We’ve received an email from Wolfgang Hartmann, Director of Neufville/Bauer confirming that type casting operations ceased in 2008. I had know this was the case, but this is truly bad news to have confirmed.
I have asked for additional information as he is willing to provide that might flesh out some kind of report on the state of casters and matrices. This may not be information he wishes to provide.
An inventory list was provided of the remaining stock of zinc type for bookbinding, and metal types in boxed form, or wrapped fonts. The list is in Spanish, and while I have partially interpreted meaning, some clarity on numbers has been enquired about and further information will be forthcoming. Suffice to say, the quantities are bare bones with a range of sizes from around 12 — 20pt.
That stated, the types are on a Didot body (not pica), and it appears, on a European .928″ height to paper, rather than the .918″ American standard. I have enquired about milling to height.
See the comments for additional information.