Posted By:
Scot
Ted,
Sorry for the late response.
A spring 1910 launch for Polar Bear is entirely plausible. While the 350-only subject group was likely released with some brands in late 1909, it was not distributed with other brands until 1910. For example, we know from an ATC ledger sheet that the Cycle 350 back debuted in July 1910. Moreover, we know that Kid Elberfeld was traded to Washington on December 14, 1909--which means that the 350-only subject Elberfeld (Washington Portrait) was probably introduced sometime in early 1910.
My survey data suggest that Polar Bear production peaked with the 350/460 RP print run. About 10% of the 350-only subjects that are possible with the PB back have that back, whereas the PB percentage rises to about 14% for the 350/460 RP subject group, then declines to about 7% for the 460-only subject group. Getting even more specific, Polar Bear production probably was at its zenith during the 460 portion of the 350/460 RP print run, since as we know Kleinow (Boston) and Smith (Chicago and Boston) are bifurcated 350/460 RP subjects that experienced the 460 portion of the 350/460 RP print run and are found disproportionately with Polar Bear.
Scot