Wagner Mino -$5444

[Archive]

Posted By: Millerhouse

From my experience with T216s, I believe Leon is correct. I've not seen thin versions of T216s other than those bearing Virginia Extra backs and the Kotton Cigarettes back without a factory number. See, for example, the photo on page 209 of 2004s SCD Standard Catalog. Similarly, I've never seen a Virginia Extra back bearing a factory number.

This has always led me to wonder whether the thin-backed T216s were ever actually issued with tobacco. Indeed, I can't think of another 1910 era tobacco card issued without a factory number. And, while we're at it, I've always thought that the Virginia Extras and the Kotton Cigarettes (no factory number) cards looked hand-cut. I have no idea how they were issued, but it doesn't appear to me as though they were issued in the packs like all the other factory-numbered cards of the era.

I'd love to hear from anyone with a Virginia Extra back with a factory number or with a Kotton Cigarettes (no factory number) back that is not on thin paper. At bottom, Hal, to the extent that your Wagner Mino is thinner, I'm willing to bet that it's from excessive wear only.

Dan Gantt