I actually checked into the Hallmark rumor a long time ago. This was the e-mail response that I received...
"Hi Brooke,
Thanks for getting in touch with us.
The rumors that you are referring to are just rumors. We have confirmed
that there is no truth to it.
For background, the Hallmark Crown was developed at the same time as the
Hallmark scripting for the logo in 1949. An outside designer and
lettering expert named Andrew Szoeke, submitted designs with the crown,
and then Hallmark staff artists completed the final logo.
Thanks for contacting us. We truly appreciate your interest in
Hallmark.
Jan Scott
Hallmark Consumer Care
Case #20030730000193"
I hope that helps! Too bad it is not linked to ZTA!