Summary

Creator:	Black, Lester F.
Date(s):	approximately 1880-1890
Call Number:	MSS 0093, Item 0018
Language:	Materials entirely in English.
Abstract:	Lester F. Black penned the calling cards in this late nineteenth-century volume of thirty calligraphic samples, as well as a brief note on the final page.
Physical Description:	1 volume (17 pages) 17.5 x 11.5 cm
Source:	Purchase, December 2010.
Processing:	Processed and encoded by Anita Wellner, February 2011. Finding aid prepared using Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Biographical and Historical Notes

Lester F. Black described his work in a brief rhyming note on the final page of the sample book. He wrote: "This book belongs to Lester Black. A man of great renown, He'll write you cards with skill-ful knack, And do the job up brown." Black's calling card is laid in the sample book and on it he identified himself as a "penman." Black was probably from the United States since the cent sign is used on two cards.

Sources

Biographical information derived from the sample book.

Scope and Content Note

Lester F. Black penned the calling cards in this late nineteenth-century volume of thirty calligraphic samples, as well as a brief note on the final page.

This small notebook, with a handwritten cover title "Sample Book," contains samples of thirty calling cards penned by Black on a variety of cards. Four of the cards have a black background and are inscribed in white ink, while others have sculptured borders with gilt edges. Two have Victorian onlay in the shape of a hand pointing to the name. Additionally Black's own calling card is laid in the back of the volume next to the final page on which he wrote a brief note about his work.

Using these materials

Shelving Summary

• Item 0018: Shelved in SPEC MSS 0093 SCRAPBOOK

Access Information

The collection is open for research.

Preferred Citation

MSS 0093, Item 0018, Lester Black sample book of calligraphic calling cards, Special Collections, University of Delaware Library, Newark, Delaware.

Related Materials in this Repository

This item forms part of MSS 0093 Commonplaces, Albums, and Scrapbooks collection.

Terms Governing Use and Reproduction

Use of materials from this collection beyond the exceptions provided for in the Fair Use and Educational Use clauses of the U.S. Copyright Law may violate federal law. Permission to publish or reproduce is required from the copyright holder. Please contact Special Collections, University of Delaware Library, http://library.udel.edu/spec/askspec/

Names & Subjects

Names

• Black, Lester F.

Subjects

• Calligraphers
• Calligraphy--United States--19th century--Specimens
• Visiting cards--19th century--Specimens

Formats

• Business cards
• Sample books
• Visiting cards