Overview
This is an original, packaged font box of 'Wedding Text' (No. 414) metal printing type, manufactured by the legendary American Type Founders.
Identification
American Type Founders 'Wedding Text' Metal Type Set, c.1901
Photo reference
1 uploaded photo
Story
American Type Founders (ATF) was formed in 1892 through the merger of 23 type foundries and became the dominant force in American typography. 'Wedding Text' was designed in 1901 by Morris Fuller Benton, ATF's chief type designer, and became the quintessential blackletter typeface for formal American announcements and invitations. The secondary market for vintage letterpress type is driven by active hobbyist printers, boutique invitation studios, and typography collectors.
Maker / Origin
Unattributed
Condition & Value
The presence of the original ATF paper label and box significantly aids identification and adds collector appeal. Value depends heavily on whether the type is 'New Old Stock' (uninked) or used, as well as the completeness of the character count within the box.
Full Research
See what it's actually worth.
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Market Analysis
The secondary market for vintage letterpress type is driven by active hobbyist printers, boutique invitation studios, and typography collectors. Classic, elegant fonts like 'Wedding Text' remain highly usable for formal stationery, sustaining steady demand. However, lower-case only sets are harder to sell than complete upper/lower case fonts, as buyers typically need the full character set for practical printing.
Value Drivers
▲ Original ATF packaging and label confirm exact typeface (Wedding Text) and size (10pt).
▲ Wedding Text remains a highly desirable, classic typeface for boutique letterpress studios.
▲ Direct comparable sale of an identical 10pt lower-case set establishes a solid $45 baseline.
Concerns
▼ Lower-case only (L. C.) sets have limited utility without the matching upper-case (caps) font, capping the high-end value.
▼ Unverified type condition — heavy previous use, dried ink, or worn faces would reduce value to the $20-$30 floor.
Best Venue
List on a broad secondary marketplace like eBay or Etsy, targeting the letterpress and book arts community. Price around $50-$60 with 'Best Offer' enabled, clearly stating in the title that it is a lower-case (L. C.) only set. To maximize buyer confidence, provide a clear, well-lit macro photo of the type faces to demonstrate they are free of heavy wear or pitting.
Upside Potential
If a buyer happens to own the matching 10-point upper-case set and needs to complete their font, they may pay a premium at the top of the range. Otherwise, the $65 high-end represents the realistic ceiling for a partial set.