Raw data (for what it is worth) from the Howe McCormick collection

[atx840]

Hey Ed, your collection is by far my favorite T206 project.

Have you noticed any correlation between series and color/boldness of the stamps? The few I've held really did vary.

Maybe he had the majority of the collection and stamped them later on?

[Jobu]

Good to know he was in Gainesville the whole time, that means these were all issued there.

I don't know that the second stamp hurts your theory - I think it is possible that there might have been a little overlap in when consecutive series were on shelves, so having the cards over Piedmont 150-350 would allow for that possibility. Now, if they were 150s and 460s only you might have some bigger holes in your boat.

Who are the players on those 4 cards? According to T206 Resource, the 150 series was printed until July-August 1909 and then the 350 series started, but both of these were print group 1 cards. Print group two started in early 1910. So if all four are print group 1, then the possibility of them having been acquired at, or near, the same time still seems possible to me. (I am not a print group expert though, so someone else may have more to day on this idea.)

[OldOriole]

I'd just like to add that I've enjoyed following these posts through the years...very interesting. Please keep 'em coming!

[Tao_Moko]

I ran out of steam on T206 after compiling a near set team by team. Have put together many Cubs sets and even started a master back run of the Cubbies. Got partially through the elite eleven and a HOFer subset. Never held my attention. I appreciate what you're doing and the historical recreation of another persons work. I imagine you have developed a connection with the original collector. Always a joy to read about your quest.

[Casey2296]

386! Congrats Ed, what a fantastic project. I still chuckle at your response when I alerted you to a candy card with a Howe stamp. "If I was to start collecting E-cards with a Howe stamp my wife would no longer be my wife".
Good luck on grabbing the other 37, I'm rooting for you.

[Jay Wolt]

Ed Incredible collection.

[Howe’s Hunter]

Bryan, the four cards with the green Saturday Evening Post stamp are

Berger - Cleveland - 350 Subjects
McQuillan - Philadelphia - 350 Subjects
Jordan/Portrait - Brooklyn - 150 Subjects
Collins - Philadelphia - 350 Subjects

In terms of his address ... Although he lived his whole life in the Gainesville area, he lived above the family store from birth until sometime just before 1920. His enlistment card from the Army, signed in 1919, lists his address as the 500 West Main, Gainesville address. The 1920 Census records list an address in Achola, Florida, which is the name of the county Gainesville is in, but also a city in the county. He even served his time in WWI at a base in Gainesville.

Chris, in terms of the darkness of the stamp, no clue. I do own seven cards that I know went from Howe to a dealer to a collector then to me. Only three sets of hands before mine. Cards from 150 and 350 Subject series. And the darkness of the stamp on those seven varies quite a bit. I know of another example, which I have photos of, of a Cobb that went from Howe to dealer to current owner, and it has one of the strongest stamps on any card I've seen. Maybe some nights he just didn't ink his stamp as well as other nights?

Also hoping, Chris, that those five in your shot are the ones you found for me at the National about seven or eight years ago? Or do I need to be saving up quite a bit and making a pitch to you?

Again, thanks to everyone on the board for the encouragement and help in rebuilding Howe's collection.