A web in the form of a thermal transfer carbon ribbon has a lead tape adhered to the leading end of the web, that is to the outermost end portion of the web wound upon a core. The lead tape includes a base and a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer backing the base. The lead tape is adhered to the surface of the outermost circumference of the carbon ribbon and the end of the lead tape tape is coextensive with the end of the carbon ribbon, which strengthens the then leading end of the carbon ribbon. In forming this carbon ribbon and lead tape combination, the carbon ribbon is let off from a thickly rolled raw ribbon and is taken up on a core. The lead tape is applied to the running surface of the carbon ribbon on the raw roll at the location immediately before the carbon ribbon has been fully taken up on the core. Then the carbon ribbon is cut at the trailing end of the lead tape when the carbon ribbon has been substantially fully taken up to make the ends of the carbon ribbon and of the lead tape coextensive.