Posted By:
Ted ZanidakisI'm not sure how we got sidetracked to accounting for Polar Bear (PB) backs; however, I find it very
interesting that all 61 Subjects (incl. 6 super-prints) in the 350/460 Series and all 48 Subjects in the
460-only Series were printed with PB backs. Yet, in the 350-only Series there appears to be 67 No-
Prints (subject to revision).
Scot and I discussed this recently, and my observation is that in anticipation of the ATC divestiture
(circa early 1911) the Polar Bear brand was assigned to the Lorillard Co. Then there appears to have
been a significant increase in production of Polar Bear tobacco, as reflected by the fact that not only
all 109 of these cards are found with the PB backs; but, more so than other brands.
For example, both Cobb's in the 350/460 series and Kleinow (Boston) and Smith (Chi & Bos) are found
with a greater ratio of PB backs than with the other brands.
Perhaps someone can confirm this observation with pop. report data.
TED Z