My T206 Plank theory....New Follow-up info

[tedzan]

Rob

Correct me if this is wrong....American Caramel (E91 and E90-1) sets were the first major COLOR issues of BB cards in the 20th
Century. The 1st series of both these sets were issued in 1908.

Remember, the key to understanding my Plank theory applies to the year "1909". American Litho. issued the T206 1st series (150
series) during the Summer of 1909.

The other BB card sets issued in 1909 are NADJA (E92), Dockman, and E98 (Anonymous). Neither of these 3 sets include Plank.
Plank is included in the following 1910-11 sets......

NADJA (E104-1)
Philadelphia Caramel
Standard Caramel (E93)
T208 Cullivan's Fireside


RAMLY presents an interesting situation. When you compare RAMLY with the E90-1 set and the T206 set (again, emphasis on 1909)
the two latter issues are virtually void of Boston (AL) players in their 1st series issued in 1908 and 1909, respectively.

By 1910, T206's (350 series) included numerous A's players that were not in their 1909 issue. Also, by 1910, the last series of the
E90-1 set included Boston players that were not included in their earlier series.

I do not think that this is mere coincidence. It is evident that there was contention between these three BB card companies as to
which one in 1909 was going to portray certain BB players in their sets.



TED Z

[FrankWakefield]

T208s are regional, too. New York.

And there wouldn't be a total void of Plank images on stuff. The image would have to appear on something before someone might complain about it.

As for the Sporting Life stuff is a step toward news coverage in their publication. I don't think there was an effort of total control on Plank images, no one was concerned about his photo appearing in a newspaper. Sporting Life didn't mail their little cards out until after the white border tobacco cards hit the scene, and they didn't come with candy or tobacco; they weren't selling a product.

Anyone ever consider that these cards may have been some of the first cards that were actually 'bought', instead of coming with a product??

[toppcat]

Originally Posted by FrankWakefield

T208s are regional, too. New York.

And there wouldn't be a total void of Plank images on stuff. The image would have to appear on something before someone might complain about it.

As for the Sporting Life stuff is a step toward news coverage in their publication. I don't think there was an effort of total control on Plank images, no one was concerned about his photo appearing in a newspaper. Sporting Life didn't mail their little cards out until after the white border tobacco cards hit the scene, and they didn't come with candy or tobacco; they weren't selling a product.

Anyone ever consider that these cards may have been some of the first cards that were actually 'bought', instead of coming with a product??

I looked into the Sporting Life connection a while back (thread is here somewhere) and the was no correlation between those cards and T206 rarities or short prints.

[George]

Here is the protagonist in this fascinating discussion.

[Brian-Chidester]

Again, I still can't understand how Plank could have been printed in the 150 and 350 series and still be that rare. Neither "Magie" or Wagner make it to the 350 series.

Even if American Caramel tries to stop ATC in 1909, Plank still makes it into the next series.

[tedzan]

Brian

The T206 Plank was printed with 3 backs when the 150 series was 1st issued in the Summer of 1909.

This version is commonly found with SWEET CAPORAL 150, Factory 25 and 30 backs; and, an extremely rare PIEDMONT 150 back.
The 350 series version is only found with SWEET CAPORAL 350, Factory 30. This Factory was located in the NYC area.

Now, I noted that......"By 1910, T206's (350 series) included numerous A's players that were not in their 1909 issue."

Portrayed in the 350 series are Barry, Bender, Collins and 10 other A's. So, I'm speculating that American Litho. tried to "sneak" Plank
in this 2nd series by inserting him only in the SWEET CAP cigarette packs in the NYC market. But, whoever (American Caramel or per-
haps Ramly) held the exclusive rights to portray Plank had to (again) force American Litho to discontinue their T206 Plank.


TED Z

[Brian-Chidester]

Originally Posted by tedzan

Brian

The T206 Plank was printed with 3 backs when the 150 series was 1st issued in the Summer of 1909.

This version is commonly found with SWEET CAPORAL 150, Factory 25 and 30 backs; and, an extremely rare PIEDMONT 150 back.
The 350 series version is only found with SWEET CAPORAL 350, Factory 30. This Factory was located in the NYC area.

Now, I noted that......"By 1910, T206's (350 series) included numerous A's players that were not in their 1909 issue."

Portrayed in the 350 series are Barry, Bender, Collins and 10 other A's. So, I'm speculating that American Litho. tried to "sneak" Plank
in this 2nd series by inserting him only in the SWEET CAP cigarette packs in the NYC market. But, whoever (American Caramel or per-
haps Ramly) held the exclusive rights to portray Plank had to (again) force American Litho to discontinue their T206 Plank.


TED Z

That's a hypothesis about why the 350 series is rare, but why would any of the 150 series Planks be that rare?

[tedzan]

Please read this entire thread. Furthermore, also check-out my 1st thread on my Plank theory, that I posted in 2006........
http://www.net54baseball.com/showthr...t=plank+theory

Then, I will gladly try to answer any questions that you (or anyone else) have. Back then, I and many Net54er's, discussed
the merits and/or questions regarding this subject.

To your latest question......simply because American Litho. was immediately forced to discontinue their 150 series Plank. It
appears about 50 cards got out in the market before this occurred.

I have to go out now, and remove some more snow from my 240 foot driveway.


TED Z

[Brian-Chidester]

Originally Posted by tedzan

Please read this entire thread. Furthermore, also check-out my 1st thread on my Plank theory, that I posted in 2006........
http://www.net54baseball.com/showthr...t=plank+theory

Then, I will gladly try to answer any questions that you (or anyone else) have. Back then, I and many Net54er's, discussed
the merits and/or questions regarding this subject.

To your latest question......simply because American Litho. was immediately forced to discontinue their 150 series Plank. It
appears about 50 cards got out in the market before this occurred.

I have to go out now, and remove some more snow from my 240 foot driveway.


TED Z

Hi Ted... I've read all of these before. So you're saying that ATC and ALC discontinued Plank in the 150 series because of a threatened lawsuit, but then started up production of Plank again for the 350 series?

[caramelcard]

Ted,

Here is a partial quote from Erik Varon's "Sweet Recollections..." book:

"...the Philadelphia Caramel Company issued a "25 Ball Player" card set in the summer of 1909. "

Not 1910.

Rob

[tedzan]

I find it interesting that the Philadelphia Caramel Co. issued their 25-card set (E95) with Plank. But, followed this
set with their 30-card set (E96) that did NOT include Plank.

There is no doubt that there was fierce competition between the American Caramel Co. (based in Philadelphia)
and the smaller Philadelphia Caramel Co. (based in nearby Camden, NJ).

As far as the actual dating goes, I have found that certain E-card sets are off a year in the ACC dating. I can
prove this by certain players in these sets whose trades in the 1909 and 1910 period are reflected in their cards.
Germany Schaeffer is the first one that comes to my mind.

My contention that the E90-1 set was really issued in 1908 is based on my research of certain player's trades.
However, as you know, the ACC dates the E90-1 set's 1st series as 1909.


TED Z