New handset type

Faces

This is a list of typefaces and sizes for which we have matrices for casting on our Monotype Composition Caster. Not all fonts of matrices have been checked for completeness and condition, so it may turn out that, although listed here, we might not provide you with type of that face and size.

For more general information on ordering type, please see our “Font Schemes” page.

There are two independent and unrelated systems for Monotype fonts: Most of the fonts listed here were produced by Lanston Monotype (the American company) and listed with ‘L’ as the manufacturer. A few fonts were produced by Monotype Corporation (the English company) and listed with ‘M’ as the manufacturer.

Monotype Corporation used a single number for a font containing roman, small caps, and italics, although we sell these separately.

For Lanston matrices, however, the styles are indicated by suffixing letters to the size, per the following table:

Many faces appear to be deemed intrinsically bold, and so have only J and K suffixes. Suffixes A-D are used for modern faces, while E-H are used for Old Style faces. This distinction really only makes a difference when examining the matrices for figures, where Old Style faces can have either hanging or lining figures.

Monotype did not use these suffixes for display matrices; instead such distinctions were made by using a different face number. Italic faces were usually numbered by appending ‘1’ or ‘11’ to the roman face number, but there is no such correspondence between roman and bold faces. Display sizes, however, still used the ‘B’ suffix for small caps. In the following tables, italic display faces are numbered with the corresponding roman font’s number and a ‘C’ suffix. Display faces in general use A and C suffixes even though E and G or J and K might be more appropriate given the designations of the composition matrices.

Display sizes larger than 36 points will be cast on 36 point bodies with no space for descenders and do not include any lowercase.

A lowercase ‘d’ after the point size indicates that the size is in Didot points, which are about 7% larger than American points. These fonts will be cast on the next available size up of body (e.g. 10d will be cast on a 12-American-point body).

This table does not specify if the font includes hanging or lining figures. Which style of figures are included with any particular font is somewhat random, although in composition sizes, roman and italic of any particular size will have the same figure style.

Any of these discrepancies will be explained and checked with you when you order your type. Monotype has established standard alignments for all its faces, but if you want to mix new type with existing type in your case, you should be prepared to send us some samples of your type so that, if your type does not have standard alignment, we can match what you have. If we find your type does not have standard alignment we will inform you of this and you can decide if you want to match your alignment, or use standard alignment and scrap or sequester your existing type.

Typefaces (alphabetical by name)

Typefaces (in manufacturer/numerical order)

Because of its weight, shipping type can be very expensive, so you would probably want to consider picking it up at our shop if possible. We also can deliver your type to any of the book arts fairs we attend (Grimsby Wayzgoose, OCADU Book Arts Fair, CBBAG fairs, etc.) for a flat rate of $5 per full font, provided we have enough time to cast your type before the fair. Such requests are handled on a first come, first served basis as time permits.