Matrices are moving parts that contain a mold in the shape of a letter, in which the typemetal is injected. To find out which typeface and type size are on a matrix, the operator checks the identifier on the side of the matrix. This identifier differed for each company that used to produce and/or distribute matrices.
You can find the identifier on your matrix in the largest online databace of Linotype faces below:
Linotype & Machinery (UK)
The UK division of Linotype produced matrices, but at the moment we have no information available.
Mergenthaler Linotype (US)
The Mergenthaler Linotype Company used a triangle (△) to identify matrices. The full list is available on this page.
• Note that the All Purpose Linotype (APL) also used a triangle to identify matrices. That full list is available on another page here.
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