Released in 1902 by Inland. A Condensed (without lowercase) followed in 1905 [Reichardt 2011] Apparently based on Standard Gothic and Modern Gothic Condensed, respectively.
Also adapted by Lanston Monotype, and cast by Bauer (as Astoria, 1911), Klinkhardt (Ideal-Grotesk umzogen, before 1920), Reggiani (Serie Fedora), Fondografica (Garda) [Reichardt 2011] Revived by ATF in 1957 [McGrew].
The typeface is possibly named after the Comstock Lode, which became famous for the Silver Rush of America’s West. The word “comstock” was later used as a common name for an offset outline style.
The design was sponsored by A.H. Comstock of Omaha, according to a review at the time of its introduction [McGrew].