introduction

Despite many similarities among the various countries of Europe, there is a particular "feel" to each area. One of the more striking differentiators is store signage: each country has signs with print fonts and a "look" that is unmistakable.

Thank goodness for Archer Fine Transfers who are recreating these subtle, yet important characteristics in a series of signage releases that take in the Netherlands, Belgium, France and Germany.

what you get

Inside the usual Archer glassines are seven dry transfer names for use on store signs.

the review

While some French or Belgian buildings come with decals (I'm thinking MK35 Editions), most come with nothing or just paper ones (sometimes even just the box art). So recreating the right store sign presents unneeded challenges. These two sets (one in white letters, the other in black) pretty much will save your bacon. They include the store name and a street number. All seven are in French, but can be used in the French-speaking portion of Belgium (if you want the Flemish-speaking region, you'll need Archer's Dutch & Belgian store sign sets).

And for those who aren't fluent in French, Archer saves you the embarrassment of putting a butcher shop's sign ("charcuterie") on a bakery store sign with translations for each sign.

Dry transfers this size are relatively easy to apply straight from the transfer film, but if in doubt, you can use Archer's Clear Decal Film. They can also be applied to "glass" windows, a very European look from the 19th Century on.

conclusion

These sets are beautifully-printed and will enhance the look of any diorama from about the mid-19th Century to the current era in towns that have escaped modern signage. The sets also work well with Archer's French advertising posters set.

Thanks to Archer Fine Transfers for providing these review sets. Please be sure to mention you saw them reviewed here on Armorama when ordering.