Period Stencil and Lettering Source?

[James A. Page]

I am working on a a 19th-century recruiting/patriotic banner.

Since this banner has lettering on it---and I dont trust my unsteady hand or inkmanship---I am in need of a period stencil.

Is there a source for these? Anyone have experience with this? Recommendations?

[Pvt Schnapps]

Re: Period Stencil and Lettering Source?

This may not help you at all, but I'm sure there were a number of different stencils used and even if you can get one, it might not work for the font or size of lettering you had in mind. A few years back when I wanted to duplicate a stencil used on a field desk, I xeroxed the picture with the stencilled inscription, blew it up, transferred the outline of the letters to the desk with a sheet of carbon paper, then painted the letters in with lamp black (oil paint). It was actually easier than cutting the image out in cardboard or some other material for a real stencil. If you don't get a better answer from someone else, you might try something along the same lines.

[Jimmayo]

Re: Period Stencil and Lettering Source?

Do a forum search for "stencils". You will get more threads than you care to read but somewhere in the mix is the information you seek.

[Rear Guard]

Re: Period Stencil and Lettering Source?

They were good and quite used to hand-lettering signs in those days......warts and all. In other words, don't rule out a hand-lettered job, it just may be the more authentic way to go.