Where did the Cobb/Ty Cobb back card originate ?

[Archive]

Posted By: Pennsylvania Ted

In my search for the original source of this very scarce card, I have come to a "dead-end". But, on my
way I have made these observations.......

Consider these certain similarities between the Ty Cobb back and the American Beauty 460 back:

1....the Green ink

2....the identical style of lettering on both cards....namely the "T's"...."Y's"...."C's"

3....Factory No. 42 4th Dist. N.C. (American Beauty 460)

4....Factory No. 33 Dist. 4, N.C. (Ty Cobb)

Now, to these last two comparisons are not just coincidence. In 1911, Liggett & Myers took over when
the American Tobacco Co. was broken up. Pictured in the postcard is the L & M factory in Durham. NC.
My research has led me to believe this was the original site of Factory #42, 4th District.

So, the American Beauty cigarettes were produced at this plant in NC; and, the last series (460) of
the T206s with this brand were inserted in the Am. Bty. packs.

Since the Ty Cobb back identifies Factory #33 in the 4th District (NC), the plant that produced the
Ty Cobb cigarettes must have been a nearby facility in Durham. Indeed, the postcard identifies this
plant as "One of the Plants of L & M Tobacco Co."

You guys can tell me that my "wild" imagination is in "overdrive" ! !
Or, you can offer us some better ideas. But, don't misconstrue my thoughts here, I am one who does NOT
think this Ty Cobb card is an integral part of the T206 set. I consider it a "set" in itself, that probably was
produced....post 1911 era.

In fact, I am one who subscribes to the theory that the T206 cards are actually 15 separate sets....each
according to their respective T-brand.
Anyhow, I'm curious to hear your responses to these comparisons ?