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Having trouble identifying the typeface used on these old signs, and the dates that they were in use. I could dig up a few conflicting dates, between early 1900's and into the 40's, but haven't found anything definite. Also, they were apparently printed white on Navy, and used in several neighborhoods in New York. I checked a couple type specimen books from the 1905-1915 era and got nothing. Any help identifying this typeface would be greatly appreciated!
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5 Dec 2012 — 3:36pm
Signage before the 1970s was primarily hand-painted, as these signs clearly were (compare the S's).
5 Dec 2012 — 3:43pm
Here's another example.
http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af258/Steven197981/SDC14544.jpg
5 Dec 2012 — 3:55pm
Thanks for the help, PublishingMojo!
5 Dec 2012 — 4:52pm
Jim Parkinson's Modesto is the closest digital font you will find.
http://www.myfonts.com/fonts/parkinson/modesto/
6 Dec 2012 — 2:53am
A few more: Hensler 2, Chipping, Mexborough, Chipperly, Liberty, Symbol, Agora
6 Dec 2012 — 4:46am
The second photo appears to show the lettering as slightly debossed, as if it had been stamped into the surface of the sign. Puzzling.
6 Dec 2012 — 9:51am
Thanks everyone for the alternate suggestions. This was very helpful.