Released as Erbar-Grotesk by Ludwig & Mayer in 1926,
Jakob Erbar’s design is one of the first geometric sans serifs,
released before Futura (though there is some debate about
which design was conceptualized first).
A total of eleven styles were added to the family in 1926–30,
including two weights with smaller x-height/longer ascenders known
as Erbar-Grotesk II, and two condensed weights. Partly
adopted for Linotype/Typograph. There are many alternates —
monocular ‘a’, stemless ‘u’, ‘A M N V W’ with pointed apexes
(splayed ‘M’), ‘Y’ without exit stroke — that were likely motivated
by the success of Futura, and are later shown as
defaults. Early proofs additionally show a set of low-waisted caps
and several glyphs where the middle or top bar crosses the stem (‘B
E F H K P R’) [VdS].
Phosphor (a.k.a. Lichte fette
Grotesk), Lucina, Lumina and More…
Released as Erbar-Grotesk by Ludwig & Mayer in 1926, Jakob Erbar’s design is one of the first geometric sans serifs, released before Futura (though there is some debate about which design was conceptualized first).
A total of eleven styles were added to the family in 1926–30, including two weights with smaller x-height/longer ascenders known as Erbar-Grotesk II, and two condensed weights. Partly adopted for Linotype/Typograph. There are many alternates — monocular ‘a’, stemless ‘u’, ‘A M N V W’ with pointed apexes (splayed ‘M’), ‘Y’ without exit stroke — that were likely motivated by the success of Futura, and are later shown as defaults. Early proofs additionally show a set of low-waisted caps and several glyphs where the middle or top bar crosses the stem (‘B E F H K P R’) [VdS].
Phosphor (a.k.a. Lichte fette Grotesk), Lucina, Lumina and Lux are related display companions by the same designer.
Berthold Fototypes carried 4 weights. Headliners had 2 series, neo-Erbar Sans and neo-Mini Erbar Sans, latter with a larger x-height, both in 5 weights plus Outline and Outline Shadow styles. Varityper’s Retail Display appears to be based directly on the Schmale Halbfette style.
Digital versions by Linotype (Condensed only, no alternates) and URW (7 styles, with alts) as Erbar. URW additionally has Erbar Neo Mini, a single bold style likely based on the Headliners version. Dunbar (CJ Type) is a contemporary reinterpretation in 3 subfamilies. See also Journal Sans / Journal Sans New and GT Eesti.
