REVISED EDITION
Copyright 1909,
By W. A. THOMPSON
REVISED EDITION
Copyright 1914,
By W. A. THOMPSON
360
d
Druggists and Dispensers
Practical Show Card Instructor
REVISED EDITION
Published by W. A. THOMPSON,
Pontiac, Michigan, U.S.A.
CONTENTS:
How to Practice, Materials, etc 3, 4
Elementary Exercise, Marking Pen 5
Marking Pen Alphabets, Different Styles 6, 7. 14, 15, 20, 21, 22, 23, 28, 29
Marking Pen Show Card Copies.... 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13. 16. 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26, 27, 30, 31, 32, 33
Soennecken Pen Lettering, Show Card Copies, etc 34, 43
Automatic Shading Pen Lettering 44, 49
Brush Lettering Instruction 50, 52
Gothic Italic Alphabet and Exercises (Brush) 53, 55
Light Line Brush Stroke, Show Card Copies, etc 56, 59
Egyptian Alphabet (BrushV with Show Card Illustrations 60, 65
Single Stroke Block, with Show Card Illustrations 66, 71
Show Card Roman (Brush) with Show Card Illustrations 72, 89
Modified Roman (Brush) with Exercises and Card Copies 90, 93
Semi-Script (Brush) with Show Card Illustrations 94, 99
Old English (Brush) with Show Card Illustrations 100, 105
Snow Capped Alphabet with Show Card Illustrations 106, 109
Brush Alphabets, Shading, Figures, etc 110, 119
Show Card Copies 120, 121
Border Outlines, Scroll Designs, Air Brush Effect, etc 122, 129
icf^/^jy^
PREFACE
THE OBJECT of this treatise is to give a practical course of instruction in lettering and designing
necessary for making all styles of show cards and price tickets required by the up-to-date
Druggist and Soda Fountain Dispenser. The New and Revised Edition contains thirty-two
additional pages to that of the former edition The exercises and alphabets are fully illustrated
and presented in simple form, showing the make-up of different letters and figures by combining
vertical, horizontal, oblique and curved lines. In addition to a full variety of practical alphabets and
exercises, a large number of business-bringing show cards are reproduced which will enable any one
of ordinary ability to make attractive card signs in spare time that will increase business.
The making of rapid and neat show cards by the aid of this book will be found a simple matter,
even for those without the slightest previous experience or knowledge of lettering. The work of the
entire book embodies the latest and most approved forms and methods for quick results, which will
commend itself at once to business men and clerks of practical ideas, as being a Valuable Show Card
Instructor.
W. A. THOMPSON.
Pontiac. Michigan. 1914.
AUG 19 1914
©CI.A379149
DRUGGISTS AND DISPENSERS PRACTICAL SHOW CARD INSTRUCTOR
MARKING PEN LETTERING
How to Practice, Materials, etc.
For the beginner in lettering a No. 1 Marking Pen is
recommended, which throws a solid line )/% of an inch
wide. The marking pen is a strong and perfect device
for rapid and clean-cut lettering, and the use of these
pens — different sizes, 1-16 to l / 2 inch wide — will enable
the learner to acquire a substantial and easy method of
rapid and uniform lettering.
INKS — A good ink is very important for neat work.
Common writing fluid is too thin to produce a deep color
or brilliant letter. You need ink strong in color with
enough Gum Arabic in it to be about the thickness of
common syrup or varnish. This will keep it from flow-
ing too freely. Should the ink become too thick and
make broken work in your lettering, add a few drops of
water and mix. Marking and Shading Inks on the mar-
ket, made of good material and of proper consistency,
will flow free, cut clean in lettering, and dry hard with
gloss. See page 133.
In practical work it is a decided advantage for the card
writer to be enabled to make marking or shading inks as
needed. So we give a simple and neat method as to how
the student may make inks from the start by preparing
the same at first cost. First take a package of
"Thompson's Ink Powder" of the desired color (see
page 135), and pour the contents into an ink bottle. Fill
the same nearly full with warm water. This will "dis-
solve the ink powder instantly and make an exceedingly
strong solution. Now all that is necessary is to get a
good Gum Arabic mucilage and color same by adding a
few drops of the ink powder solution. Very little of the
solution will produce a brilliant and deep color. If the
ink should be too thin add a few pieces of Gum Arabic
Figure 1
about the size of a pea. Should the ink become too
thick and make broken work in your lettering, add a few
drops of water. Very little practice will overcome any
difficulty in making and using this ink. For a neat and
clean method it would be advisable to get six or eight
wide-mouthed ounce bottles at a drug store, or any small
and low set bottles that may be at hand. In this way
one could have a full line of inks and color mucilage as
needed.
DRUGGISTS AND DISPENSERS PRACTICAL SHOW CARD INSTRUCTOR
PRACTICE PAPER— Any paper of a smooth and firm
surface will answer; wrapping paper of this quality will
give good results. Don't use paper of a glazed surface.
Cross ruled paper is recommended if you are a begin-
ner. By this you have a guide in keeping the pen at the
proper angle.
CARE OF PENS — Before you commence place a
glass upon your table containing about a half inch of
water, then place the pens in this as in glass on table in
Figure 1. This will keep them in good order for doing
nice work. When a method of this kind is not used
the pens are liable to get clogged, which is very vexing,
as rough and broken letters is the result.
USING INK — Never dip marking pens in ink. Figure
2 shows a neat and quick method of inserting the ink in
pen. Take a tooth pick, lead pencil, or small splinter of
wood, dip same in bottle, then drop ink by this means
Figure 2
between blades of pen, one or two drops at a time.
Don't overload your pen. For Marking and Shading
Ink see page 133.
HOW TO HOLD THE PEN— Observe Fig. 3 close-
ly, take the pen in your hand and hold in an easy and
natural way, as suggested in the illustration, see that the
Figure 3
nib of the pen is at an angle of about 45 degrees from
the base line, and preserve this position in all marking
and shading pen lettering. When you have caught the
idea you have already learned one of the first essentials
for rapid and ornamental lettering with an easy move-
ment.
HOW TO LETTER— Practice a few minutes with a
dry pen, following the strokes or principles given in this
number, then write copies of same on your practice pa-
per. Before commencing the letter see that your pen
throws a full and clear stroke. Have a small strip of
paper at hand to make test strokes before beginning on
any particular work. If you are careful a base line will
be all that is necessary to preserve the proper position.
Go slow, study the position and movement of the dif-
ferent characters. In lettering always use downward
pressure and only sufficient to make the ink flow. The
pen should never be moved upward unless running edge-
ways. Fine lines are made in this way by sliding the
pen either up or down.
CARDBOARD — Use common white cardboard, 4 or 6
ply, for ordinary size cards. Cardboard of a moderately
smooth or unglazed surface is the best to use for all
styles of pen lettering.
DRUGGISTS AND DISPENSERS PRACTICAL SHOW CARD INSTRUCTOR
Elementary Exercise. Marking Pen.
Practice on the above exercises and hold the pen about
the same angle as an ordinary lead pencil, see Fig. 3.
Always keep the point at one angle in making straight
lines and curves. The one position or angle of the pen
holds good in all styles of pen lettering. See that the
pen contains enough ink, — not too much. The pressure
of pen should be enough to secure a full and even stroke.
Note the form and make-up of the letters and practice
carefully. For full alphabet see following pages.
DRUGGISTS AND DISPENSERS PRACTICAL SHOW CARD INSTRUCTOR
Marking Pen Lettering.
In the accompanying illutrations we present a very
desirable alphabet for neat and rapid work. The size of
letters may be varied according to the size of pen used.
Any size of pen from 1-32 to a half inch wide can be
used to good advantage.
In lettering always use a downward pressure and only
sufficient to make the ink flow. The small figures and
arrows show the order in which each stroke is made and
combined for a finished letter. In practice always aim
to have the capital and small letters correspond in slant.
DRUGGISTS AND DISPENSERS PRACTICAL SHOW CARD INSTRUCTOR
Lower Case Letters.
mfo.cd@-.00h.
1.M..01JI
^Cll,
UMWXi
£>....£, A
ft
i£.,j£,M,m^M~M > ~,M^&&.
The small arrows in above illustration show the di-
rection of each stroke in the make up of different letters.
When movement exercises are practiced the utmost
pains should be taken to repeat them with precision, and
each effort should be carefully looked over and studied
to find the faults by comparison with the copy.
For practice work use a No. 1 or Marking Pen, and
make the letters larger than above copy.
For Marking Pens, see page 132.
DRUGGISTS AND DISPENSERS PRACTICAL SHOW CARD INSTRUCTOR
Show Card Copies
Our way
j)f handlin g
Prescriptions
Is trustworth y.
Try a_
Chop Suey
while you wait.
The above cards were lettered with a marking pen at
a good rate of speed and will give an idea of the style
of work that all beginners may do with very little prac-
tice. This class of work can be done very quickly when
using the style of alphabet as given on pages 6 and 7.
Always use black ink and white cardboard for small
cards in this style of lettering.
DRUGGISTS AND DISPENSERS PRACTICAL SHOW CARD INSTRUCTOR
Show Card Copies
Christmas
Gift.
Jill thats Latest
all thats qood.
^ Limited //umber
but an unlimited
value.
Jin old -favorite
at a new price.
Original size of above cards, 5^x7 inches, which is 1-16 of full sheet of cardboard 22x28 inches.
10
DRUGGISTS AND DISPENSERS PRACTICAL SHOW CARD INSTRUCTOR
Show Card Copies
Toilet and
Manicure Sets.
The nearest approach
to Sterling Silver.
When lettering ink is of the proper consistency it will
flow free and make a solid and even stroke, full strength
of color. Always see that your pens are in good work-
ing order and be careful not to go faster than the work
can be done well.
DRUGGISTS AND DISPENSERS PRACTICAL SHOW CARD INSTRUCTOR
11
Show Card Copies
Glass
Pins
/{em designs
and hi ghest
qualif y of
workman sh
£..
izenuine
Glass
absolutely flawh
-/hfe the brilliont
lu~f/v e qualed only
Jn t/uit of the PLim.-nd
tind fc" as clear at cr ystal.
Leather
Goods
Curd 6ases.
Bill Books.
Hand 3ags.
Toilet Sets,
c/cwel Gases.
Etc. Etc.
The size of the letters may be varied by making the
letters tall and slender or by making them low and ex-
tended. Study and practice especially the form and
make-up of each letter, then you will be in good position
to vary the proportions of lettering and wording on either
small or large cards and tickets. Original size of above
cards 7x11 inches.
DRUGGISTS AND DISPENSERS PRACTICAL SHOW CARD INSTRUCTOR
Show Card Copies
Jirtistic in Mode/
Correct in construction .
Perfect In finish.
Unusual Individuali ty
in design and finish .
Mow is a good time to
select that Christmas Gift
Sxamine the beautiful
desi gn, exclusive patterns
and qualit y.
For the best results in practice always see that your
ink is thick enough to throw a full and even stroke
without blurring and you will save time and do good
work with ease. It's a common fault with most begin-
ners to use ink that is too thin and in many cases this is
the point where most students fail for the want of a
little careful study in keeping lettering material in good
working order.
