T206 printing mystery

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Posted By: Ted Zanidakis

I good friend of mine in our hobby (who is one of those that prefers to remain
"under the radar") has this theory on the printing of the T206 cards. And, before
most of you dismiss his theory, he has done professional paper restoration. Back
in the '80s he also restored sportscards. The quality of his work is unbelievable;
as, several members of this Forum who familiar with his work can attest to.
He restored one pre-War card for me and if you were to see it, you would think
it just came out of a pack....it is stunning.

Anyhow, based on his experience in restoring T206's, he is convinced each player's
front pix was printed by American Litho. Co in NY and sent to the various T-Factories
such as Sweet Caporal (NY), Piedmont (VA & NC), etc, etc. These front laminates are
composed of very thin paper and were continuous rolled up fronts in coil-like form
(as in postage stamps). At the given factory these coils were un-rolled and appliqued
onto cardboard whose backs of course were pre-printed with that specific Tobacco brand.

His theory may seemed "far-fetched", and I disagree in part, as my understanding is
that T206' were completely printed in NYC....However, consider these three factors......

1....This would certainly explain the continuous vertical same names seen on many T206's.

2....Fresh uncirculated T206's do have a curved appearance.

3....And, this would explain why no uncut sheets (or even panels) of T206's have ever
been found.

T-Rex TED