Old Signage from Paris, circa 1900, Crédit Lyonnais / Le Centorial

Question

The head office of Crédit Lyonnais was set up in 1882 on Boulevard des Italiens in Paris. In 1996, the building, the largest bank of the late 19th century (42,000 m²), was devastated by fire.

Renovation and reconstruction of the building began in 1999. It was rebaptised as Le Centorial, a sort of anagram of the original Crédit Lyonnais (same letters). Therefore, the sign might have rescued the old letters after the fire.

I guess that this is a typeface that was designed and installed around the 1900's. The leg of the R being the most recognizable feature.

Any leads?

Answer 1

There is no reason why this should be a typeface, as opposed to custom made letters.
One typeface with similarly wide proportions and an R with a descending and pointed leg is Flinsch’s Römisch from around 1900. It’s not a match, though.

Comments

Thank you! Indeed, I haven't found any similar typefaces. In must be indeed custom.