DRUGGISTS AND DISPENSERS PRACTICAL SHOW CARD INSTRUCTOR 13
Show Card Copies
Hone y Comb Frapp e
3ase 2?a// Spec/a/
Chocolate Nuf Sunclae
Quite prominent Soda Fountain cards may be cut 3x14 tering and underlined with red ink will present a very-
inches. A full sheet of cardboard 22x28 inches will cut neat appearance.
14 cards of this size. White cardboard with black let-
14
DRUGGISTS AND DISPENSERS PRACTICAL SHOW CARD INSTRUCTOR
Marking Pen Lettering
L#^ii*B,c'(*G^&5,
Al
.iir.iH
TUVWXV2.&5
In the illustrations presented herewith the student will
notice the letters are vertical instead of slanting style
as given on pages 6 and 7.
In practice study carefully the exercises given in the
first line of both illustrations and see that you have the
proper slant of pen from the base line. The small arrows
show the order in which each stroke is made and com-
bined for a finished letter.
This alphabet may be made very rapidly and also have
the appearance of being somewhat tasty, without extra
effort, as the letters are formed by natural and rapid
strokes of the pen. The size of the letters may be varied
by making the letters tall and slender or by making them
low and extended. Study and practice especially the
form and make-up of each letter, then you will be in
good position to vary the proportion of lettering and
wording on either small or large cards and tickets.
DRUGGISTS AND DISPENSERS PRACTICAL SHOW CARD INSTRUCTOR
IS
Lower Case Letters
-/L ^/U r, n f c c, ce,ccd,
St bed € fg 4 h i j k I m n
^
q ip q r # i u v w g y &, &,
The lower case letters given in the above illustration
will be found interesting, as a few simple strokes make
up the full set. For the best results in practice always
see that your ink is thick enough to throw a full and
even stroke without blurring and you will save time and
do good work with ease. It's a common fault with most
beginners to use ink that is too thin and in many cases
this is the point where most all students fail for the want
of a little careful study in keeping lettering material in
good working order.
16
DRUGGISTS AND DISPENSERS PRACTICAL SHOW CARD INSTRUCTOR
Show Card Copies
Usef ul
Articles
For
Household
Meeds.
On wei days,
md oiher clays
tele phone us your
JDrug wanfs,
—We Deliver.
Spacing of the composition in general show card work
is very important, as the force of the message of the
card is largely due to its arrangement. Try to bring
out the headline or important part of the card very
strongly, and the balance in neat and compact order.
DRUGGISTS AND DISPENSERS PRACTICAL SHOW CARD INSTRUCTOR
17
Show Card Copies
Have tiou re cent In examined
our Show £ascs ?
•
We never fail to please those
who want the beet.
Entire Satisfaction to each
and everu customer.
Study on the component parts of the letters and the different strokes in relation to their make-up will always lead
to rapid advancement for the energetic student.
18
DRUGGISTS AND DISPENSERS PRACTICAL SHOW CARD INSTRUCTOR
Show Card Copies
American
Cordial
3
anana
3on Ton
Caroline
.Bouqucf
Ha t) Stack
Surtctzve
Practice on lettering about one inch high — that is, the
capital letters one inch and the small letters, such as a,
e, c, o, etc., about five-eighths of an inch high. The tall
letters, k and 1, are the same height as the capital let-
ters, as indicated in above copies.
DRUGGISTS AND DISPENSERS PRACTICAL SHOW CARD INSTRUCTOR 19
Show Card Copies
Hoi Chocolate
Shcrr
-H-
5
unclae
The main thing is careful practice and close observation. Practice on familiar words, names, etc., and concen-
trate your mind on the subject. Study form, spacing and proportion.
20
DRUGGISTS AND DISPENSERS PRACTICAL SHOW CARD INSTRUCTOR
Marking Pen Lettering
This alphabet was made with a No. 1 Marking Pen,
which makes a solid line or stroke % of an inch wide.
For freedom in practice the letters should be made about
an inch high with an easy movement. Always hold the
pen so that point or blades slant at one angle from base
line of lettering. Note the slant of pen point in begin-
ning the first stroke of letter A, which is on the base
line. The one position of the pen holds good in form-
ing all the letters of this alphabet. The small arrows
indicate the direction of each stroke in the make-up of
each letter.
DRUGGISTS AND DISPENSERS PRACTICAL SHOW CARD INSTRUCTOR 21
Lower Case Letters
Practice carefully on "I" stroke and ovals of "o". use of large or small marking pens, which run from
Always hold the pen so that the blades will retain the' 1-32 to JX inch wide. Spacing should be determined by
same slant. The size of letters may be varied by the the form of the letters.
II
DRUGGISTS AND DISPENSERS PRACTICAL SHOW CARD INSTRUCTOR
Marking Pen Lettering. Shaded
dKem^o
Pen Lettering with Marking Pens and shaded to the
left with a plain pen. as shown in the accompanying il-
lustration, will enable any one to make an endless variety
of neat show cards. On white cards make the letters in
black and shade with light green or red.
DRUGGISTS AND DISPENSERS PRACTICAL SHOW CARD INSTRUCTOR
25
Lower Case Letters. Shaded
a b c
t j k I
£?en £eticr\
nop
z
Most all colors of ink for shading on white cardboard will produce a neat effect, as plain pens make a flat tint
stroke about half the depth of color of ink used.
24
DRUGGISTS AND DISPENSERS PRACTICAL SHOW CARD INSTRUCTOR
Marking Pen. Show Card Copies.
^aric i)
fatiorterii
and
Scho ol
Sup plies
(goods
imported
and
3)om£sf ic .
White cardboard with letters in black and shaded with
grass green ink will present a very neat effect in this
style of lettering. Lettering done with a No. 2 and No. 3
Marking Pen should be shaded with a No. 1 Plain Pen.
Lettering 'with a No. 1 Marking Pen should be shaded
with a No. Plain Pen.
DRUGGISTS AND DISPENSERS PRACTICAL SHOW CARD INSTRUCTOR
Marking Pen. Show Card Copies
25
Itic Carry
a full line of .
Photographers
Supplies
-both amateur and
professional,.
Cct lis
do y our
ffinish in c|,
JUl work
Guaranteed
Colored cardboard known as "Railroad" can be had in
several shades and has a fine surface for all styles of pen
or brush lettering. The cost of "Railroad" is about the
same as that of common white stock. Very effective
work can be made with colored cardboard by using black
and white inks — black lettering and shaded with white.
26
DRUGGISTS AND DISPENSERS PRACTICAL SHOW CARD INSTRUCTOR
Show Card Copies
Cat
Glass
Cut from fhe.
solid Man^k ,- not
pressed or fig ured.
Odd site and piece?
jit one fourth less
item regular prices.
The lettering on above cards was done with two sizes
of Marking Pens — Nos. 1 and 2. The white shading of
letters may be done with a No. Marking Pen, or No. 2
Soennecken Pen. For white ink. see page 134.
DRUGGISTS AND DISPENSERS PRACTICAL SHOW CARD INSTRUCTOR
27
Show Card Copies
Special
Chocolate Sundae.
4 2l*i have your yauontc flavor .
u Sa y u?hai you like ''
■■■
<£or _a £Rcal J^p pciizin q Drink
5rt) Our ffiiuM iff-me-up.
In shaded lettering of this style on white cardboard,
there is no end to the variety of colors and tints that
may be used and at the same time at a trifling cost.
Lettering in black may be shaded with delicate tints in
grass green, pink, etc.
28
DRUGGISTS AND DISPENSERS PRACTICAL SHOW CARD INSTRUCTOR
Marking Pen Lettering
In this stylo of lettering, hold the marking pen at the
same angle or postion as that used in Ordinary pen let-
tering. All the letters are formed by natural and free-
hand pen strokes. In practice with a No. 1 Marking
Pen, do not make the letters over one inch high, and
aim to keep pen and ink in good working order, so that
the letters will 1 e full and clean cut.
In shading letters of this style on white cardboard,
most any color of ink can lie used to good advantage., as
the flat tint stroke made by a plain pen is about half the
depth of the color of ink used. Grass Green ink will
make a very pretty shade.
DRUGGISTS AND DISPENSERS PRACTICAL SHOW CARD INSTRUCTOR
29
Marking Pen, Lower Case
In lower case lettering, practice on stroke of letter
"1". also left and right curve strokes of letter "o".
When an easy control of the pen has been acquired,
these simple strokes may be combined in the make-up
of most all the letters in this alphabet.
30
DRUGGISTS AND DISPENSERS PRACTICAL SHOW CARD INSTRUCTOR
Show Card Copies
Chocolate
Sundae
Is a Winner.
Try one , lOt
In general show card lettering don't use extra large
cards with the idea that size will give them prominence.
Try to bring out strong and compact lettering; on small
and medium cards.
Lettering in black with a No. 1 Marking; Pen on white
cardboard may be shaded with a No. Plain Pen with
Grass Green ink. Black lettering on colored cardboard
with a No. 1 Marking Pen may lie shaded with a No.
Marking Pen with white ink.
DRUGGISTS AND DISPENSERS PRACTICAL SHOW CARD INSTRUCTOR
31
Show Card Copies
Lime Juice and Pepgm
Careful study of the component parts of different letters that are similar to each other will aid the student to make
rapid progress and also enable him to criticize his own work on weak points.
32
DRUGGISTS AND DISPENSERS PRACTICAL SHOW CARD INSTRUCTOR
Show Card Copies
Try Our
Fresh Home Made
Candi
For show cards, use white or colored cardboard, 4. 6
or 8 ply. For small cards, 4 ply will give good results.
Six or eight ply should be used for large card signs, so
they will stand up and retain their shape when in use.
Full size sheets are 22x28 inches, both in white and
colored stock. These sheets are usually cut into the
following sizes: Half sheets, 14x22 inches; quarter sheet,
11x14 inches; eighth sheet, 7x11 inches; sixteenth sheet,
.i'.-xS'/j inches.
These are all good sizes for show cards and allow the
full sheet to be cut up without waste.
DRUGGISTS AND DISPENSERS PRACTICAL SHOW CARD INSTRUCTOR
3i
Show Card Copies
My Lad yg Favorite
In practice always have a definite object in view.
Every time a letter has been carelessly repeated incor-
rect, a movement backward has been started. This is a
fact not sufficiently appreciated by the student in ele-
mentary practice.
34
DRUGGISTS AND DISPENSERS PRACTICAL SHOW CARD INSTRUCTOR
SOENNECKEN PEN LETTERING
Soennecken Pens enable the card writer to make many
styles of lettering and figures for price tickets in a neat,
compact and artistic manner. The following illustra-
tion shows the different sizes in which these pens are
made.
For Soennecken Pen lettering, common writing fluid is
too thin. You need an ink with enough body to it to
produce a deep, solid color. For lettering ink see page
134. This ink will produce lettering in full strength of
color desired, on white or colored cardboard.
I I I I I
For general card work, pens from No. 1 to No. 3 are
i mended, but smaller sizes of pens can be used to
good advantage for cards and tickets to be used in con-
nection with show cases, etc.
