Origin unclear. Shown from the mid-1800s by various foundries under different names: Condensed No. 2 (Inland), Condensed No. 3 (Farmer), Condensed No. 4 (Palmer & Rey) Lightface Condensed No. 2 (Franklin, MS&J), Modern Roman Condensed (BB&S). Phototype versions include Roman Compressed No. 3, shown in Photo-Lettering’s One Line catalog (1971).

Digital interpretations include OL Roman Compressed (Dennis Ortiz-Lopez; used for sample) and OPTI Roman Compressed (Castcraft, 1990).