T206 Christy Mathewson Dark Cap variations/registration issues?

[cgjackson222]

I'm probably way off on this, but to me, it seems like there are two version of the Mathewson Dark Cap. One is more defined than the other. Is this just a registration issue? I don't see any corresponding pattern with the backs, but the more defined one seems rarer.

In the attached top group of 4 cards Mathewson's face looks more defined, and in the bottom group of 4 his face looks somewhat blurry and the colors are off.

Anyone else see this difference?

[sb1]

150 vs 350 and 460 print runs. 150 will always be much sharper with better color.

[cgjackson222]

Originally Posted by sb1

150 vs 350 and 460 print runs. 150 will always be much sharper with better color.

Is there a Mathewson Dark cap in the 150 run? I see there was the White Cap and the portrait, but I don't see the Dark Cap.
https://www.t206resource.com/Print%2...Checklist.html

Also attached are examples of the sharper/more defined Dark Cap in the 350 runs of Piedmont and Sweet Caporal.

[steve B]

A slightly subtle example of multiple actual print runs withing 350
There are I think 3 maybe 4. Some easier to tell, some harder. Most are challenging.

[cgjackson222]

Originally Posted by steve B

A slightly subtle example of multiple actual print runs withing 350
There are I think 3 maybe 4. Some easier to tell, some harder. Most are challenging.

Are they any resources documenting the differences in the print runs?
Is it assumed that the more precise Dark Cap Mathewson would be from a particular print run, such as the first run?

I think the the more refined/focused Dark Cap Mathewson looks like the actual photo, and the less focused one does not.

[Pat R]

I think there are two possibility's in the differences in the Mathewson groups and it could be one or both.

One is a different print run and the other is a different printing facility (I'm pretty much convinced that the T206's were printed in different places that were either owned by or associated with American Lithograph.)

Besides the images another telltale sign is the captions.

I haven't done too much research outside the print group 1 subjects on this yet but the separation is pretty clear on them.

You can see the difference between the 150 and 350 printings on these Schlei examples. The 350 printings have a bolder/heavier and browner caption. The only exception is the Piedmont 350's which can be found with both versions. I think the thinner caption was the earlier and/or printed at a different facility version. You can also see this on the Mathewson's with the heavier/browner captions in the top row in Charles post.

Schlei catching back run - Copy (2).jpg

Schlei catching back run - Copy (3).jpg

Schlei catching back run - Copy (2) - Copy.jpg

Schlei Piedmont 350.jpg

Schlei Piedmont 350 backs.jpg