DRUGGISTS AND DISPENSERS PRACTICAL SHOW CARD INSTRUCTOR
35
Soennecken Pen Lettering Exercises
I,BH,
L XQ.o.q,X£, L O O,
aaa, I t>bcci, I EH;
For the best results in practice, use top and bottom
lines on your practice paper, which will enable one to
keep the lettering uniform in height. The small letters,
such as a, c, e, etc., should be about two-thirds as tall as
b, h, 1, etc., which are the same height as the capital let-
ters. Study the form of all letters given in the illustra-
tion. In lettering keep the entire point of pen flat on
practice paper or cardboard.
36
DRUGGISTS AND DISPENSERS PRACTICAL SHOW CARD INSTRUCTOR
Soennecken Pen Lettering
ABC D E EG
hizkimbd
pq rstqaz
::.:w.x:y:z.,.:.&c..:
In practice on Soennecken Pen lettering similar to the
style given herewith, use a No. 2 pen and make the
letters about .' 4 of an inch high. L"se top and bottom
rule lines on your practice paper, which will enabli jrou
to keep the letters uniform in height. These letter^ were
free-hand, with more attention to speed and prac-
tical w..rk in plain show card lettering, than to the care-
mi form and accurate finish of each letter in detail. The
main object is to present something easy to read and
quick to make.
DRUGGISTS AND DISPENSERS PRACTICAL SHOW CARD INSTRUCTOR
37
Soennecken Pen Lettering. Lower Case
ahcdefg^h
ij:vk;l:na"::ra'.jo.:px[:::rr:
•s■;t.:u■.■.v;.^^::x:57...2:'...•..'.
Hold the pen in a natural way. as in ordinary writing,
ami be careful not to dip too much ink at a time. For
practice use base and top lines for a guide and make the
small letters about two-thirds as tall as capital letters.
The lower line in above illustration shows the method
of forming letters in single or double strokes. For
Soennecken Pens, see page 134.
38
DRUGGISTS AND DISPENSERS PRACTICAL SHOW CARD INSTRUCTOR
Soennecken Pen Lettering. Show Card Copies
Service \oni , after
the price js forgotten.
Please her
with a. Ri_rv£,_
Hundreds of charmin g
desi gns are here.
Tested ,
adjusted and.
g uaranteed accurate.
We fit Eyes
with proper Glasses.
v#
ojj£
O ptical
Department
Tell us
your needs.
- maybe m can hel p you.
Graduations
Gifts.
Variet y in ever y thin g;
but q uality .
Show cards in Soennecken pen lettering can be made small and compact and yet be very prominent in reading qualities.
DRUGGISTS AND DISPENSERS PRACTICAL SHOW CARD INSTRUCTOR
39
Soennecken Pen Lettering
Jf we please yon
tell others - If we
don't, tell us.
Best There Is.
Thats the certaint y to
customers in our store.
.you to buy elsewhere
it here, tell us
what you want
Not made simply to sell ,
but made to surel y
Colored cardboard, or the use of cover stock (used
for catalogue covers, etc.) in a variety of shades can be
used to good advantage when lettered with white ink.
For neat effect the cards should be of uniform size.
40
DRUGGISTS AND DISPENSERS PRACTICAL SHOW CARD INSTRUCTOR
Soennecken Pen Lettering Exercise, Shading Pen
Soennecken Pen lettering as presented herewith may
be shaded in colors of various tints. For practice try
black letters and shade with white, or white letters
shaded with black, on colored paper or cardboard.
DRUGGISTS AND DISPENSERS PRACTICAL SHOW CARD INSTRUCTOR
41
Soennecken Pen Lettering. Show Card Copies
That Resists Wear
Genuine
Cut Glass
-deep cutting and
Diamond Sparkle .
Imported and Domestic
The lettering on above show cards represents the work
of Soennecken Pens. Very neat, compact and readable
cards can be done in this way; in fact, with a little prac-
tice in pen lettering, cards 7x11 inches can be made
prominent and well balanced with the same wording that
is usually put on half or full sheet cards by many who
use the brush only.
42
DRUGGISTS AND DISPENSERS PRACTICAL SHOW CARD INSTRUCTOR
Price Tickets. Soennecken Pen.
2Sr
75* *l m #1622
*30. *1¥~
25*1 50+ +15. 22 ♦!?» *3?-e +22.
♦lr 9 10 +
"#2 5fl
Guaranteed
insy iB
Solid Gold.
1 FOO
Odd and peculiar shapes can be cut from white and
colored cardboard very rapidly, and when nicely fin-
ished are sure to attract attention. For method of cut-
ting the different designs, see page 122.
Generally, it is better to adopt one size and style of
price ticket each time, so as to have everything neat and
effective. Use either white cardboard and black ink, or
colored cardboard with white ink.
DRUGGISTS AND DISPENSERS PRACTICAL SHOW CARD INSTRUCTOR
43
Price Tickets. Soennecken Pen Work.
/so /*/j?s
*S 25
90*
P^J ^0& BS|
Price tickets of above style may be made with black or
colored cardboard. The size may be varied from half
inch wide and one inch long to larger sizes, as desired.
The smaller sizes are generally used in show cases.
44
DRUGGISTS AND DISPENSERS PRACTICAL SHOW CARD INSTRUCTOR
Automatic Shading Pen Lettering
In this number we have a good, practical alphabet for
the Automatic Shading Pen. To combine the shade or
flat tint in this style of lettering, careful study in the
construction or make-up of each letter is very important,
as success in shading pen lettering depends almost en-
tirely upon a definite knowledge of how and when each
part of stroke of the letter is made and connected.
Practice carefully on vertical strokes and always try to
keep your work compact — not too large in beginning.
Get a definite idea of the strokes of the letters you in-
tend to make before beginning. Put the pen on the
paper or cardboard before starting the movement and
stop the movement before or as you raise the pen.
In beginning the first stroke of letter A (large letters)
draw the pen downward the length of the letter (about
one inch), next add cross-bar just below the center, then
place pen at top or beginning of first stroke and draw
horizontal stroke about half length of cross-bar and run
slanting stroke to the base line — see Alphabet next page.
Note the construction of letters in first line of this illus-
tration. For practice use a No. 4 or 5 Shading Pen.
When you have mastered the work of this and former
numbers you will be able to do very creditable work in
either styles of lettering, such as German Text, Old
English, etc.
^LLt^K^m^, <&&..&
xl4 inches. Let-
tering of card, Gold and Silver Watches, was done with a
No. 5 Shading Pen. Lettering of Cut Glass, with a No. 8
Shading Pen, and following wording with a No. 4 Shad-
ing Pen.
so
DRUGGISTS AND DISPENSERS PRACTICAL SHOW CARD INSTRUCTOR
Brush Lettering
How to Hold the Brush
The brush or lettering pencil should be held similar to
the manner of holding an ordinary pen or lead pencil, ex-
cept that the brush must be held more upright. Free-
dom in brush lettering is essential. For card work the
arm should rest in a natural way upon the table or desk.
This will allow it to roll on the fleshy part of the arm,
below the elbow. If you are not certain just where to
rest it, lay the hand flatly on the table, so that the elbSvi
will be about even with the edge of the table, then raise
the hand slightly, opening and closing the same will cause
muscle to raise the arm. The muscle that raises the
arm is used as a pivot for the arm to move or roll upon.
By closely studying this you will have no trouble to se-
cure a correct position. For small lettering, about one
or two inches high, this position will be found very easy
for rapid and easy work. In large lettering it is very
often found an advantage to vary slightly from the abovi
but in most cases this position will answer nicely for good
work. See illustration for holding the lettering pencil.
Pay particular attention to the directions given and fol-
low closely as possible.
The position at table or desk is the same as in pen
lettering, see Figure 2. For practice paper use a good
quality of Manila wrapping paper, not too heavy, but of
a smooth and firm surface.
The outlines given in exercise Page 53 are simple in
construction and uniform in style. In this alphabet the
advantage consists in that the letters are formed by na-
tural and rapid strokes of the brush. It is a good idea
to cultivate the hand to steadiness, also to get familiar
with tin- working of the brush in compact form. The
size of the letters may be varied by the use of small or
large brushes. The proportion may also be varied by
making the letters tall and slender (narrow) or by mak-
ing them extended (wide and round I. Be sure to prac-
tice on one size until you have it thoroughly mastered,
then increase or decrease their size uniformly, in order
that you may develop confidence in your ability to make
each stroke in harmony, be the letters of any desired size.
DRUGGISTS AND DISPENSERS PRACTICAL SHOW CARD INSTRUCTOR
51
BRUSHES
The Card Writer should have a variety of brushes — four
sizes of Red Sable Brushes. Many beginners make a
mistake by using Camel's Hair Brushes, which do not
have the required elasticity for good clean card lettering.
Red Sable Brushes, Nos. 5, 7, 9 and 12. will give entire
satisfaction in general show card lettering. These will
throw a line from 1-16 t<> ?* of an inch wide.
For a first-class Show Card Brush outfit see page 143.
Careful practice, especially with the size of brush you
like, will enable you to do neat and clean lettering, with
little retouching, if any, so much so as to seem wonder-
ful to one unaccustomed to this class of work. Pay par-
ticular attention to the care of your brushes. After
using them in water colors, clean thoroughly with cold
water before allowing them to dry. Always keep oil
and water color brushes in separate places. Don't use
them in a harsh way or get the idea that they are for the
purpose of mixing paints. Treat them right and they
will easily give justice to every stroke you make. The
points of brushes should be protected when not in use.
SHOW CARD PAINTS— For general card and ticket
work use either water or Japan colors. Do not use colors
ground in oil for lettering on paper or cardboard. Water
colors are the best to use. Prepared colors are recom-
mended whenever it is handy to obtain them. They are
put up in bottles or jars and ready for immediate use.
All colors can be had in this form. Our EUREKA
Show Crad Paint (see page 144) fully answers all the
Figure 2
varied requirements and for cleanliness and ease in let-
tering cannot be excelled.
A very good and serviceable show card paint may be
made by yourself. The colors usually employed are
termed "Dry Water Colors." They can be had at any
druggists or paint supply store. The following will
make up a good assortment of colors: Vermillion,
Ultramarine Blue, Chrome Yellow, Lamp-Black and
Flake White, also some good Gum Arabic Mucilage to
use as a binder. Pure Gum Arabic in its natural state is
excellent, and when dissolved, will flow easier for clean
and even lettering. However, good mucilage will an-
swer, and is generally used.
52
DRUGGISTS AND DISPENSERS PRACTICAL SHOW CARD INSTRUCTOR
The accompanying illustration gives a good idea of the
principles upon which a very serviceable drawing table
can be constructed by any one in a very short time.
The dimensions given are the best for general use. but
the table can be made smaller or larger to suit. The
table can be made three, four, or six feet long.
In working, place the table so that a good, strong light
falls upon the surface from the left hand side, or from
the front. By adjusting a stool or chair to the proper
height, the show card writer will find that one is in a
position to do better work than ever before, and with
greater speed, accuracy and satisfaction.
PREPARING SHOW CARD PAINT Mix any de-
sired color, by adding enough mucilage to make it about
the consistency of thick dough, add whiting or flake
white to any coh>r you wish to be of a little lighter
shade, then grind the same by using a pallette knife with
a flexible blade. <>r other similar means which may be at
hand. In place of a marble slab to nil) or grind the
paint on. a square pine of glas> or large dinner plate
makes a good substitute "n which t<> mix the colors.
