The (now outdated) “Noble” numbering system was owned by Gilbert Noble for use in his catalogs and is still used by some. Based on further research done in the determination of the PSS Style Chart, one can see that the Noble system was deficient in that many types were combined as one when they were actually two different styles.

If you have an older Noble or Hoover catalog here is a conversion chart between the two numbering systems.

THE UNIVERSAL STYLE CHART

The object of the Universal Style Chart is to simplify the identification of the style of type used in a precancelation by means of a number rather than by a lengthy word description. The styles shown in this chart have been used by a number of towns and accordingly are given numbers (as shown) by which they may be identified, “U” being generally used as an abbreviation of “Universal”. The features which distinguish the various styles from each other are principally the size and style of letters, whether they have a single or double LINES or BARS, and the method of application. The appearance of the methods of application is explained at the head of each class in the chart.