I was visiting the Phillip's Collection museum in Washington, DC when this clock caught my attention. It isn't even part of the art exhibit, rather, some of the original furnishings of the original owner of the home the museum is housed in. Anyway, I love, love, love the font used with the numbers on the clock face. Can anyone help me identify the name of this font, or anything else about this particular lettering style? Thanks!
It’s a lettering style I associate with the Arts and Crafts movement, particularly the way the letter 8 is flattened, but on a quick look I couldn’t find a font close enough to recommend it.
The first instance of these styled numerals that I'm aware of would be traced to Walter Durfee, American hall clock magnate of the late 19th century. It is synonymous with the Art Nouveau movement however I don't believe any company ever referred to it by a particular name. It was just a popular look that was widely replicated by many clockmakers. The clock shown is very nice with its carved shells and flat-top hood.
Those flattened 8 tops are found on 17th and 18th century clocks. The arts and crafts movement was a revivalist movement harking back to earlier styles.
Actually, there are font identifiers you can find on-line. Just google "font identifier". There are quite a few and though I have not tried them. However, I would suggest seeing how they worked for you and then let us know how you did? RM
Chelsea used a very similar style of number for their decorative dials in the first decades of the 20th century, and revived it for their "Millennium" edition in 2000.
You all have been incredibly helpful and I thank you dearly for the insight that you are able to give!