After mixing thoroughly to about the consistency of
thick paste, it will be ready for use. Mix each color as
needed in the same way, and place separately in small
saucers, tin cups r,r round tin boxes about an inch deep,
and two or three inches in diameter. If you use the
latter, don't fill them more than two-thirds full, and place
them in a low set box, so they may be always covered,
free from dust when not in use. Don't make up too
much at a time; small lots are better and will last con-
siderable time. Always see that your paint is thick
euough for a firm and even stroke. These colors in mu-
cilage will get hard when set aside or not in use, but
that does not matter, as a few drops of water will bring
it to the proper consistency in a short time. When
your paint is of the right thickness and brush kept in
good working order, it has a tendency to grip the card
or paper that you are working on, thus it will be seen
the advantage and easy control of the brush in making
full and even lettering A little study here will soon
show results to justify thoughtful, systematic practice.'
DRUGGISTS AND DISPENSERS PRACTICAL SHOW CARD INSTRUCTOR
S3
n/=nabb,cegig,«>^3 £,
nopq fS ty¥ W My §|
♦123% 5 6
JV.JR. Thirrtf.
The small, short lower case letters should be about
two-thirds as tall as h, k and 1, which are the same height
as the capital letters. In lettering, the brush should be
held similar to the manner of holding a lead pencil, ex-
cept that the brush should be held more upright. When
lettering aim to have your paint rather thick, but free
flowing, so as to cover well in each brush stroke without
retouching.
68
DRUGGISTS AND DISPENSERS PRACTICAL SHOW CARD INSTRUCTOR
Show Card Copy
A Selection of these
useful articles will do more
to make a happy Christmas
for you and your friends
than an ythin g you can buy.
Practice all your spare time, but don't hurry. Remem-
ber, every time a letter is formed carelessly, it means a
step backward has been started. This is a fact not
sufficiently appreciated by most all students in elemen-
tary practice.
DRUGGISTS AND DISPENSERS PRACTICAL SHOW CARD INSTRUCTOR
69
Show Card Copy
PRESCRIPTIONS
filled on a basis of
PURE DRUGS.
r 9 Quick Service.
For practice paper, use a good grade of Manila wrap-
ping paper, light in color and of smooth surface. When
cut into sheets 8 by 12 inches or 10 by 18 inches it will
aid in securing the very best results in practice work.
Colored print paper in green, blue, orange, will work
splendidly and rest the eyes in practicing, both in day
and evening. Most any color of paint may be used, but
white paint is generally preferred in practice work on
colored paper. Most any job printing office can fur-
nish this paper at a small cost.
70
DRUGGISTS AND DISPENSERS PRACTICAL SHOW CARD INSTRUCTOR
Show Card Copies
OUR
CHOCOLATE SUNDAE
Is a^ winner . Try one , 10^
MATINEE SPECIAL
It js somethin g different
and g uaranteed to please.
In making the top and bottom strokes of H, I, and
similar letters, this should be done when the brush is
about half charged with color. In this way short finish-
ing touches can be done more accurately than when first
charging the brush with color. In making horizontal
strokes, the hand should slightly roll to the right in a
compact and natural position, which will throw the handle
of the brush almost even with the line of lettering.
DRUGGISTS AND DISPENSERS PRACTICAL SHOW CARD INSTRUCTOR
71
Show Card Copies
If your Cou gh
shakes you —
shake the Cough !
We have a
sure
Perfumes
with lastin g
q ualities.
In lettering show cards, aim to have the letters promi-
nent yet compact. More life in lettering and general ar-
rangement can be put in a card 7x11 inches than is gen-
erally put in a card 14x22 inches by most card writers
who do not give care to spacing and arrangement.
72
DRUGGISTS AND DISPENSERS PRACTICAL SHOW CARD INSTRUCTOR
Brush Stroke Alphabet
...1B£.OEPO
HIJKL
PQRSTUV
For ease in producing a practical brush stroke alphabet
of a Roman style, one should have a good knowledge of
form and make-up of the different letters in order to
make them quickly and fairly well balanced without out-
lining. The kind of lettering brush and paint is also
very important for quick work. Always use Red Sable
show card brushes and see that your paint is thick enough
to throw a fine line or broad stroke at will. This will
enable you to do very creditable work without retouch-
ing. The alphabets presented herewith give a good
suggestion for practice and it will pay all interested in
rapid lettering to master this style thoroughly, as a won-
derful variety of neat show cards can la- made with this
style of alphabet.
DRUGGISTS AND DISPENSERS PRACTICAL SHOW CARD INSTRUCTOR
73
Lower Case Letters.
Careful study of the component parts of different let-
ters that are similar to others will aid the student to make
rapid progress and also enable him to criticize his own
work on weak points. In practice always have a defi-
nite object in view. Every time a letter has been care-
lessly repeated incorrect a movement backward has been
started. This is a fact not sufficiently appreciated by
the student in elementary practice.
Brush Exercises
111
■■yn
■M-
? ■"•■ 9
5how Card Roman
Good control 01 iree-liand brush strokes, as shown in
the above illustration, will be found the best means for
developing the student to make letters accurately in this
style of alphabet with considerable speed.
In studying form and construction of letters, the begin-
ner should learn to see correctly and to understand what
he sees. This is only acquired by constant study and
practice on the component parts of the different letters,
because no one can know or thoroughly understand every
detail of the principal strokes until he has drawn them.
Note the strokes given in first line of above illustration,
also the method of handling the brush. Note lower
case letter "h", begin the second stroke with a light line
or chisel edge stroke and carry to the right, then curve
downward to full width of stroke and carry the same to
base line. Upper case letters similar to that of letter
"D" are made by handling the brush in the same way.
DRUGGISTS AND DISPENSERS PRACTICAL SHOW CARD INSTRUCTOR
75
Brush Exercises
In practice on above exercises, use a No. 7 or 9 Red
Sable show card brush and make the letters about one
inch high and upwards. The vertical strokes are made
by bringing the brush to a chisel edge. If your paint is
in good working order the brush will retain this shape
and enable you to make clean-cut strokes as shown in
first and second part of "h" without retracing. Curves
and ovals can be made very accurately at one stroke
when the brush is worked to a chisel edge with free flow-
ing paint.
76
DRUGGISTS AND DISPENSERS PRACTICAL SHOW CARD INSTRUCTOR
Soda Fountain Cards
Oriental
5undae
Mint
Freeze
Plain and
fancy
Mixed
Drinks
at the fountain.
Belfast
Punch
l0 colate
Sundae
10^
Soda Fountain cards in various colors — Silk Green,
Blue, Maroon, etc. — cut to 7 x 11 inches, will enable the
card writer to make a neat variety of effective show cards
in a few minutes. For a quick and showy effect, use
white paint for lettering and Crimson or Dark Green
flitters in shading the letters or other ornamentation, and
run a white line around edge of card about half an inch
wide. This will produce a card substantial in appear-
ance with strong reading qualities.
DRUGGISTS AND DISPENSERS PRACTICAL SHOW CARD INSTRUCTOR
n
Show Card Illustrations
Special To-day
25^
Carbolic Acid
Lotion
Useful in Cuts,
Burns, Scalds, Etc.
If a
Prescription
is correctly written
we can fill it no
matter if the name
of some other druggist
is on the back.
Vaseline
Pure and concentrated
essence of Petroleum.
A Tonic
; Stimu> ant
of greaf power
The style of lettering used in the accompanying show
card illustrations can be used to excellent advantage by
all who wish something that will insure quick work and
good reading qualities. The letters are made rapidly and
finished as you go. With a good brush and a free flow-
ing show card paint of a heavy body anyone can produce
a variety of well lettered cards in a few minutes.
78
DRUGGISTS AND DISPENSERS PRACTICAL SHOW CARD INSTRUCTOR
Soda Fountain Cards
fOiir
■ffl Jersey
m
Cream
(j
n Is like a
" \ri\>
1 Back Home
Cherry
10^
Show cards for the fountain need not be confined to
the fountain alone. They may be placed in the show
window to good advantage. Many a hot, tired and thirsty
pedestrian has been lured from the heated walks by the
pleasing window cards which tell of cooling, refreshing
and healthful beverages to be had within.
DRUGGISTS AND DISPENSERS PRACTICAL SHOW CARD INSTRUCTOR
79
Show Card Copies
Stop tHat Cou&h [
Ask us how
(2 wire tKat Cold.
We have a £ ood remed y.
Our Cou ^K S yru p
is Guaranteed.
These cards were made quite rapidly and with more
attention to speed and practical work in every day use,
than to careful outlining- and time expended which is often
given to letters finished in detail. The main object is
to present a good readable brush alphabet without re-
touching by other means.
80
DRUGGISTS AND DISPENSERS PRACTICAL SHOW CARD INSTRUCTOR
Show Card Copies
HOT DRINKS
For* C Hill y Days
HOT
Cream Ginger
op's Warmer
Brush stroke lettering is a time saver. A plain letter
quickly made is far superior to a fancy letter poorly
done. Practice on one size until it is thoroughly mas-
tered, then increase or decrease the size, and keep them
uniform. This will establish an easy control of the
brush in lettering and enable one to do large and small
work with ease and rapidity.
DRUGGISTS AND DISPENSERS PRACTICAL SHOW CARD INSTRUCTOR
81
Show Card Copies
Hot Tu.r»k.isH
PUNCH
HOT RASPBERRY
TONIC
Colored cardboard, Red, Black, Blue, Green and
Brown, with lettering in white paint, will always produce
a very neat effect when finished with a margin line around
edge of card in white paint.
82
DRUGGISTS AND DISPENSERS PRACTICAL SHOW CARD INSTRUCTOR
Show Card Copies
Hot Wild CHcr»r>y
Plnosplnatc
Hot Giin ^ er*
Hot Cream
Tomato Cocktail
For accuracy and graceful forms in rapid lettering,
nothing equals the first stroke, but it requires practice
and a good development of form to produce well balanced
letters with ease and rapidity.
DRUGGISTS AND DISPENSERS PRACTICAL SHOW CARD INSTRUCTOR
83
Show Card Copies
Ste p Inside
for* a coolin g and refreshin g
ICE COLrD SODA.
at trie FouiintaLiin
FOR
all-in- down- and- out - feelin g 9 try our
EMANCIPATION SUNDAE
It will set yon free for ten cents.
The above show card copies are presented as a sug-
gestion for those requiring something quick and which
may be easily done by busy merchants and clerks with
very little preparation in the line of show card lettering.
84
DRUGGISTS AND DISPENSERS PRACTICAL SHOW CARD INSTRUCTOR
Show Card Copies
Presidents Favorite
A New Sundae
Tr y it , Ten cents.
A Date-witK-a-PeacH
(a sundae s
15f
gaagu
The capital letters in the first line of each of the above
cards was made 1Y& inches high. The small letters y$
of an inch. Capital letters in lower line, J4 of an inch,
and the small letters, Y% of an inch. The letters may-
be made large or small and will look well when in pro-
portion.
DRUGGISTS AND DISPENSERS PRACTICAL SHOW CARD INSTRUCTOR
85
Show Card Copy
That tired Ffeelin 4z !
is nothin g but S pring Fever.
