PlayingCardForum.com - A Discourse For Playing Cards

Playing Card Chat ♠ ♥ ♣ ♦ => A Cellar of Fine Vintages => Topic started by: jmrock on December 23, 2013, 02:28:15 AM

Title: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: jmrock on December 23, 2013, 02:28:15 AM
I figure I'd start off posting a few pics of one of my favorite vintage decks… 1800's Steamboats with Watermelon Joker… 
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Don Boyer on December 23, 2013, 03:41:13 AM
I figure I'd start off posting a few pics of one of my favorite vintage decks… 1800's Steamboats with Watermelon Joker…

Whoa...  That's a museum piece, man!  I think you're making more than a few curators jealous!  Judging from the courts and indices as well as the presence of a joker, I'd wager that deck was from somewhere circa the 1885, plus or minus perhaps 10 or 15 years - am I close?  I'm thinking on the earlier end of that time frame, with the courts being two-headed but only in two colors, red and black.

Did the cards fade over time, or was that the natural color they were made in?  I recall that Steamboats were generally a more affordable brand, one that ended up made as a brand name of a few different companies.  If you could educate us on the brand a bit, I'd appreciate it as I'm sure the others would as well.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: JacksonRobinson on December 23, 2013, 08:43:50 AM
This is one of my favorite decks in my collection. I picked it up from Steve Browling while at the 52+ Joker Convention this year.

Congress including the Dundreary Joker. from the late 1800s

This is probably the most easy to get version, but there are also two other joker versions that are even more rare.  One of the other versions has the same version but with slight flesh tones, and then the most rare features one that has an oval border.

The pictures don't show it very well but this set has really nice gold gilded edges.

(http://www.kingswildproject.com/images/cardcollection/dundreary1.jpg)
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: 52plusjoker on December 23, 2013, 10:00:33 AM
Wow - those are two great decks! The Steamboats were on cheap rough paper at that time and acquire the look you see in the pix as time goes by. My power just came back on and I'll be busy trying to post a few decks of ours today, answer questions, etc. And Jackson will send you a pic of the AD7 Ace.

Jonathon - nice start to your new Job ;D!
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: 52plusjoker on December 23, 2013, 10:36:26 AM
Just sent these pictures of one of my favorite old Dougherty decks, c1872, to one of our members. It is AD7 in the Hochman Encyclopedia. Love the engraved Ace and the logo type back.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: HandSkillz on December 23, 2013, 11:07:15 AM
Ok, I'm understanding more and more the appreciation for the vintage decks.  It goes WAY beyond novelty, these cards really are gorgeous to look at.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: 10ofclubs on December 23, 2013, 11:58:29 AM
To jmrock, do they still print Steamboat decks? I know the Bucks released reprints last year or so but when was the last time a Steamboat deck was printed? I've only ever seen vintage ones.

To Jackson, that is a killer deck! But I thought Congress only made one way back designs? And what does the writing on the box say? Someone's name perhaps?
The box is the coolest part. Are there any other decks with wooden boxes like that?

To Tom (that is who operates the 52+Joker account, right?), can you give a little more information on Dougherty decks? Was it a brand by the USPCC like Steamboat and Congress? Or it's own separate entity? The different companies within companies that joined together is rather confusing to me.
Also, is that eagle image the ace of spades? Is it a close up because I don't see any indices?

Sorry for all of the questions, but like I've said many times, I just want to learn more. And anyone is free to answer, I was just addressing each person's deck so this post would be a little easier to understand.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Knobz1 on December 23, 2013, 12:22:25 PM
To jmrock, do they still print Steamboat decks? I know the Bucks released reprints last year or so but when was the last time a Steamboat deck was printed? I've only ever seen vintage ones.

To Jackson, that is a killer deck! But I thought Congress only made one way back designs? And what does the writing on the box say? Someone's name perhaps?
The box is the coolest part. Are there any other decks with wooden boxes like that?

To Tom (that is who operates the 52+Joker account, right?), can you give a little more information on Dougherty decks? Was it a brand by the USPCC like Steamboat and Congress? Or it's own separate entity? The different companies within companies that joined together is rather confusing to me.
Also, is that eagle image the ace of spades? Is it a close up because I don't see any indices?

