Gustave Ernst

Gustave Ernst was a German engraver who created decorative designs for use by gunsmiths. This printed label advertises his collection of "Musterblätter," or pattern sheets, which contain hunting scenes and arabesques. The label notes that these sheets were published by Zella bei Gotha, a center for gunsmithing in Germany. The design and typography are a great example of ornamental lettering, or "calligraphic" art.