Ou
will brace
In practice use enough speed to insure smooth lines
and graceful forms, but don't hurry. Always have your
paint in a moderately thick paste form, liquid enough to
flow free and throw a full line from the brush. In this
way the paint will cover in full strength of color at each
stroke of the brush and dry quickly.
86
DRUGGISTS AND DISPENSERS PRACTICAL SHOW CARD INSTRUCTOR
Show Card Copies
Let Us Hel p
to Kee p your Ir^eeiltln.
Our Talcum Powder
will cure that chafin g.
Coolin g Creams and
lotions for sunburn.
Practice on above cards will develop freedom and ac-
curacy in this style of lettering. With a good knowledge
of form and a fair control of the brush, a large variety
of neat show cards of this order can be made very
rapidly.
DRUGGISTS AND DISPENSERS PRACTICAL SHOW CARD INSTRUCTOR
87
Show Card Copies
Ladies dorit like chap s
on their hands— sometimes -
Our Toile t Powders prevent
For clean-cut lettering of this style always keep the brush well charged with paint so as to make full and even
brush strokes without retouching.
88
DRUGGISTS AND DISPENSERS PRACTICAL SHOW CARD INSTRUCTOR
Show Card Copies
That
Prescription
is yours
Have it filled
r*i<£Vvt.
Honest !
weight and price
is every Dr*ia ^
"that we put into
:ion.
For neat compact work on cards 11 x 14 inches, make
the capital letters about lfi inches high and the small
letters \V% inches high. For capital letters one inch
high the small letters should be about % of an inch high.
For cards of this style use No. 7 or No. 9 Red Sable
show card brushes.
DRUGGISTS AND DISPENSERS PRACTICAL SHOW CARD INSTRUCTOR
89
Show Card Copies
Three -In- One Sundae
Colle ge Ice
Peaches and Cream
ae
The small letters, such as a, c, e, etc., should be about two-thirds as tall as b, h, 1, etc., which are made the same
height as the capital letters.
90
DRUGGISTS AND DISPENSERS PRACTICAL SHOW CARD INSTRUCTOR
Modified Roman
The construction of the letters in this style is somewhat
similar to that in a single stroke alphabet, with the ad-
dition of a second or third stroke on the broad or heavy
parts of the different letters.
Note the makeup of letter A, the first part is a single
downward stroke, the next part is made with two down-
ward strokes, and a third added when the two parallel
lines do not join, as indicated above. All the letters,
both upper and lower case, are made in a similar way, as.
indicated in the above and following illustrations.
DRUGGISTS AND DISPENSERS PRACTICAL SHOW CARD INSTRUCTOR
91
Lower Case Letters
Outside of good brushes, an easy flowing show card
paint is necessary. The main thing for success in show
card work is a reasonable amount of patience and plenty
of practice on graded copies in a systematic way.
92
DRUGGISTS AND DISPENSERS PRACTICAL SHOW CARD INSTRUCTOR
Brush Exercise
In practice first aim to get a good knowledge of the
form and make-up of the different letters and do not
hurry or condemn the study and practice of simple strokes
and small details, for you will find in this work (as in
many other lines) that which is often neglected in be-
ginning becomes in the end of most importance.
DRUGGISTS AND DISPENSERS PRACTICAL SHOW CARD INSTRUCTOR
93
Show Card Illustrations
Jell y of
Roses
lor chapped hands
face and lips.
Fancy
Monogram
Stationery
Cherry
Balsam
immediately relieves
Coughs, Colds and
all affections of the
throat and Lungs.
A Ma<>ic
Balm
for Catarrh,
Cold in the head,
Croup, Etc
Cold
Cream
flourishes the ski in and
prevents the formation of
premature lines and
wrinkles.
For show card practice, try something of the above
order. Aim to have the letters prominent yet compact.
Small cards neatly arranged have stronger reading quali-
ties than larger cards without care in spacing and ar-
rangement. This style of lettering will admit of being
condensed or extended to fill any reasonable space with
good strong reading qualities.
94
DRUGGISTS AND DISPENSERS PRACTICAL SHOW CARD INSTRUCTOR
Semi-Script
In. practice on this style, note carefully the construc-
tion of the letetrs in the first two lines of the accom-
panying alphabet plates. The small arrows indicate
the direction of the brush in each stroke in the forma-
tion of the letters. The main thing is to keep the let-
ters uniform and compact. Aim to slant the letters well
to the right and keep your brush well charged with paint
so as to make clear-cut brush strokes.
DRUGGISTS AND DISPENSERS PRACTICAL SHOW CARD INSTRUCTOR
95
Lower Case Letters
e aa, y fa6, /tit, ifrhk, i#l, iu,~kx,
ce,c^d, ccgg, cq,fff?^&s,
/y /}. Tfomps
Practice and study on the different strokes in the _ or-
der in which they are made and you will have little
trouble in making rapid progress in this style of letter-
ing. Careful study and practice will surprise one at the
accuracy and simplicity of doing this work free-hand.
96
DRUGGISTS AND DISPENSERS PRACTICAL SHOW CARD INSTRUCTOR
Show Card Copies
Our
£Pre
way
of handling
riptions
is
fr
'ustworfhu.
I
besf of you • get the best
9jC Gig a r*s .
Bear in mind that carfeul practice on the principal
strokes will improve your movement in brush lettering
and must necessarily improve all the letters bearing any
relation to that particular brush stroke.
DRUGGISTS AND DISPENSERS PRACTICAL SHOW CARD INSTRUCTOR
97
Show Card Copies
Sick £%oom Sup plies
J?f j{ is a J7ohic you want ,
we are sure fo have if.
b/*or (
we have a
ailtnen-t
In show card work, keep the letters close together in wording and allow a fair space between words. This will
aid in plain reading qualities.
98
DRUGGISTS AND DISPENSERS PRACTICAL SHOW CARD INSTRUCTOR
Show Card Copies
9/oi ( 7hirii Sundae
ua
f — "% i
y^unch
Sftuinbow ztfundae
Long strips of cardboard of this order may be cut 4 x 22 inches, or 3 x 14 inches, from a full sheet 22 x 28 inches
without waste.
DRUGGISTS AND DISPENSERS PRACTICAL SHOW CARD INSTRUCTOR
99
Show Card Copies
<70ur Choice Sn
c JUomes{ic
and
^Perfumes.
Always keep on the lookout for improvement. Prac-
tice diligently for an easy free-hand movement on ovals
and curves. Ease in execution will do more toward
making your letters smooth and full than anything else.
100
DRUGGISTS AND DISPENSERS PRACTICAL SHOW CARD INSTRUCTOR
Old English — Erush Stroke
&+ ^
>
hf /?. 7fu>n-,
In show card work, freedom and accuracy in lettering
come only from proper knowledge of form and earnest
practice. When you can make letters B and O in good
form, you will have this alphabet well under control. In
making the first curve stroke for letters C, E, G, O, Q.
begin the stroke about three-quarters the height of the
finished letter. The small arrows indicate the move-
ment of the brush in forming the letters by the brush
strike method. When the brush is held in proper po-
sition all curves or oval strokes and straight lines will
come true and uniform in the formation of the different
letters. L'se Red Sable Show Card Brushes, see
page 143.
DRUGGISTS AND DISPENSERS PRACTICAL SHOW CARD INSTRUCTOR
101
Lower Case Letters
knew Siatbn^ry
• ^t*/ V— < /?! /?. Thompson, ^W
The lower case letters given in this illustration will be
found interesting, as a few simple strokes make up the
set. For b, make "1" stroke and finish with second
stroke of "o"; for h, make "1" stroke and finish with
second stroke of "n". This style of lettering is more
rapid in execution than generally believed by those not
familiar with the formation of the component parts.
102
DRUGGISTS AXD DISPENSERS PRACTICAL SHOW CARD INSTRUCTOR
Brush Stroke Exercises
In practice on the above style, pay particular attention
to the form of the different characters in the above
exercise. Study on how a few simple strokes are used in
the make-up of different letters. The small arrows
the direction of each movement ol the brush. Each
brush stroke forms a stem or portion of the letter with
a single operation and finished a~ you gi
DRUGGISTS AND DISPENSERS PRACTICAL SHOW CARD INSTRUCTOR
103
Old English Show Card Copies
_^ _i0r you m wuraij
^ SPr^S^lltS I M ycwr friends 0tt
r 1 i this Zhigh ®mde
useful and I ~z^\:
ay prjyyrialjg.
^laHottir ij.
In making all straight lines and curve strokes learn to
raise the brush and replace it skilfully when lettering.
In practice be sure to have the correct idea of the posi-
tion or manner of hoding the brush. Be satisfied to
letter slowly at first and then to increase -speed, which
will follow very rapidly.
104
DRUGGISTS AND DISPENSERS PRACTICAL SHOW CARD INSTRUCTOR
Show Card Copies
(an {£0,0, ■p'haki )
jBinr - jBrop ^gxmjdai
In lettering depend largely upon the eye and hand.
They can become very accurate for all practical pur-
poses. Be earful to have your brushes and paints in
good working order and make up your mind to become
proficient in show card lettering, and you will find that
every ten minutes practice will show progress.
DRUGGISTS AND DISPENSERS PRACTICAL SHOW CARD INSTRUCTOR
105
Show Card Copies
irawtorr tr fyrezm
ffimtnmo , Niagara
atltwat Sundae
By careful practice and close observation to the re-
lation of the strokes in the construction of different let-
ters, you will get acquainted with many little details in
the make-up of letters that at first did not appear. Al-
ways keep on the lookout for improvement, close obser-
vation will help you wonderfully.
106
DRUGGISTS AND DISPENSERS PRACTICAL SHOW CARD INSTRUCTOR
Snow Capped Alphabet
This style of alphabet can be used to good advantage
by the card writer for special headlines or complete
show cards almost any season of the year. In early fall
and winter seasons the suggestion of cold weather is
coupled with cards lettered in this style. Very effective
Soda Fountain cards can be made with this alphabet.
In making these letters they are simple, you keep in
mind that the form of same is largely of a broad single
stroke letter. With a good show card paint and fair
ability in handling the brush very neat and original show
card work can be done very rapidly in this style.
DRUGGISTS AND DISPENSERS PRACTICAL SHOW CARD INSTRUCTOR
107
Lower Case Letters
Practice on letters from one to two inches high will
give good command in movement and will enable one
to do smaller or larger work in a neat manner. Learn
to use the brush with a light and free movement.
not be satisfied with anything else.
Do
108
DRUGGISTS AND DISPENSERS PRACTICAL SHOW CARD INSTRUCTOR
Show Card Illustrations
The above card and those on the following page will
lend a suggestion for the lay-out of card signs for Ice
Cream Parlors, Drug Stores, etc. When using white
cardboard and black paint the letters may be outlined
and filled in. leaving the white portion or snow-capped
effect as shown in alphabets. On colored cardboard,
such as Blue, Black, Red, Brown, etc., the letters may be
made complete in one color and white paint added at top
of Utters, suggested fur snow. Diamond Dsut sprinkled
on the white paint before it dries will add to the appear-
ance for snow and ice effect. No particular form or
method of stroke is required for putting on the white
paint. Apparently careless strokes of white paint will
look well when finished with a narrow line around the
white paint where it overlaps the face of the letter, as
shown in illustrations.
