T206 production/printing questions/comments

[caramelcard]

The blank back thread reminded me of a few questions that I have for those of you who have researched these particular aspects of the T206 set.

I always assumed that the lithographs (fronts) were most likely printed first leaving some unfinished (blank backs) for whatever reason. Maybe they were color test sheets or initial runs to test the quality of the cards. Who knows, but some didn't make it to the next step of the process where the backs were printed.

I know it's been stated several times on this board that the fronts and backs were both printed at the American Lithograph Co.

I'm wondering how "we" know this. Is there documentation or just speculation? I know the famous Ball letter refers to the company, but how do we know that both the fronts and backs were printed at the same place? Wouldn't the lithograph co. only be responsible for printing the lithographs?

If they were printed at the same place, then where did the overstrikes come from and how can they be explained? I guess it's possible but I doubt the card backs were printed with the intended distribution factory on the back and then struck again before they left the same place where they were printed.

Any thoughts or comments ? I'll admit I don't understand much about this front/back process, but are we positive both the fronts and backs were printed at the same facility?

Rob