T206 Back Stamps

[Rhotchkiss]

I collect T206. I do not collect T206s with back stamps. In fact, I will avoid them bc, to me, the back stamp is a marking (like a signature or doodles) that takes away from the base-card and hurts the overall appeal and value of the card. That said, there are many who collect cards with back stamps, and I respect that interest. Recently there was a post about an auction that contained several cards with a certain back-stamp (if anyone here wins lot 373 in REA, please give Ed (StuckInOmaha) a shot at the McCormick back stamps for his collection), and it made me wonder -- why did people stamp the backs of T206s?

Was there a practice among kids back in 1910 to put your name on your cards so you don't lose them, like kids do their clothes when they go to sleepover camp? Was there a movement to put your name on your card, send it out into the world and see if it ever comes back, like people do sometimes with dollar bills? Was there a promotion where some company advertised send-away name stamps for your tobacco cards?

Why did people stamp their name on the back of their cards, and why does this appear so prevalent on T206s as opposed to other issues?

[1952boyntoncollector]

I would guess its like why kids had their names on their clothes when they go to camp. To show ownership. Condition of cards didnt mean anything in 1911 but I would assume during that time people wanted to keep whats theirs... but this is just a guess..

[T206Collector]

Jefferson Burdick himself would stamp the backs of his cards to show ownership and facilitate trades. He would send stacks of cards to fellow collectors, ask them to choose certain ones, and then return the balance to him. My understanding is that this was a fairly standard practice among some of the most dedicated fore-fathers of our hobby. Owning a card once owned by them establishes a connection to them and makes our hobby more fulfilling to many. There are always threads about the original owners of our cards. We are only holding these cards for a short period of time until the next generation gets their hands (and stamps) on them!

[ZachS]

It's funny that you posted this just now. I was digging around in my desk at work this morning and found a T206 Street with an Edward Buckalew back stamp that I forgot I had.

[BruceinGa]

When I was 12 or 13 back in the early 60's it was cool to have a stamp with your name and address. At that time I collected coins and stamps and remember having a stamp with my name and address. For no reason (other than being cool) I would stamp my coin box and the small 2x2 coin envelopes. I didn't think to stamp my bb cards. It would be awesome to run across one today if I had.

[frankbmd]

Provenance



I'm the fourth owner of my Waddell, that I purchased from Soutter who got it from the son of Nelson Tisdel.

[ValKehl]

Originally Posted by Rhotchkiss

... Why did people stamp their name on the back of their cards? ...

Ryan, could it be because there weren't any TPGs around back in the day to grade and slab cards?

[Big Six]

I am a sucker for one particular T206 stamp...in fact, they are the only ones in my collection (Hal Chase aside). I think that stamps probably also helped kids/collectors who may have played games with the cards (think flipping) to be able to tell whose cards they were. So far I have six of these and they are all Piedmont’s...




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[judsonhamlin]

Anderson is not the only Agent for the Saturday Evening Post with the same back stamp design. There are at least 5-6 others from around the country with the exact format to their stamps.

[Howe’s Hunter]

Have this stamp on three of Howe's cards

[CobbSpikedMe]

Thanks a lot for the kind words Ryan. The project was a labor of love for many years but has lagged for a little while recently. If you find any unique stamps and have scans, I'd be very happy to add them to the project.

Michael, if you have a scan of the Anderson back you had I would add it to the project as well and it would give the Anderson back it's own page as it would be two of the same stamp.

Judson, I have never seen another agent for the Saturday Evening Post other than Anderson! That's pretty cool that you have seen several others from around the country. I'll have to keep an eye out for more.

Matt, here's a stamp similar to your "bobby" cop stamp. This one looks like a old time cop saluting.

Let's see some more back stamps guys!

[GregZakwin]

I personally enjoy them as long as the back isn't entirely covered.

[2dueces]

Love the back stamp. I have 40ish with one name. I researched the person and look for them. They are also cheaper as the stamp knocks the grade down 2 spots. A piece of history and a piece of the collectors history. To each their own.

[t206kid]

Originally Posted by CobbSpikedMe

Thanks a lot for the kind words Ryan. The project was a labor of love for many years but has lagged for a little while recently. If you find any unique stamps and have scans, I'd be very happy to add them to the project.

Michael, if you have a scan of the Anderson back you had I would add it to the project as well and it would give the Anderson back it's own page as it would be two of the same stamp.

Judson, I have never seen another agent for the Saturday Evening Post other than Anderson! That's pretty cool that you have seen several others from around the country. I'll have to keep an eye out for more.

Matt, here's a stamp similar to your "bobby" cop stamp. This one looks like a old time cop saluting.

Let's see some more back stamps guys!

Really like your site Andy. Very cool database you've compiled. Do you have any special info on the F Scott backstamps? I've read the posts on this site, just wondering if there's any more info out there. I really like those.

[CobbSpikedMe]

Originally Posted by t206kid

Really like your site Andy. Very cool database you've compiled. Do you have any special info on the F Scott backstamps? I've read the posts on this site, just wondering if there's any more info out there. I really like those.

I've never discovered anything concrete regarding the F Scott stamps. Everything I've read is all theories and maybes. I like to believe they are his stamps just based on the long standing rumor in the hobby. I really like these stamps as well.

Everyone, thank you so much for your responses, images and kind words about my project. You guys are awesome.

AndyH