1914 vs 1915 Cracker Jack image
 

Hi, I am getting interested in the Cracker Jack set. I have one and very much like the quality of the image against the red background. Does the image in 1914 issue have sharper, richer colors and better definition overall? I can't get a sense but do notice that the image quality in my estimation varies pretty widely. Also many look faded to me. Does light effect these cards more rapidly or significantly?

Fading can be a couple things, the ink is really sensitive on both years. But, with CJs, they can get soaked. The caramel stains will remain but the ink will come off and they look faded. There seemed to be more sensitive areas on cards than others, skin tone was a barometer I used.

As far as registry and color, they are slightly different and you can tell them apart without looking on the back after you've seen enough. 1914s seems to be a tad darker red IMO, registration can be all over the place like you mentioned. I think the slightly darker red makes the 1914s appear a little crisper, but there are tons of 1915s with beautiful registration.

Good info, thanks Steven.