try to answer both questions........
IMO the Prop Montiel cards were printed with a few variations, not including the border color variation. I "discovered" (brought to light) the Bill Dickey variation years ago (white hat and black hat), one has a correct photo of Dickey (black hat), the other has an error photo of Hartnett (white hat). Both cards have slightly different back designs with different lines at top. I no longer own the black hat Dickey, but do remember its back was slightly different than the white hat card (below).
Ive seen cards with only "Los Reyes Del Deporte" at top of back and also cards with only the "Propagandas Montiel presente" at top of back, and also cards that have a combination of both lines like the Ruths. But dont know if every card can be found with these variations. Your Ruths are interesting, both have the same line at top, but like you said one is #4 the other is #41, but it looks like they were designed that way because the #4 is centered (not like the #1 was scuffed off or something)
Im far from an expert on the set, its an interesting and under appreciated set IMO
error version of the Dickey card showing Hartnett
R309-1
This is the true "proof" for the set, but it also could be a proof for the unissued R340 set too ???
large white outside border surrounding the proof, thin stock, sold at REA in 2005 for $4K, former Halper piece
showing this again, this is the only known finished card that matches the "proof" above exactly in every way, from the extra green border, to the green plaque, to the tiny brownish stain within the plaque (going through the "B" in "Babe"). This card is 1/2" wider and taller than the common R309-1, and makes me think it is really a different issue... the never issued R340 premiums offered on the wrapper of the Goudey Sport Kings issue (see wrapper below).
only known green border R309-1/R340
differences from the common R309-1..... 1/2" taller and wider, different type of easel, far superior image quality, green plaque and extra green border, and possible factory cut hanger holepunch in top border (smaller than the common holepunch and cleanly cut through the very thick stock)
