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Posted By: petecld

To my knowledge there is no "paper proof" telling us when the E102 sets was issued. It was assumed it was one of the first sets produced simply because there is no sponsor name on the cards and were produced early on and used to present to possible sponsors. Using the team designations, the set was probably issued in 1910. I'm not sure so I use the date "circa. 1908" on my web site. I really should change that.

As far as the E-Sets are concerned: Considering the duplicated art/poses and the similarities of the way the cards are designed, printed/produced and the style of checklists on the backs I've speculated that the concept and production of e-sets actually originated from a number of larger(?) printing companies who used the idea that the tobacco industry had been using steadily since the 1880s and produced & then proposed the cards to candy manufacturers who would want a promotional item which would be directed towards children.

It's impossible to date the sets based on the images used since they didn't seem to have a problem using an older photo of the player or even if it really is the player at all in some cases. Ex: the E92 Tinker pose: that could have been derived from a photo of another player, who would know.