Was it ever established when Oswald actually made the bag?
I was always under the impression that the bag would have to be made at the wrapping table because the tape that was used had to be wet and this would be done through a little machine at the wrapping table. Troy West was the wrapping guy, it was basically his thing, he got help now and then when times were busy but he was the full-time mail wrapper:
Mr. Belin.
If I wanted to use any of that tape, you know that tape that you use to seal it, is there a way to make tape wet so I don't have to lick it myself with my tongue to make it wet and sticky? Or how did you get it to be sticky and stick together?
Mr. West.
Well, we have those machines with the little round ball that we fill them up with water, and so we set them up. In to other words, I got a rack that we set them in, and so we put out tape in a machine, and whenever we pull the tape through, why then the water gets, you know, it gets water on it as we pull it through.
Mr. Belin.
If I wanted to pull the tape, pull off a piece without getting water on it, would I just lift it up without going over the wet roller and get the tape without getting it wet?
Mr. West.
You would have to take it out. You would have to take it out of the machine. See, it's put on there and then run through a little clamp that holds it down, and you pull it, well, then the water, it gets water on it.
The problem with this is that West was always at his table. As soon as he walked in the building he would go straight to the wrapping table where he had everything set up:
Mr. BELIN. Did you first go to the domino room and leave your lunch or hang up your coat or anything?
Mr. WEST. No, sir. I just always go right there first. Sometime I pull my coat off and lay it over on the table and go right on.
Mr. BELIN. How long did you stay about making coffee when you got there? How long did you stay around that place when you first got there?
Mr. WEST. Well, let's see, it didn't take me too long. I mean, you know, to make the coffee. After I got it made, I went right on and went right on at my work wrapping mail.
Other than going to the toilet or washing cups, West would stay at his station through the whole day.
So, when did Oswald make the bag?