By DB Sikes
Card Subject Overview
James Watt (1736–1819), the Scottish inventor and engineer, revolutionized the modern world with his refinements to the steam engine, transforming it into a practical and powerful driver of the Industrial Revolution. His separate condenser design, patented in 1769, dramatically improved efficiency and allowed steam power to spread from mines and mills to factories, transportation, and beyond. Watt’s partnership with Matthew Boulton further ensured that his innovations reshaped global industry, commerce, and daily life.
Watt’s appearance in the T68 “Heroes of History” set highlights his reputation as one of the great inventors of the modern age. Pictured with machinery in the background, his card captures both his intellectual brilliance and the mechanized future his innovations made possible. Among the more cerebral subjects of the series, Watt symbolizes the triumph of ingenuity and industry.
“Today I can think of nothing but the engine.”
– attributed to James Watt
Card Checklist
✅ All known backs and variations completed:
- Royal Bengals (Factory 2) SGC 3 example
- Royal Bengals (Factory 17)
- Miners Extra (Regular)
- Miners Extra (Short Cut)
- Natural Leaf Scrap – SGC 1 example
- Pan Handle Scrap (Blue)
- Blank Back (Unconfirmed)
This James Watt run includes the elusive Natural Leaf Scrap, alongside all standard tobacco brand variations, making it a complete spread of known issued backs for this subject.
Rarity Tier & Difficulty Level
James Watt is classified as Tier 3 – Supporting Cast / Regional Hero within the T68 “Heroes of History” set. While his engineering contributions are monumental to world history, he is not among the marquee figures within the series. Nevertheless, his card has strong cross-interest appeal to both tobacco collectors and those who value the Industrial Revolution’s legacy.
The Natural Leaf Scrap remains the most difficult Watt variation to locate, with very few surfacing in graded condition. Miners Extra Short Cuts also add a degree of scarcity, though they can be acquired with patience.
Acquisition Journey
The graded Royal Bengals (SGC 3) provided the foundation of this run, showing crisp colors and clean registration. The highlight addition came in the form of the Natural Leaf Scrap, encapsulated at SGC 1 due to heavy creasing but still a rarity in any condition. The Pan Handle Scrap Blue example was sourced through a private exchange, representing the brand’s signature bold ink.
The Miners Extra versions (Regular and Short Cut) rounded out the tobacco brand coverage, and the Factory 17 Royal Bengals variation stood out for its warmer lithographic tones compared to the cooler Factory 2 printing. Together, these acquisitions completed a full-back run for Watt, with only the unconfirmed Blank Back left as a theoretical placeholder.
Printing & Distribution Notes
James Watt’s presence across Royal Bengals, Miners Extra, Pan Handle Scrap, and Natural Leaf Scrap demonstrates his importance as an educational subject, appealing to both American and international audiences. His card is one of the clearer examples of lithographic variance between Factory 2 and Factory 17, with Factory 17 versions displaying slightly more golden hues in the background.
The Natural Leaf Scrap provides another layer of rarity, as these backs were often produced in limited numbers and distributed less widely. Pan Handle Scrap, meanwhile, underscores Factory No. 10’s role in delivering bold and distinctive back designs for the series.
Research Notes
Watt’s inclusion in the “Heroes of History” set reflects the collection’s broader theme of blending military, political, and scientific figures to create a comprehensive gallery of historical importance. His distribution across multiple brands suggests that the American Tobacco Company anticipated wide recognition of his name and contribution, even beyond the American audience.
While not as competitively pursued as Revolutionary War or Civil War figures, Watt’s run provides fascinating study material for those examining printing variations and industrial history within the set.
Personal Reflection
Assembling the James Watt run was an unexpectedly rewarding pursuit. The Natural Leaf Scrap, despite its low technical grade, immediately elevated the collection, offering a seldom-seen rarity for this subject. The contrast between Factory 2 and Factory 17 Royal Bengals further enriched the project, reinforcing how subtle printing differences add character and depth to the chase. With the completion of this run, Watt joins the short list of fully documented “run the table” subjects, anchoring the set’s tribute to innovation alongside its more militaristic themes.
Category Tags
- Subject Name: James Watt (“Inventor of the Steam Engine”)
- Variation Type: Pan Handle Scrap (Blue), Natural Leaf Scrap, Miners Extra (Regular & Short Cut), Royal Bengals Factory 2 & 17
- Rarity Tier: Tier 4-True Commons
- Year: 1910–1911
- T68 Series: Series One
- Full Back-Type Completed: ✅
Leave a Reply