Stone would be the actual lithographic stone which served as a printing plate.
They were a special grade of limestone, specially prepared for use in printing. The portion of one I've seen (NOT T206 or any other card) was tan and about 2 inches thick with a very smooth surface. The design to be printed was acid etched into them. When the print run was done they would typically be ground or etched flat and reused.
Modern plates have a limestone like surface on an aluminum plate. And a stick of limestone is still used as a chalk to repair scratches etc.
Figuring out the exact layout can be challenging, as you need to know the size first, then have access to lots of the product. And even then as you can see differences of opinion will arise. Caused by questions like how much margin was left for trimming, how many sheets of how many subjects, stuff like that. I haven't seen anywhere near enough cards - especially in original collections. But the main experts in the debate have, and spending enough time with their data will help some.
Steve B
Steve B
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