Why the T205 Portrait Variations?

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Posted By: J Levine

I think Dan nailed it...

All the T205s were a 1911 issue and printed probably around the beginning of the year until at least May.

There were several different print runs. Without having my research in front of me (at work) and working from memory, this is my theory.

There were at least 3 front (possibly as many as twenty back) print runs for the T205s (Chase bears this out with the three different variations). As far as I can tell, certain players were added and changed during the print runs. My theory, AND IT IS ONLY A THEORY, is that the original print run consisted of the open mouth variations and some of the pose variations (one ear, white cap, etc.). I think the second and third runs changed some of these portraits, including removing some cards as well. I feel that certain single prints were replaced altogether with minor leaguers or other single prints (Joss). I do not have the numbers in front of me but I do feel that the numbers do line up pretty well. I also feel that the first print run was limited and included only one or two advertisers were subsequent runs included many more advertisers and factories.

Just a theory though. We may never know.

Joshua