E97 B/W vs. Color
 

How much more scarce are the b/w versions compared to the color versions.

are the b/w usually found in lower conditions ? The few that I have seen have been in lower condition. What happened in the distribution to cause this ?

thanks

I'll take a stab at this.

E97 B&W are many times rarer than E97 color. Per subject in E97 B&W I would not be surprised if there are fewer than 10 surviving.

You are right - E97 B&W are almost always found in rougher shape. An example in VG (or better) is a great find.

Nobody seems to know how (or whether) these were distributed. There is not even agreement on whether these are more likely to have been proofs or a separate issue altogether.

One observation I have made that seems to favour the "proofs" side of things is that I've never seen a "corrected" E97 B&W. For each variation in E97 color (caused by a later change to correct info on the card) I have only ever seen the first version in B&W. I've never seen a corrected B&W, and I doubt they exist.

Cheers,
Blair

e97 proofs?
 

I would politely disagree about the E97 Black and Whites being proofs. To me, they don't have characteristics of a proof as I normally think of what a proof is.
There are many copies of each (still very scarce though), the names are on them and they generally don't have cross hairs for alignment. My guess is they are a completely separate set. And as to why their condition is usually not very good, I think we can look at all paper thin series and tell from their stock that they didn't hold up well over time. Just a few thoughts....and I could be wrong :).....

http://luckeycards.com/pe97young2.jpg

And then there is also the "blank back" variation.

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g5...rayE97Trio.jpg

Nice comparison Steve

I'm the proud papa of these triplets, which I believe are all of the Sullivan variations (I've never seen a blank back or a B&W Chicago):

Winning trifecta! Congrats Blair

Beautiful cards, Blair! You are right, the E97 Sullivan Chicago Black and White does not exist and although I have a majority of the blank backed color set, I've never seen a Sullivan.
The blank backed color E97s are very nice and they are much scarcer than the black and whites (which in turn are much scarcer than the regular color issue). All my color blank backs are pretty identical to the regular issue fronts with the exception of my Camnitz which is totally different and has completely different colors. Why this one card stands out as the only blank back to be such an anolmaly, I have no clue. It's not missing a color pass or faded but has completely different colors (pants, shirt, cap, background, etc.). I BINed it off eBay about 3 years ago.

Hi Bob,

Very cool - do you have a scan you can share? I'd love to see that one!

Cheers,
Blair

Thanks, Steve!

Cheers,
Blair

Here you go Blair!
tbob

Very cool/unique card - thanks for showing!!

Cheers,
Blair