Replacing missing type?

I have been at this now for just long enough to get really attached to my first font - a used set of 48 point Stymie - but not long enough to know what to do about the fact that said font is very low on certain letters. I’ve only got two of the lowercase “b”, and “y” is even worse. I have two, but the descender had broken off one of them before I got the type (I still have both of the broken pieces).

For now, I have enough of this Stymie to print most anything I need to - there’s only so much 48 pt that will fit in a 6x10 chase anyway. I live in constant terror of dropping my one remaining “y”, though, and I am guessing that the most practical long term solution to this is to keep my eyes out for another complete font of 48 point Stymie. But I just thought I’d ask - is there any hope of replacing individual letters? Am I very likely to find another batch of Stymie that is compatible with what I have? And there is no way to fix a broken “y”, is there?

Thanks!

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Is there a number marked on the lowercase m? The first step would be identifying who made your type. Stymie isn’t exactly rare- chances are good you can find some more of it.

Daniel Morris
The Arm Letterpress
Brooklyn, NY

Yes - the m is marked with a very small 552.

That means it is from American Type Founders. If you check with Dave Churchman and John Barrett you’ll probably be able to find some more. Make sure to mention the face, the point size, and that number on the m.

Or you can check with Steve Robinson AKA letterpreservation239 on eBay. He has TONS of type.

Daniel Morris
The Arm Letterpress
Brooklyn, NY

Hi LelandManufactory,

I just checked Don Black’s site (donblack.ca), and he lists a font of new ATF 48-point Stymie Medium lowercase, which seems to be exactly what you need. You need to phone or email Don, though, since the website is not always up-to-the-minute current.

Good luck,

Barbara

Thanks everyone! I will look into these options, and in the meantime, I’ll try not to drop anything!

Eric