Some Thoughts and Questions on the W530 Pinkerton "postcards"

[jeffmohler]

The W530 Pinkerton "Postcard" set is one of my favorite sets - for a couple of reasons: 1. There are a lot of unknowns to the set - who produced it, when it was produced, how they were sold, what relationship it bears (if any) to the T5 premiums, are the scorecard backed cards a separate set, produced by a different company, etc. Second - the only "new to the hobby" find I ever made was three Pinkerton cards that I bought at a country public auction in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

Here are the questions I would like to know the answers too:

1. Who produced the set - have there ever been any envelopes or packaging materials found?

2. For every blank backed card, is there a corresponding scorecard?

3. Has anyone ever seen a scorecard that was actually used. To the best of my recollection, I have never seen a scorecard actually used to score a game.

4. What is the red "staining" on the back of many of the blank backed cards? Does it appear on scorecards too? Is the staining a factory thing or did it happen at a later date. I have a number of cards with the staining. I purchased them at different dates and from multiple people. I have attached a scan of one of my stained cards below.

5. Has anyone actually seen a card with a postcard back - meaning a divided back with a place for a stamp? I have seen a blank back used as a postcard, but never an actual postcard back

If anyone else has additional questions, feel free to add them/talk about them.

Jeff

[x2drich2000]

Jeff, not sure if this is one of the Pinkerton's you are looking at as I know basically nothing of these sets or if these characteristics are actually printed. Anyway, it appears to have a print line down the middle (or someone drew one with a pencil?) and either a print mark (crosshairs) or stray marks by the stamp. Again, I'm not 100% sure these are printed and not made by hand, so I'll let you decide.

[Bicem]

Have never seen one with an actual postcard back.

[Michael Peich]

Hi, Jeff,

This is a good thread and I'll respond with more details after our son departs for L.A. tomorrow--too much to do today!

Postcard backs are rumored to exist, but as Jeff noted, I have never seen one either. The Mack example is the first one I have seen that was sent as a postcard. I would have to physically examine the card to determine if the postcard divider was hand drawn or printed.

I also think the set was issued between 1911-1914 for a number of reasons including that Tinker is listed in three variations as a member of the Cubs, and as a manager for Cincinnati (1913) and Chicago Federal League, Whales (1914). The curious thing about Tinker is that he's pictured wearing a Cubs uniform. I also have two cards with 1914 written on the back, "Guy Coons / March 1, 1914." This would have been before the season began suggesting the cards were released early. I have attached my Lajoie to illustrate the Coons signature. I should note, too, that my Mitchell, who is identified as a Pittsburgh player, also has the Coons writing. Mitchell played for the Pirates in 1913. Intriguing stuff.

Oh, and I've never seen a scorecard back with evidence of someone having kept score. All mine are blank.


More later,
Mike

[Bicem]

That line is hand drawn on the Mack, not even sure they used a ruler.

[drcy]

An interesting story is that not so long ago some people questioned the age of these until examples were found that were used as postcards with dated postmarks that dated them to the 1910s.

Blank Back

[PowderedH2O]

I wish I could afford these. They have the look of exhibits, but many years before. Gorgeous!