How Do You Determine The Date of a Sweet Caporal Cigarette Pack?
 

I just recently won an unopened Sweet Caporal Cigarette Pack. I am trying to figure out the time period which this pack was distributed. I do see a registration date on the front of the pack but I don't think that's the date it is distributed. I am not expecting to find a Mint Wagner or any other T206 but would just like to know more about it.

Does anyone know how to date this pack?

Hi Howard
I am pretty sure that one is going to be a bit later than when cards came in them. Generally cards came in slide shell type packs though there were lots of others too. Net54baseball member Jon Canfield (hey Jon) has a great site where you might find the answer.

http://www.baseballandtobacco.com/date.htm

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I can't see the series number of the stamp in the picture. That will be just below the big number 20 on the right hand side. since there's no cancel it will be a later one, and the series number indicates the year.

http://www.atlas-repropaperwork.com/...pack/category/

Steve B

Thanks for the links. Unfortunately I cannot see the series which is covered by the tax stamp.:(

I am fairly sure that they would not be good to smoke.

I have already learned my lesson. I once opened a pack of cards that were over 30 years old just to eat the gum. It was like eating ground up chalk. I have no intention of smoking these cigs.

without seeing
 

cancel, factory info., or warning - Guessing series 125 (1955) - I would say late 1940's early 1950's (they stopped issuing a tax stamp and putting a series number in 1955/56 which yours has) and the 4 cent PA state tax stamp puts it in that time frame (you can research the 4c thing). It would not have held an early "t" card.

Thanks for the additional info. I never expected a "t" card. If there was any hint of an enclosed card I would not be the owner of this. I knew what I was getting since I paid very little for it.

Just thought it would be a cool thing to sell. But want to make sure I know what I am selling first.

Got hold of a good magnifying glass and was finally able to see the series. It was 121 which means the pack is from 1951. I read somewhere that you add 30 to the Series number to come up with the year.

Mystery solved.

Thanks again for all the leads.

You can find out the pack dates here:

http://cycleback.com/packdate.html

Thanks, nice link. Was trying to search on Google for an article on which series had card inserts but was not able to find one yet.
Has anyone come across one that has this info?