DRUGGISTS AND DISPENSERS PRACTICAL SHOW CARD INSTRUCTOR
109
Show Card Illustrations
The main feature in good show card work is to make
the size and proportion of the letters fit the space they
are intended to occupy without crowding or leaving space
which may lend the idea of something being omitted.
110 DRUGGISTS AND DISPENSERS PRACTICAL SHOW CARD INSTRUCTOR
Brush Lettering
This style of alphabet can be used to good advantage in illustration, or they can be made in any color. When
for prominent wording in special show cards It is plain the body of the letter is made in color, the outline and
in reading qualities, unique in appearance when harmon- shade of letter is added afterwards in a light or dark
izing colors are used, and for the card writer it has a harmonizing color. In this style of lettering there is a
decided advantage over many fancy styles. good opportunity to bring out colors in light and shadow
The letters may be made open and shaded, as shown by the use of intermediate tints or tones of color.
DRUGGISTS AND DISPENSERS PRACTICAL SHOW CARD INSTRUCTOR
111
Lower Case Letters
Nothing is more beneficial for clean, accurate lettering,
after a good movement has been acquired, than a pains-
taking criticism of your own work. After faults have
been located, then study the movement and forms of the
letters and do your best to correct them. In free hand
show card lettering, very little improvement can be looked
for unless a systematic method of practice is adhered to.
112
DRUGGISTS AND DISPENSERS PRACTICAL SHOW CARD INSTRUCTOR
Shading
^a
Several styles of finish in shading and shadow may be
used in connection with most all alphabets and they will
admit of many modifications, both in construction and
finish. There is no limit to originality and improvement
in display lettering.
The suggestion given in the two illustrations — Painting,
Show Cards — presented herewith will enable the student
to make a complete alphabet of each style. In doing this
work be careful to preserve nearly as possible the same
features of shadow in every letter. There is no end to
the variety of colors and tints that may be used in this
way and at the same time at a trifling cost.
Wry neat initials can be made in this same manner
by slightly modifying the letters and adding a simple
scroll or border outline. This will be found splendid
practice, as it gives freedom of hand in drawing and will
show in what a variety of styles of finish an alphabet
can be used.
DRUGGISTS AND DISPENSERS PRACTICAL SHOW CARD INSTRUCTOR
113
Shading
Several styles of shading may be used in connection
with most all alphabets, in- fact, there is no limit to dif-
ferent styles of finish in display lettering. Note the first
line in above illustration. Taking any style of shading
suggested as a basis, the student can easily finish a com-
plete alphabet. In doing so be careful to preserve as
nearly as possible the same slant and style of shade in
every letter.
114
DRUGGISTS AND DISPENSERS PRACTICAL SHOW CARD INSTRUCTOR
FIGURES
To make these figures easily and rapidly the first requi-
site is a knowledge of form. The next and most im-
portant is a free movement with the lettering brush un-
der easy control, which only comes by proper study and
practice.
For price ticket work, use a No. 7 or 9 show card
brush and see that your paint is thick enough to throw a
full and even stroke. When your paint is in good work-
ing order a fine line or broad stroke can me made with
the lettering brush without difficulty.
DRUGGISTS AND DISPENSERS PRACTICAL SHOW CARD INSTRUCTOR
115
Price Tickets
^
fro !
While ihey Last
15+
*\m
^Special
19t
An endless variety of neat and inexpensive price ticket
designs as shown in above illustration can be made on
short notice. For an easy method for making quick and
uniform outlines, see page 122.
116
DRUGGISTS AND DISPENSERS PRACTICAL SHOW CARD INSTRUCTOR
Brush Alphabet. Shaded
The accompanying alphabet will enable the card
writer to bring out very prominent lettering in show card
work. The letters may be made in any color by the
brush stroke method, the outline and shade of letter is
added afterwards in a light or dark harmonizing color.
DRUGGISTS AND DISPENSERS PRACTICAL SHOW CARD INSTRUCTOR
117
Lower Case Letters
Most all colors of cardboard can be used with striking
effect with this style of alphabet. Careful practice, good
brushes, and a smooth, free flowing paint will enable all
to excel in this line of work.
118 DRUGGISTS AND DISPENSERS PRACTICAL SHOW CARD INSTRUCTOR
Egyptian Alphabet, Shaded
By applying thickness or shadow any style of alphabet This style may be made very effective by outlining the
can be brought out very prominent as shown in the two letters as given herewith and adding the thickness or
accompanying plates. The slant or angle of perspective shading in colors! The letters may also be painted in
used may be slightly varied, but all letters on the same one color and the thickness or shadow when in harmon-
line should have the same angle or inclination in shading. izing tint will produce a very striking effect.
DRUGGISTS AND DISPENSERS PRACTICAL SHOW CARD INSTRUCTOR
119
Lower Case Letters
For practice work the letters should be made larger
than the copies presented in the accompanying illustra-
tion. The shade or thickness of shadow should be in-
creased in proportion to the letters.
The accompanying illustration shows a variety of inex-
pensive card-signs that can be duplicated by any one in a
very short time in single stroke brush lettering. They
can be made very attractive in all colors of cardboard,
such as Red, Blue, Green. Black. Brown and White.
When using colored cardboard, white paint for lettering
and border lines will always show up very neat in strong
reading qualities and produce a clean-cut and striking
appearance. Cards such as "Oriental Sundae" given in
the illustration may be 5j4 x 7 inches, or smaller. Cut-
ting the cards to this size will give sixteen out of a full
sheet 22 x 28 inches. Larger sizes may be cut without
waste, such as 7 x 11, 11 x 14 inches, and so on.
Look To Us
)&rescr/pf/ons
rVe use every precaution
/h ■fitting prescript ions en-
trusted to us, and Hnon fat
enry article ire use is abso/uie/y pure.
The show cards presented herewith embrace three styles
of alphabets that are simple in construction, neat in ap-
pearance, and afford a good practical variety for a wide
range of work.
The single stroke alphabet as shown in cards "Pre-
scriptions" and "Good Clothes" can be used to good ad-
vantage for card signs in any line of business.
Many styles of border outlines and panel designs for
show cards can be made by following the directions given
on page 122.
The scroll designs on the four white cards in illustra-
tion are finished in a delicate tinted background color by
the use of an atomizer.
122
DRUGGISTS AND DISPENSERS PRACTICAL SHOW CARD INSTRUCTOR
Border Designs and Outlines
For beginning, a simple design has been given which
will enable one to get practical results from the start.
For outlines to be true and well balanced on both sides,
as shown in No. 2, simply takt- a sheet of paper the size
of the card to be used, fold this once, making it one-half
size. Then cut the same around the free edges with a
scissors, as indicated in No. 1. This when unfolded will
fa 2.
rto.4-.
give a true outline and very accurate. Illustrations Nos.
3 and 4 show the result when the pattern paper is folded
twice, making it one-quarter size. This when unfolded
will show the entire outline well balanced. There is no
end to the effective border outlines that can be made in
this way.
DRUGGISTS AND DISPENSERS PRACTICAL SHOW CARD INSTRUCTOR
123
Scroll Outlines and Show Cards
The above practice copies of scroll outlines should be
made free-hand with an ordinary lettering pencil. The
small figures and arrows show how each outline is made
and also the direction of the lettering pencil in each
stroke. Careful practice and close observation will en-
able anyone to excel in this line in a very short time.
124
DRUGGISTS AND DISPENSERS PRACTICAL SHOW CARD INSTRUCTOR
Scroll Outlines
\)
32ta ■
For making scroll outlines true and well balanced, the
above method will be found interesting. In beginning,
simply take a sheet of paper the size of card to be used,
fold it once, making it one-half size, as indicated by the
black portion of the first outline above. Then outline
scroll on paper pattern with lead pencil as indicated.
Carbon paper placed in fold of pattern paper will pro-
duce the full outline when unfolded. Paper folded twice,
making it one-quarter size, may also be used to good
advantage in special scroll outlining.
DRUGGISTS AND DISPENSERS PRACTICAL SHOW CARD INSTRUCTOR
125
Scroll Outlines
A very simple scroll outline on pattern paper folded
one-half size will produce quite an elaborate and accurate
design when unfolded. Scroll designs of every descrip-
tion can be made in this way and preserved for future use.
126
DRUGGISTS AND DISPENSERS PRACTICAL SHOW CARD INSTRUCTOR
Scroll and Background Designs
Background tints combined with scroll outlines as given
in the illustration on following page can be produced with
common dry colors applied with a small wad of cotton
batting or a piece of plush. ' For a simple outline as
given in A-l, first cut out the pattern from cardboard or
common straw board. Place this upon the show card
and hold the same firmly with the left hand, then with
the right hand dip the wad of cotton batting or plush in
dry color (any desired shade) then rub around the edge
of pattern and extend outward in a circular motion. Use
considerable color along the edge of pattern and gradu-
ally work out to a faint tint. After you have finished
this, remove the pattern and run a scroll line as shown
in A-2, with a No. 7 or 9 lettering pencil. Any color may
be used in making the scroll outline that will harmonize
with the background tint. The other design presented
may be treated in the same way and will lend a sugges-
tion for many different varieties on the same principle.
Good work in tinted backgrounds can also be produced
with an atomizer. The same method of using patterns
may be employed and the work done more rapidly than
when using dry colors. The space or surface protected
by the pattern remains white, or color of the cardboard
used, while the background is shaded by the spray of
fluid color.
Avoid using colors of the same depth of tone side by
side. It usually gives the work a muddy or hazy ap-
pearance. Care must lie taken in any kind of plain and
ornamental work in order that it may be uniform and
harmonious.
In using an atomizer for spraying color, first fill the
bottle of same about half full with fluid of the desired
color, which can be quickly made by dissolving ink pow-
der in water. Very little of the ink powder solution when
diluted with water will be sufficient for a good number of
ordinary show cards. Hold the bottle in one hand and
bulb in the other, squeeze the bull), then release the pres-
sure and the bulb will fill by suction. Repeat this move-
ment and a spray will follow from nozzle that can be
easily regulated. Hold the nozzle of atomizer about 14
inches from card or design you wish to work on. Begin
the spray at lower left hand corner of design and gradu-
ally work upward to top of design, then along top and
down right hand side and along the bottom. The depth
of color of background can be made a light or heavy
tint at the will of the operator.
When a fine spray is desired without spreading, add
about a teasponoful of mucilage* in bottle of atomizer with
color.
When mucilage is added the solution will give good or
better results after being made for a day or so.
For delicate tints and even shading the best results
are obtained when the bottle of sprayer is less than half
full of color.
DRUGGISTS AND DISPENSERS PRACTICAL SHOW CARD INSTRUCTOR
127
In putting tinted backgrounds on colored cardboard,
remember that the ink powder solution is transparent,
consequently. Red sprayed on Blue cardboard will have a
pronounced purple shade, while Blue on Yellow card-
board will show up Green, and so on, the underground
color always prominent in modifying the shade or color
effect when transparent paints or inks are used. All
colors of ink powder solution will have a fine effect when
used on White Cardboard and produce hundreds of pretty
shades in backgrounds and deiicate tints.
For ink powder see page 135.
