I think you have some misconceptions about what happens when and where.

The coil produces voltage into the center of the distributor cap all the time, the points interrupt it between each cylinder wire. Holding the coil wire to the block will not tell you anything, you need to pick a plug wire for that test. Unless I am totally out in left field with the catchers mitt, Larry(s) test won't work either.

If you are getting fuel and spark at the cylinders, the only two things left is timing or compression. Put a couple squirts of oil in each cylinder through the spark plug hole to help the compression. After that it has to be timing.

1953 Chevrolet 3600
Fried Green T'mater (Vern)
In the Stovebolt Gallery
Caution: Political Statement
Man who runs in front of car gets tired, man who runs behind car gets exhausted.