Posted By:
Pennsylvania TedExcuse my delayed response to your prior post. Regarding this Plank card, you asked me why I.... "dismissed so quickly as being
rebacked" ?
In my very 1st post (Tues. 12:14 PM), I questioned the legitimacy of this Plank card because of it's uncatalogued back; however,
I did not say it was "re-backed". That term came up in subsequent posts.
My first reaction upon seeing this card was its borders appear to wide. I have never seen a Plank card with such wide side borders.
And, perhaps in the restoration of this card the borders were augmented. But, the presence of the Sweet Cap 150 Factory 30 back
really raised an alarm. Early discussions (1970's - early '80s) with knowledgeable veterans in the hobby Bill Heitman, Irv Lerner, etc.
regarding the "mystique" of the Plank card, I recall a connection being drawn to the Sweet Cap Wagner cards. As I'm sure you know,
the Wagner with a Sweet Cap 150 back only exists with a Factory 25 example. So, having never seen a 150 Series Plank with other
than a Factory 25 back, the consensus of opinion was that possibly Wagner and Plank were printed on the same sheet when the 150
Series was first produced. And, this very plausible situation has existed for at least 30 years since, not having any other evidence of
either Wagner or Plank cards surfacing with any other Factory type back. So, that's where I'm coming from. Other's may differ, but
unless you (or others) can produce an un-restored, unquestionable Plank card with a SC 150 Fac. 30 back, I stand by my contention.
Prior to placing my 1st post here yesterday, I made a few phone calls to hobbyist who I felt could confirm my thoughts on this matter.
And, they indeed did. So, I didn't just "jump" to a rash conclusion here. So, I felt it necessary to caution everyone about this card.
To your final comment....."I am just a skeptic who always wants more proof!"
Fine, but in lawyer parlance....tell me...."How do I prove a negative" ?