128
DRUGGISTS AND DISPENSERS PRACTICAL SHOW CARD INSTRUCTOR
A great deal depends upon the style of lettering to pro
duce strength of reading qualities in the show card. A
narrow bodied letter on a heavy scrolled background al-
ways give a weak appearance, the scroll in this case in-
variably detracts from the value of the lettering. Another
error is made by putting scrolled letters on a scroll
ground when plain lettering should be used. Always aim
to have contrast in lettering and scrolls, both in style and
delicate tints.
The scroll and tinted background cards presented here-
with are made up of the practice copies given on page 127.
Very rapid and ingenious combinations can be produced
by following this method of designing. Almost any
simple design cut in straw-board pattern and a delicate
tint of color added around the same when placed on a
show card will produce a neat effect and the appearance
changed wonderfully by a scroll or border outline.
DRUGGISTS AND DISPENSERS PRACTICAL SHOW CARD INSTRUCTOR
129
Show Card Designs
Pictures taken from Trade Journals, Daily Papers and
other publications and combined with simple scroll de-
signs, backgrounds, etc., as given on page 127, will give a
good suggestion for considerable originality to all begin-
ners and those of some experience.
Different styles of pictures cut out true in outline and
pasted on a card with suitable wording will make very
attractive show cards and when properly done will give
every evidence of being made expressly for the occasion.
When you select a picture for this work, cut it out neatly
— that is, follow the outline of entire illustration, then
give the back of the same a liberal coat of paste and
place the picture outline exactly where you want it on
the card. Now, place a sheet of white blotting paper or
anything of a similar nature, on the design, so that you
can press it firmly to the card. Always use a white
blotting paper or a clean rag so that you can press it
firmly to the card. White blotting paper or a clean rag
will absorb any mucilage or paste that may appear
around the edges of the picture in order to make a clean
finish.
130
DRUGGISTS AND DISPENSERS PRACTICAL SHOW CARD INSTRUCTOR
Motto Cards
wy yjgriumh y chases yon ever y
IciQVLV Vj 0VL f r# ZLWzCkt. $.0\}\\XI % \n
¥he JJbxited j Sh&ez is tmikd down.
the ' Mown - and - ovX- Slufc , v jovl
muzi xiomimAe x) 0xtrsilf and
second X\i£ motion .
There is a good field for the Show Card Writer in
every locality for Motto Cards at prices that give an
unusual profit. Show card stock can be had in all colors
and delicate tints, so that the energetic card writer can
easily produce novel color schemes and new type designs
in lettering and arrangement in a few minutes that
would be an impossibility to the Job Printer.
SHOW CARD SUPPLIES.
131
Comprehensive Lessons
By mail is the modern, successful and economical method of learning show card let-
tering and designing. The progress made by our past students justifies the asser-
tion that more can be accomplished by this means for the same expenditure than is
possible to obtain in any other way.
Our courses of instruction are constantly growing in patronage and public fa-
vor and are now recognized as the Fountain Head for practical lessons. Up-to-the-
Minute Ideas, Quick Methods, and POSITIVE SUCCESS FOR ALL STUDENTS.
We have Four Separate Courses of practical instruction by mail in up-to-date
Show Card Lettering and Designing, as follows:
COURSE "A"
Marking Pen Show Card Lettering and Designing —
Six Complete Lessons, $3.00
Those who are not supplied with pens and inks,
the following list will enable one to make a va-
riety of neat and effective show cards for all busi-
ness purposes:
4 Marking Pens, Nos. 0, 1. 2, 3 $ .80
2 Flat Tint Pens, Nos. 0, 1 40
3 Bottles Ink, assorted colors 75
~$L95
Course A, with pens and inks, together with prac-
tice copies and finished show cards, can be for-
warded in one lot, prepaid, for $4.95.
COURSE "C"
Soennecken Pen Show Card Lettering and Design-
ing—Four Complete Lessons, $2.00
Soennecken Pens and three jars of ink for
Course C cost 95 cents, forwarded prepaid; 24 fin-
ished show cards (asosrted sizes) are included with
the lessons in Soennecken pen lettering.
COURSE "B"
Automatic Shading Pen Show Card Lettering and
Designing — Four Complete Lessons, $2.00
Pens and inks for Course B will cost $2.50 — for-
warded prepaid.
COURSE "D"
Up-to-Date Brush Lettering and Designing— Ten
Complete Lessons, $5.00
Those who are not supplied with brushes and
paints will find the following a good practical outfit:
_ Four Red Sable show card brushes (assorted
sizes) and four jars of show card paint (assorted
colors) forwarded prepaid for $2.25.
EVERY STUDENT A SUCCESS
Prospectus and sample show card work mailed free, postpaid, to all interested. Address
THE THOMPSON SCHOOL OF LETTERING, DEPT. 4, PONTIAC, MICH.
132
SHOW CARD SUPPLIES.
00
1
2
3
AUTOMATIC PENS— Marking, Shading, Plain
MARKING PEN
Making a Solid, Plain Mark, Strong, Full Strength of Color.
1-32 inch
1-16 "
1-8
1-16 "
1-4
de 20c each
20c each
20c each
20c each
20c each
3-8 inch wide 20c each
1-2
3-4
7-8
.20c each
.25c each
.25c each
SHADING PENS
Make a Mark of Two Shades at a Single Stroke of the
Pen from One Color of Ink.
de 20 cents each
20 cents each
' 20 cents each
20 cents each
20 cents each
20 cents each
20 cents each
25 cents each
25 cents each
00
1-32
in
ch
Wl
1-16
1
1-8
2
3-16
3
1-4
4
3-8
5
1-2
6
3-4
8
7-8
PLAIN PENS
Make a Mark About Half the Strength of Color Used.
For Making Backgrounds, Tints, .Scrolls, Etc.
00
1
2
3
4
5
6
1-32 inch wide 20 cents each
1-16
1-8
3-16
1-4
3-8
1-2
3-4
7-8
.20 cents each
.20 cents each
.20 cents each
.20 cents each
.20 cents each
.20 cents each
.25 cents eacli
.25 cents eacli
MAIL ORDERS PROMPTLY FILLED.
Address, W. A. THOMPSON, Dept. 2, Pontiac, Mich., U.S.A.
SHOW CARD SUPPLIES.
133
AUTOMATIC
SHADING
INK
FOR MARKING AND SHADING PENS.
In the production of this ink no pains or
expense has been spared to insure that the
colors are the most brilliant and durable
manufactured. This ink is prepared by a
special process, thoroughly filtered, and every
drop is pure. It is of the proper consistency
to letter smooth and free and will dry hard
with gloss.
COLORS— Black, Red, Blue. Green, Brown,
Orange, Rose, Purple.
One Ounce bottle... 15 cents, prepaid
Two Ounce bottle 25 cents, prepaid
ADHESIVE INK is used quite extensively
for gold, silver, metallic and diamond dust
ornamentation on special show cards, posters,
picture and souvenir postal cards. It's the
best made for great adhesive qualities and
clean-cut work with either pen or brush.
Price 25c per Bottle, Prepaid.
Address, W. A. THOMPSON, Dept. 2,
Pontiac, Mich., U. S. A.
134
SHOW CARD SUPPLIES.
I I I I I I I I I
SOENNECKEN PENS
Assorted Sizes
20 Cents per Dozen, Prepaid
Mail Orders Promptly Filled
Soennecken Pen Lettering Ink
An ideal preparation for smooth and clean-cut Soennecken Pen lettering.
Put up in Seven Colors. Sets up firm in lettering, will not rub, scale or crack,
and will show full strength on any colored surface.
Colors of Ink— RED, WHITE, BLACK, GREEN, YELLOW, BLUE and
PURPLE, with Directions on Each Jar.
Price 25 Cents per Jar, Prepaid.
Address, W. A. THOMPSON, Dept. 2, Pontiac, Mich.
LETTERING INK
r«« WHITE -
F OR SOENNECKEN P EN ,^o?
""'enirth f Mm m „, y colore"
* . PRICE, 26 Can" „
^^JHOMPSON, Ponflȣj^
SHOW CARD SUPPLIES.
135
FLITTERS
For sparkling effects on Show Cards, Ban-
ners, etc. Gold, Silver, Crimson, Brilliant
Green, Lavender, Orange and Lemon. Choice
of colors, IS cents per package, postpaid.
BRONZES, any color desired, 15 cents per
package, postpaid.
DIAMOND DUST, 15 cents per package,
postpaid.
THOMPSON'S INK POWDER
FOR RAPID PEN LETTERING.
Makes a beautiful gloss ink for ticket writing,
show card work and ornamental lettering of all
kinds.
Assorted colors — Black, Blue, Brown, Red, Purple,
Yellow, Green and Rose. Full directions for mak-
ing shading ink. Choice of colors, 10c per pack-
age, postpaid.
Card writers can save money by using this Ink
Powder for general pen lettering.
Address,
W. A. THOMPSON, Dept. 2, Pontiac, Mich.
136
SHOW CARD SUPPLIES.
Letter Patterns for Up-to-Date Sign Lettering
Store Fronts, Awnings,
Banners
The use of letter patterns, not stencils, but true out-
lines cut from the best quality of pattern stock, showing
the letter itself, is now used by the most experienced
sign writers. With a good outline of letters to begin
with, sign work is two-thirds done, and is a decided ad-
vantage to the expert as well as the beginner. A pat-
tern that is cut true will always give a true outline.
These patterns are read}' to work from; they will not
warp or get out of shape like paper letters, and with
proper care will last a life-time.
The styles presented in the following list will enable
the beginner and those of some experience to do a first-
class variety of sign lettering in a neat and satisfactory
manner.
HOW TO USE THEM.
In general sign lettering place the patterns upon the
surface upon which the letters are to be used, so that the
spacing will be even, and proceed to outline them by
running a sharp pointed pencil around the edge of the
pattern. This will give a correct outline of the letters
and ready for painting any color desired.
Very few sign painters shade letters correctly, but shad-
ing may be correctly done with patterns. First mark
Board Signs, Muslin Signs,
Etc.
around the pattern to show the face of the letter, then
move the pattern to the right or left, which ever way you
desire the shading, and drop as far as you wish the
shading to extend, and run the pencil around the out-
side edge only. This will make the shading, all except
joining the shades of the letters, which should be done
with a line at an angle drawn from the point of the
shading line to the point of the letter. See letter "H"
in following illustration.
Any man or boy without previous knowledge of draw-
ing or forming letters can do up-to-date sign work with
these patterns. They enable the beginner to equal the
work of many sign writers with years of experience.
Each set listed consists of 26 letters and character &.
Lower Case Letters to match any size or style may be
had for the price quoted on capital letters. . When four
or more styles are desired at one time, forwarding by
express is often advisable. When this is desired, remit
only the net amount of order, without postage.
In all orders write name and address plainly. Remit
by draft, postoffice or express money order. Small
amounts, one and two cent stamps accepted. Please
do not send private checks.
Address all orders,
W. A. THOMPSON, Dept. 2, Pontiac, Michigan.
SHOW CARD SUPPLIES.
137
LETTER PATTERN PRICES
inch letters 25 cents per set Postage 3 cents
inch letters 30 cents per set Postage 3 cents
inch letters 40 cents per set Postage 6 cents
6 inch letters SO cents per set Postage 10 cents
8 inch letters 60 cents per set Postage 12 cents
10 inch letters "0 cents per set Postage 16 cents
12 inch letters 90 cents per set Postage 22 cents
Letter pattern sets may be had at the above prices. Each set
consists of 26 letters and character &
CASH MUST ACCOMPANY ORDER.
