New theory why American Beauty cards are narrower than other T206's

[danmckee]

Where is the "I don't care" button at the top of this thread like the Is it Joe D thread?

I like the AB's being thinner because of the packs, I don't care that the packs are the same size as the other brands.

[toppcat]

For those of you playing at home, facts from Lipset's Encyclopedia:

12 rows by 12 columns for the colored silks and 13 rows and 12 columns for the white ones. 144 colored silks with 24 duplicates for the colored, 156 silks with 68 (out of 90) known subjects in an early 1910 printing for the whites, as noted above.

Colored silks, per Lipset measure 1 7/8" by 3 1/2" and whites are 1 7/8" by 3". T206 cards are generally 1 7/16" x 2 5/8", none of my guides measure the width of an AB but I get 1 3/8" as noted above.

Now, I do not know what a T205 AB measures in width as I do not own one but Lipset has standard dimensions of 1 1/2" wide for non-AB's. When I measure my (non AB) T205's, I get a reading just between 1 7/16" and 1 1/2", so 1 15/32" the way I measure them.

There is a non sport AB issue: the T42 Bird series. According to Mitchell & Forbes in American Tobacco Cards, these measure 1 1/2" inches wide, which come in gold or white borders, 50 subjects apiece, with only one appearing in both. There is no mention of thinner AB cards by the authors.

Figured this was easier than everybody looking things up each time they log in!

[Sterling Sports Auctions]

Is there any consistency to the side that is narrower, the majority of the ABs I still have scans for have less border on the right.

Lee

[tedzan]

Here's an assortment of American Beauty cards, there is no consistency of which borders are narrower.











TED Z

[Sterling Sports Auctions]

Is there any AB's with miscut backs that might help in your theory?

Lee

[tbob]

Ted- thanks for this post. It so refreshing to read a thread like this.
tbob

[tedzan]

Lee B

It's strictly a theory of mine based on the known number of printed AB 350 & 460 cards....which appear to be multiples of 13.

Perhaps, someone will post an offset pair of printed AB cards that will support my theory.


Best regards,

TED Z