Quick question about woodtype

Was wood type always made from end-grain?
I recently acquired some wood type and I am almost certain it’s not end-grain. I’m not a wood expert by any means, though.
Can anyone confirm this might be the case?
Here are some samples for you to judge.

Higher res image: http://bit.ly/pjNJAv

image: scan2-web.jpg

scan2-web.jpg

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No, not all wood type was end grain, particularly in sizes over 30 line. There was also veneer wood type with the letter being either die-cut or sawn from veneer then glued to side-grain blocks. In my collection are lots of sorts letters and even whole fonts cut “in house” from side-grain basswood.

Thank you, John!