What research is needed on the T206 set?

[the 'stache]

Hi everybody,

I've stumbled across a few posts over the last week or so where it was mentioned that a lot more research about the T206 set was needed. However, no specifics were mentioned as to what aspects of the set needed to be explored.

We know definitively when the cards were printed. We have a complete list of the advertising backs that were utilized on the different cards, and we know all the different brands fell under the larger ATC umbrella. We have a pretty good idea about back scarcity, as well as when the different advertisements were printed (ie which set runs would have included the various backs). The player checklist is complete. We know of all the different variations within the set, ie there are four different Ty Cobb cards, two Walter Johnson, etc. Ted Z has done some excellent work theorizing how the sheets were laid out. We know when those sheets were printed how many different inks were used, and in which order. Etc etc etc.

So, I'd like to ask, what areas are needing more research? Because of my medical predicament, I have a lot of free time. I mean a lot. While I can't jump in my car and drive around as much as I'd like, I have access to the internet, and I can e-mail anybody that I could go see in person.

When I was in college, I was a research major. I'd initially thought I was going to go to law school, but as I went further into my undergraduate work, it became evident that it was the history of law, and precedent research for Supreme Court cases in particular, that really captured my imagination. I spent many nights at the library using Lexis and Westlaw. Eventually, I took those research skills, and worked for DaimlerChrysler. Then a few years later, I went to work for Ameritrade, and became a stockbroker. I was able to help people, and use my research skills when clients were looking to make investment decisions, and wanted to compare financial histories of multiple companies within the same sector. I am a sociable person, but I have no problem spending hours digging through old books, or newspapers, or magazines to find what I'm looking for.

I am a serious T206 collector, yet I have a long way to go until I will be able to even see the light at the end of the tunnel. Because I will be buying other cards besides those from the Monster, I anticipate it will take me more than ten years to complete the set. But I am not in any rush, and if I could somehow further the knowledge of the T206 set, I'd love to do what I can to help. Who knows, maybe a few other collectors would like to do the same.

So, what areas need to be explored? Point me in the right direction, maybe suggest some resources to start out with, and let me get to work. Thanks!