Vtg Stencils US No. 72

Used by the U.S. Army

The Vtg Stencil fonts from astype are based on real-world stencils from several countries. The US No. 72 design was drawn from authentic stencil plates used by the U.S. Army. In 2018 a major upgrade was done and Cyrillic support was added to the fonts.

When we call a thing vintage – after 30, 40, or 50 years? We don't know the exact date of the first use. But we have seen many samples indicating a usage beginning in the middle of the 1970s. However, there are also a few examples of similar stencil letters that existed around 1920. Before this date, a more squarish and wider sans-serif design was used.

In addition to various stencil cutting machines type designs (MARSH, DIAGRAPH-BRADLEY, or IDEAL), which have different designs too, the interlocking stencil kits are part of the NATO or National Stock Number (NSN) system. So these kits are widely used by the U.S. Army till today. You can buy these stencils in DIY superstores in the United States, on army shops or on eBay.

Please note that we had to alter some aspects of the original design. For example the different stem widths, the uneven bridges or the original monospaced look and feel. We preferred to make my font look good in a headline setting, and distilled the best of the design to create the best stencil fonts available.

— Have fun and make good design!