Re: Thief-Proof Numbers (body serial numbers)

Posted by Owen_Dyneto On 2009/1/9 10:13:25

Just attempting to keep this subject active a while longer in hopes of more data, especially for pre-war cars. Thanks to those of you who have recently sent numbers.

Seems I may owe you all something for the constant requests, so let me provide a bit of entertainment (trivia). Often people see the digit "1" as an "I" on their TP or vehicle number.

Packard commissioned two private custom typefaces from American Type Founders for use in it's internal house organ, advertising, and other printed matter. I'm not sure of the origin date but Packard and Packard Bold typefaces are listed in the 1923 ATF catalog as font #348 and #453 respectively. They are also listed on page 245 of McGrew's book American Metal Typefaces of the Twentieth Century.

In the Packard typeface, the numerical character "1" is shaped like the alpha character "I". So there, you have it, another minor Packard mystery uncovered. If you want to see an example of the Packard typeface, I could probably post something, let me know.