T206 "printer's mark" and sheet layouts

[Runscott]

Originally Posted by Jantz

Hi Scott

What is it then?

If it is not a sheet number then, is it some form of sheet alignment mark?

After reviewing some other examples, I can see now that maybe it might not be a sheet number since all the other T206s have the number on the botttom of the card.

Since all the examples I've seen have a Sweet Caporal 350 fact. 30 back, it just seemed obvious that it was a sheet number. Now you got me wondering.



Jantz

I don't think the similar marks on the bottoms of cards are 'numbers' either. Some of them do look like the top of an '8' or '0', but, on the other hand, at least one I've seen has two such loops (as opposed to one), and we haven't seen any that resemble the top of any other number.

So...I don't know what they are. I would guess some sort of alignment thing.

[z28jd]

The bottom ones say 30(like the Durham), as in the factory I assume. The two loops are the top of the 3, top of the 0. I've seen one with a much bigger portion of the number where it is easier to tell

[Runscott]

Originally Posted by z28jd

The bottom ones say 30(like the Durham), as in the factory I assume. The two loops are the top of the 3, top of the 0. I've seen one with a much bigger portion of the number where it is easier to tell

Okay, I'm with you. Thanks, and here's an example to go along with your explanation:

[z28jd]

Is that the Mathewson portrait? I believe someone here has/had that card with the sheet number

[tedzan]

It's the Factory #......I have seen other such numbers and they always coincide with the Factory # of the given T-brand.

These #'s most likely identify to the printer (at a quick glance) which specific back printing plate they have selected for a
given press run.

Recall, that the fronts have been pre-printed and the various T-brand backs are printed last.


TED Z

[atx840]

I have seen a factory 25 designation on the the bottom as well and a few with the side mark, which looks more like an alignment marking vs #.

[tedzan]

Originally Posted by atx840

I have seen a factory 25 designation on the the bottom as well and a few with the side mark, which looks more like an alignment marking vs #.

Chris

I'm not sure I understand your...."vs #" ?


Perhaps, I should clarify my previous comment........
"It's the Factory #......I have seen other such numbers and they always coincide with the Factory # of the given T-brand.

These #'s most likely identify to the printer (at a quick glance) which specific back printing plate they have selected for a
given press run."


Yes I have seen the #25, also; and, the card it was printed on was a Sweet Cap, Factory #25. Has anyone seen a T206 with any other # which
does NOT coincide with the Factory # on that particular card ? I don't think so.

The lettering on the actual printer's plate(s) of these various Factory's found on American Beauty, Piedmont, and Sweet Cap backs is very tiny;
therefore, each plate identified the given Factory # on the printed sheet with these large numbers along the edge of the sheet. Which made it
easier for jobber at American Lithographic to cut, package, and ship the cards to the appropriate Tobacco Factory.

TED Z

[z28jd]

Sounds like he agreed with you/me/Scott, Ted. Then he gave his thought what the side mark meant.

[atx840]

Hey Ted, I agree 100% with your posts, it was more to Jantz regarding Scott's comment that the side mark does not appear to be a # but more of marking.

I have not seen a # on anything but SC and no 42 or 649s (not sure if would even exist). I have seen these factory #s on different examples of the same card.

[t206blogcom]

I've always thought this was a strange print mark - the 'J' above the 'T' in Piedmont. It's the same color ink as the rest of the back. I've posted it once before on Net54 and have never seen another like it. Figured I'd share again.