Williams & Packard's Original Gems of Penmanship, respectfully dedicated to Bryant, Stratton and Co's International Chain of Business Colleges
New York: D. Appleton & Co. Publishers, 1866. Hardcover. Three-quarters reddish cloth with brown board spine, gilt letters on front cover, unpaginated, BW engravings. F (Spine material is missing; hinges are barely holding; much wear to covers otherwise; book was once wet and bares some brown stainage on flyleaves and selected pages; some occasional foxing; hand-lettered dedication to an exemplary student on first flyleaf; text portions of interior leaves are generally clear.). Item #143232
Title on front cover: Gems of Penmanship by Williams & Packard. A 19th-century study book of styles, fonts, flourishes, and techniques of lettering. Makes you realize what a personal art we've lost, with the proliferation of electronics and computerization. A few engravings included as examples. This copy was "Presented to Sarah E. Thresher for the best Specimen of Business Penmanship" on May 31, 1867, as noted on the opening flyleaf. A browser's delight.
Price: $300.00