138
SHOW CARD SUPPLIES.
FIGURE PATTERNS
Figures outlined rapidly by running a lead pencil along the edge of pattern. This will give a correct
outline ready for painting any color. Any style at the following prices:
Style 47.
Style 46
Style ^9.
Style SI
Style SS.
Style S3.
2 inch, per set of 10 IS cents.
3 inch, per set of 10 20 cents.
4 inch, per set of 10 25 cents.
6 inch, per set of 10 30 cents.
8 inch, per set of 10 35 cents.
10 inch, per set of 10 40 cents.
Postage 2 cents
Postage 3 cents
Postage 4 cents
Postage 5 cents
Postage 6 cents
Postage 7 cents
CASH MUST ACCOMPANY ORDER.
Address, W. A. THOMPSON, Dept. 2, Pontiac, Michigan.
SHOW CARD SUPPLIES.
139
SOMETHING NEW
SHADED BACKGROUND AND ORNAMENTAL DE-
SIGNS FOR SHOW CARDS, ETC.
Dozens of Fancy Designs in Nicely Blended Colors Can
Be Made by Any One in a Few Minutes.
The variety of show card border and background de-
signs in the accompanying illustration will give an idea
of the work done by the New Show Card Spray Outfit.
The most inexperienced can produce from the start a
first-class variety of show card designs of all styles in
Air Brush Effect, and at a fraction of a cent above the
cost of common cardboard.
With this outfit the show card writer is above the com-
petition of any one in his locality who is not so fortunate
(no matter how skilled he may be) owing to the fact that
the work of elaborate designs can be done just as quickly
as that of a simple scroll or outline. The Continuous
Spray does the work, and can be regulated to produce a
light or heavy tint or shade of any color at the will of the
operator.
The New Show Card Spray Outfit Includes:
One Show Card Sprayer complete, six packages of colors
— Red, Blue, Green, Brown, Purple and Yellow. Ten
Background Pattern Outlines — one for show card 22x28
inches, three for 14x22 inches, and six for 11x14 inches.
Ten Show Card Background Copies, assorted sizes, fin-
ished in colors, as shown in accompanying illustration.
Full instructions showing how to begin, proper position
to work, etc. In fact, everything in detail and designed
expressly for the show card writer.
This outfit is the most complete and convenient ever
offered for the price, and will give entire satisfaction.
The assorted colors will be enough for over 3,000 back-
grounds when properly used.
EASY TO LEARN.
In less than ten minutes practice with this outfit you
can duplicate any design in above illustration, in any
color, on a show card, in 30 seconds. This class of work
is very simple and an art in istelf, mechanically executed
with ease and rapidity without any previous experience.
OUTFIT COMPLETE, FORWARDED PREPAID, $3.00
Remit by registered letter, postal order, or express
money order. Addrsss.
W. A. THOMPSON, Dept. 2, Pontiac, Mich., U. S. A.
Samples of Spray Work Free. Postpaid.
140
SHOW CARD SUPPLIES.
THE MODEL "J" AIR BRUSH
with a Reamer, Hanger. Metal Rubber
Tube Connection, and Instructions.
By express, charges collect. By registered mail,
prepaid, for fee of 25 cents.
This illustration shows the
exact size of the Model "J."
The lever arrangement is the
single action movement. It is
made with an Interchangeable
Color Glass Jar Attachment.
The needle adjustment for dif-
ferent widths of line and spray
is fitted directly to the color tube. Several Class Jars can be had for varia-
tion in colors. They are easily taken off and put on. The Brush is extremely
simple in construction. Well made, and adapted to card and sign work. Any
colors, Water or Oil, can be used in this brush. It will work from a hair line
to a broad spray. It comes put up in a l.eatheret Case, with Reamer, Hanger,
Metal Rubber Tubing Connection, and instructions.
Price $10.00
Less Special Discount 10 per cent. . 1.00
DESCRIPTION OF THE MODEL "O" AIR BRUSH. ~$ 9.00 "Net
This illustration shows the
actual size of the Model "O"
Air Brush, fitted with the Glass
Jar Color Attachment. Model
"O". especially adapted for the
Show Card Writer, is fitted with
a glass jar color attachment
only, without the side cup.
These glass jars are instantly
taken off and put on. which is a great convenience for the show card writer
and color artists, for post cards and photographs. No matter how many colors
the card is composed of, a jar can be had for each color, as is takes only a few
seconds to rinse out the brush. The brush can be used in any position, with
oil color, lacquer, varnish or fixatif. The needle and color tube are instantly
removed for renewal, or cleaning. Model "O" comes put up in a leatheret case
Price $20.00
Less Special Discount 10 per cent. . 2.00
$18.00 Net
Address, W. A. THOMPSON, Dept. 2,
PONTIAC, MICHIGAN
SHOW CARD SUPPLIES.
141
The Hand Air Compressing Outfit No. 2.
The Hand Air Compressing Outfit No. 2 consists of a Steel Riveted Tank 26x10,
Heavy 12x1!/ Brass Cylinder with Steel Ball Bearing Check Valves, Steel Plunger
Rod. ICO 11). Gauge. Air Reducer, 6 ft. High Pressure Cloth Woven Flexible Rubber
Air Tubing, and Air Cock Shut-Off. The arrangement of the two gauges and the
Air Reducer is for the storing up of a quantity of air with one pumping, as 100 lbs.
can be pumped into the tank, and then be reduced down to 15 lbs. or 20 lbs., whatever
pressure is wanted nr needed with the use of the Brush. This way the brush may
be used for a long time without having to pump s-o often as would be required with
Air Tank No. 1. Also the Tank has two brackets, so it can be screwed down to the
floor. The Steel Ball Check Valves makes it easy to work against the High Pres-
sure. The whole outfit is well made and finished in black. Net weight, 16 lbs.
Price $15.00
Less special discount 10 per cent 1.50
$13.50 N'et
The Liquid Carbonic Gas Outfit
PRICE $10.00 NET. Shipped by freight or express, charges collect.
The Gas Outfit consists of a 50-lb. Gauge, Reducer,
Wall Clamp. Combination Wrench. ( Unlet Shut-Off and
6 ft. of High Pressure Rubber Tubing. This outfit is
equipped with a regulator which reduces the pressure
of the liquid gas from the high pressure in the drum to
whatever pressure is needed for the air brush. The
regulator is built on scientific principles. It is in every-
way the best and most accurate, most thoroughly gas-
tight regulator on the market. It is so arranged that
merely a turn to the left or right lowers or raises the
pressure. The best gas to use is the Diamond Brand
Liquid Gas. manufactured by the Liquid Carbonic Gas
Company at its thirteen different plants at various points
in the United States and offered for sale by thousands
of dealers and bottling shops throughout the country.
With every gas outfit we sell we inform the purchaser
the nearest point at which the gas may be obtained, as
we do not sell the drums of gas from here. The price of
gas varies according to the freight distance from the
factory. The expense of running a small style air brush
averages about 1 cent an hour, and a drum of gas will
last thirty days, using it eight hours a day.
O
o
Something New-Extra Fine Russia Sable Flat Brushes
DESIGNED AND MADE EXPRESSLY FOR UP-TO-DATE SHOW CARD LETTERING, RAPID POSTER
WORK, ETC. — Just the right thickness of hair in each brush to produce the very best results. Easy Lettering,
Accurate Lettering, and a Time Saver. A Brush for the Beginner and the Expert.
^o
W. A.THOMPSON
O
BRUSHES MADE IN SIX SIZES ONLY.
Width 1-8 3-16 1-4 3-8 1-2 5-8
Each. 20 .25 .30 .35 .40 .50
FULL SET, SIX SIZES, ORDERED AT ONE TIME,
FOR $1.80, POSTPAID
CASH MUST ACCOMPANY ORDER.
Address W. A. THOMPSON, Dept. 2, Pontiac, Mich.
BRUSH STROKE LETTERING IS A TIME SAVER.
With this brush an endless variety of different styles of alpha-
bets can be made very rapidly without extra effort, as the letters
are formed with ease by natural strokes of the brush. Each brush
stroke forms a stem or portion of the letter with a single operation
and finished as you go, — a feature that is invaluable for rapid,
clean-cut, free hand lettering.
All styles of lettering with ease and rapidity from half inch to
six inch letters, or as large as desired.
SHOW CARD SUPPLIES.
143
Show Card Writers Brush Outfit
EXTRA FINE RED SABLE SHOW CARD BRUSHES, ROUND.
MADE EXPRESSLY FOR SHOW CARD LETTERING— NICKLE PLATED FERRULES, SHORT HANDLES.
FOUR SPECIAL SIZES— Nos. 5, 7, 9 and 12— PRICE $1.50, POSTPAID.
These burshes are sensitive in touch, elastic in stroke,
and give ready response in clean-cut lettering. When
charged with paint they can be made to retain a fine
point or brought to a chisel edge. The best Show Card
Brushes that money can buy.
SEPARATE BRUSHES FROM THIS OUTFIT
AT FOLLOWING PRICES:
No. 5 25c
No. 7 35c
No. 9 45c
No. 12 60c
CASH MUST ACCOMPANY ORDER.
Address, W. A. THOMPSON, Dept. 2, Pontiac, Mich.
144
SHOW CARD SUPPLIES.
Eureka Show Card Paint
LA 'N »ND FANCY LETTER' NG t
BLACt
W A r '""ftPED BY
. "O^IPSON, Ponn
o.c
*,<>
The Twentieth Century Lettering Medium, Ground by Machinery
and Ready for Immediate Use with the Addition of Water for
Thinning. Dries Quick. Heavy Body. Easy Lettering.
• This paint is made expressly for brush lettering, display signs,
slow cards, tickets, etc.. and fully answers all the varied requirements
. — sets up firm in lettering, will in • t rub, scale or crack, and for clean-
liness and ease of application cannot be excelled.
The Only Show Card Paint That Will Show Up in Full Strength of
Color on Any Colored Surface.
The colors below may be blended to make any required shade.
SEVEN COLORS. Put up in screw top jars.
Prices: Red, 30 cents each. White, Blue, Green, Yellow, Purple,
Black 25 cents each.
These prices are net. Parcel post or express charges extra.
LETTERING PENCILS AND BRUSHES
EXTRA FINE OX HAIR LETTERING PENCILS,
In silver plated ferrules, with polished handles. Perfect
in elasticity and ease in lettering. Alternate sizes are
recommended for a good variety of card-sign work.
No. 1 12c each No. 5 20c each
No. 2 12c each Xo. 6 20c each
No. 3 15c each No. 7 25c each
No. 4 18c each No. 8 25c each
OX HAIR BRUSHES. BROAD— FLAT.
For Sign Writers' Use.
l 4 inch wide 30c each ; j inch wide 50c each
1 j inch wide 40c eacli 1 inch wide 60c each
These brushes are excellent for muslin sign work.
Address,
W. A. THOMPSON, Dept. 2, Pontiac, Mich., U. S. A.
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LIBRARY OF CONGRESS
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