I found this interesting piece of 1920s marketing while metal detecting along a stone wall behind an old post office. 

The inscription on the back of the postage stamp case reads: "SPENCERIAN STEEL PENS ARE THE BEST". Ironically, I think I used that correctly here, the inscription's font is most definitely not Spencerian. On the face, the inscription defines the object's purpose: "Pocket Postage Stamp Case."

The Spencerian Pen Company was established in New York in the late 1850s, founded by Ivison Phinney, a publisher and bookseller. The Spencerian Pen Company did not make their pens, they were distributors. From their start until the 1920s, they imported and sold steel nibbed (dip) pens imported from England.  These  they felt were suitable for writing the Spencerian script. 

By the late 1920s, as fountain pens became more popular than dip pens, they began selling Spencerian branded *lever filling* fountain pens, which were made for them by Conklin of Ohio. This postage stamp case is related to that marketing campaign.

Although Spencerian script is not commonly used today, its influence can still be seen. Look closely at the early logos of some of the most recognizable brands in American history. Ford's early logo has the characteristic Spencerian flow. Coca-Cola's early logo also shared the same principles that Spencer advocated for in his script.

Platt Rogers Spencer	was an interesting person. I have included a few resources below if you feel so inclined to jump down the rabbit hole. 

Thank you kindly for reading.

**Rabbit Fodder:**  
**Wikipedia**:

Platt Rogers Spencer

[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Platt\_Rogers\_Spencer](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Platt_Rogers_Spencer)

**Wikipedia**:

Spencerian Script

[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spencerian\_script](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spencerian_script)

**In Pursuit of Penmanship:** 

A Bold Claim Against Father Spencer

[https://www.inpursuitofpenmanship.com/blog/a-bold-claim-against-father-spencer](https://www.inpursuitofpenmanship.com/blog/a-bold-claim-against-father-spencer)

Pocket Postage Stamp Case, A Marketing Piece For A Forgotten Font