Stencil Set

Date1926

Mediumleather, paper

Dimensionscase: 8 1/2 × 18 1/2 × 6 in. (21.6 × 47 × 15.2 cm)
jar, each: 1 1/2 × 2 in. (3.8 × 5.1 cm)
brush: 5 1/4 × 1/2 in. (13.3 × 1.3 cm)

ClassificationsTools, Implements & Weights

Credit LineAlbuquerque Museum, gift of Bernalillo Mercantile Co.

Object numberPC1978.139.6.A-I

DescriptionThis dark green, leather-bound stencil kit has a metal clasp and a fold-down lid. Inside, the set contains 71 alphabet and numeral stencils made of paperboard, some with visible black ink marks from past use. The stencils include both uppercase and lowercase letters, labeled with different font sizes such as Size 12 Lowercase Coast Single Brush and Size 7 Lower Case Souvenir. The set also includes a round brush, a small eraser, and four white plastic tubs with black lids, likely used for storing ink or paint. Manufactured by Showcarder Inc. in 1926, this set would have been used for professional sign-making, advertising, or shop displays. The stencils provided a reusable method for creating uniform lettering, a common practice before digital and mechanical printing became widespread.

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