thejohn]

I am looking for the fonts used in the attached vintage JBL logo. Particularly the "signature speaker" one. This logo was used in the '40s and '50s. There are some versions available on various Logo websites but the fonts don't match actual product logos from the period.... Thanks!  

[Kevin Thompson]

The image you posted is very small and low res. After searching out larger images on the web, a few options:

Century Expanded Italic

Century MT Expanded Italic

 

[thejohn]

Thanks for the reply @Kevin Thompson.

Here is a slightly better pic I found.

The bottom of the g is definitely a closed loop (like the font used in this forum!) whereas the Century fonts have an open bottom to the g.

The century fonts to seem to match the logos available online but they are not thesame as the logos on the actual products...  

[thejohn]

Running that last pic through Myfonts identifier came up with this that I think may be close enough:

[Kevin Thompson]

Sorry, missed that difference on the samples I found.

Nadira isn’t a great match. Times Europa Italic would be closer.

[thejohn]

@Kevin Thompson That looks like it'll work. 

Amazing! Thank you!

 

 

[Kevin Thompson]

Another option: Monotype Bodoni Italic

[Kevin Thompson]

Used this as a source for matching:

[thejohn]

Thanks @Kevin Thompson. I see some of the features match better but the horizontals are noticeably thinner in that font... 

[Kevin Thompson]

Keep in mind the means of production—printing on label material, or even silkscreening on metal, is going to alter the type's appearance. Digital fonts are often more crisp and higher contrast than their printed (and vintage) samples.

[thejohn]

True. And of course the plates I need to replicate (like my sample pics) are 75mm wide overall and that script is only about 2mm high! I think I'll lay out some samples with various fonts and see if one can even tell the difference...  

[thejohn]

The plan is fiber laser on black anodized aluminum....

[Kevin Thompson]

Find the best match for the overall form—you can always convert the type to outlines and add a stroke to beef up the lighter horizontals/get a sturdier image for the reproduction process.

[thejohn]

@Kevin Thompson Thanks a lot man. Really appreciate the time!