W516 copyright observation

[Hankphenom]

Originally Posted by glchen

Here's my contribution with some trademark symbol at the top right. Not exactly sure what's written in the globe, but looks like Imperial?

Really interesting thread on these, but I have questions: is this the front of one of the tablets you were supposed to save, the cards being on the front? If not, do we know which tablets they're referencing, and how the cards were distributed otherwise? Do we know what the prizes were, how many tablets you had to save for a prize, and how the prize would be claimed--presumably you'd have to send in your tablet fronts somewhere? Anybody ever seen the rules to this contest? Since a "Ms. Becker" has been mentioned here several times, I guess she is the signatory "L.A. Becker," and I'd like to have the skinny on her and her contest.

[edhans]

I don't think anyone knows the answers to your questions, Hank. My statements here are pure speculation. It's highly unlikely that the "tablet fronts" were the actual cards. I think Ms. Becker simply bought the strips from a local merchant and handed them our to her students. Again, pure speculation. I doubt we'll ever learn the truth.

[Clutch-Hitter]

Hey Ed,

I have 3 W516 (W529) boxers that I believe were at one time uncut. “Universal Fighters Matching Cards Series 1” stretches across the top. Also above 2 of the 3 is evidence of cards existing above them on a sheet. Will have to post them on here tonight.

W515: the -2’s are larger but also more colorful. -1’s are relatively dull, plain

[Hankphenom]

Originally Posted by edhans

I don't think anyone knows the answers to your questions, Hank. My statements here are pure speculation. It's highly unlikely that the "tablet fronts" were the actual cards. I think Ms. Becker simply bought the strips from a local merchant and handed them our to her students. Again, pure speculation. I doubt we'll ever learn the truth.

Thanks, Ed, that makes sense. The cards are probably unrelated to her contest, she just thought they might pay more attention if she promoted it on the back of the cards rather than some other way, like plain paper or a blackboard.

[Clutch-Hitter]

1920 Universal Matching Cards (W516-1) by Greg Martin, on Flickr
W516-1-1-08 (Britton) by Greg Martin, on Flickr

[CobbSpikedMe]

The sheets that included W516 Baseball cards were not exclusive to baseball subjects. We know this because of miscut cards from the baseball and non-baseball sets.

Below I have attached an image of a baseball subject showing a US Presidents W563 set printed above it. Also attached is an image of a W563 showing part of the Jack Dempsey from the W529 Boxers set. The fact that both the W563 and W529 sets also have been found with the Universal "(type of set)" Matching Cards writing at the tops of them tells us that the phrase was indeed found throughout the sheet and not only on the top row.

So it is completely within reason that baseball subjects from each 10 card strip might be found with or without the Universal caption at the top of the cards depending on where they were printed on an individual sheet. I don't believe series 1-10 of W516 were exclusive to the top row of the sheet. Therefore, I don't believe they are a different type based on whether they have the caption or don't have it.

I've also included another example from my collection of Fred Fulton W529 that is very miscut showing not only the Universal caption at the top and the bottom of another Fred Fulton W529 above that.

Note that the only other card that I own that is shown is the Woodrow Wilson with the sliver of Jack Dempsey at the bottom.

[edhans]

Fascinating cards, Andy and Greg. Apparently sheet layouts were all over the map. Especially surprised at the vertical alignment since a few of my Beckers fit horizontally.

[Clutch-Hitter]

Nice work Andy. I haven’t seen a white paper example with the slogan; only on brown paper. Anybody else know of one? I don’t think all the sheets had the slogan is what I’m getting at. Haven’t found my notes but will have more time to look this weekend.

And to clarify, I’m only talking about the -1-1 cards.