Engrosser’s script is a calligraphic writing style that was developed and used during the late 1800s and early 1900s in the United States. The primary influence of this script was the various English scripts used before such as the Copperplate Script. In the mid-late 1800s, penmen tried to recreate the script created by the engravers, when they engrossed the writing onto the copperplate with the burin. This new script that was created, used slower strokes and was eventually known as the Engraver’s Script, or the Engrosser’s script.
Unlike the English Roundhand and Copperplate font, the Engrosser’s script is known more as an art form involving the drawing of letters, rather than being just handwriting. It is not known as a “cursive” font, as the pen is lifted from the paper many times while writing – this goes against the basic rules of cursive writing.
This writing style is carried out using a steel nib, which gained popularity during the 1800s. This steel nib is placed inside an oblique holder, which helps the scribe achieve distinctive angled writing. The letterforms usually lean to the right 30º-40º from vertical.
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