Numbers and letters missing

[Dan/Panther]

What would be the reason that the numbers are worn off of this dial. Were early dial plates front painted ?

D/P

[ESalter]

I would sooner think there's something over the top of the lettering.  Sticky pop residue that's been there for 30 or 40 years collecting whatever stuck to it.  I have a feeling it'd clean right up.

---Eric

[Dan/Panther]

On a hunch, I offered the guy $11.00. He said OK.
Seems I read somewhere that early sets had painted dials ?
D/P

[rdelius]

Early 500 sets had reverse painted numbers and letters. The plastic was clear (now yellowed).SC 1543s sometimes had reverse painted dials also.I think some one was bored with a sharpie on that one