Sorry for all of the questions, but like I've said many times, I just want to learn more. And anyone is free to answer, I was just addressing each person's deck so this post would be a little easier to understand.
Hey, don't  feel bad. I know there are others including myself who would also like these questions answered as well. Just like you I don't know anything about vintage decks. That's why you, me, and everyone else come to the discourse to show are decks, talk about playing cards and learn as much as we can about this hobby. So keep asking questions.  :)
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: 52plusjoker on December 23, 2013, 12:40:33 PM
To jmrock, do they still print Steamboat decks? I know the Bucks released reprints last year or so but when was the last time a Steamboat deck was printed? I've only ever seen vintage ones.

To Jackson, that is a killer deck! But I thought Congress only made one way back designs? And what does the writing on the box say? Someone's name perhaps?
The box is the coolest part. Are there any other decks with wooden boxes like that?

To Tom (that is who operates the 52+Joker account, right?), can you give a little more information on Dougherty decks? Was it a brand by the USPCC like Steamboat and Congress? Or it's own separate entity? The different companies within companies that joined together is rather confusing to me.


Also, is that eagle image the ace of spades? Is it a close up because I don't see any indices?

Sorry for all of the questions, but like I've said many times, I just want to learn more. And anyone is free to answer, I was just addressing each person's deck so this post would be a little easier to understand.
Hey, don't  feel bad. I know there are others including myself who would also like these questions answered as well. Just like you I don't know anything about vintage decks. That's why you, me, and everyone else come to the discourse to show are decks, talk about playing cards and learn as much as we can about this hobby. So keep asking questions.  :)

I'll try and answer the questions:
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: jmrock on December 23, 2013, 01:47:56 PM
Regarding Steamboats…
From the World of Playing Cards: "Owing to the romantic appeal of gambling on the Mississippi river, from the 1870s onwards many American playing card manufacturers added “Steamboats” to their range, differentiated by a number, such as 99 or 999. There do not appear to have been any copyright restrictions or patent laws covering the use of the name “Steamboats” as various manufacturers had this brand in their range. This is not the case with other brands such as “Bicycle” or “Bee”. “Steamboats” tended to be the cheaper end of the range, often but not always produced in a rudimentary quality. The theme of steamboats navigating up and down the Mississippi also extended to the cotton plantations alongside the river and to African American people employed therein who were sometimes depicted on the special Joker card. Times have changed and these cards are now documentary evidence of a past era of history."

As 10ofClubs pointed out, Steamboats were reprinted (beautifully I might add) by D&D… The USPCC was also reprinting these decks well into the 1990s and the early 2000s… At this point in time they are no longer being reprinted…
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: 10ofclubs on December 23, 2013, 02:18:26 PM
Well thanks for the quick answers guys! I, as well as others, appreciate it!
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: jmrock on December 23, 2013, 11:42:36 PM
Please see pics of USPCC Steamboat 999s in blue & green c.1940-1955…  The green is an exceedingly rare color…  Reprints by Dan & Dave can be seen at the bottom in blue & red with an embossed tuck box...
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: xela on December 23, 2013, 11:51:31 PM
On my to do list: Break into Jmrock's house and steal those Steamboats.

On a serious note, I'll post up my collection when I move into a new place and unpack my decks! I hope they didn't get ruined in the box they're inside of D:
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Don Boyer on December 24, 2013, 02:11:41 AM
Ok, I'm understanding more and more the appreciation for the vintage decks.  It goes WAY beyond novelty, these cards really are gorgeous to look at.

It's why this board exists!  Looks like you just swallowed the red pill...  :))

On the topic of Steamboats, both Tom and Jon are correct.  The original run of Steamboats ended about thirty or forty years ago.  My guesses as to why would include cost cutting, brand consolidation and the dropping cost of better quality stocks and printing methods, all of which were taking place during a period of several ownership changes from around the 1970s to the point where Jarden Products purchased the company.  I wouldn't be surprised if the negative depiction of blacks on the older jokers had been a factor as well.

A reprint run was made in the early-middle aughts, I think around 2007.  There may have been more than one reprint run, but '07 was pretty much the last of it, give or take a year.  They're easily spotted by the USPC sticker seal instead of having a stamp seal or a tax seal.  Then D&D did their reprints earlier this year, 2013.  And those are only the Steamboats #999 - I know of a #99 and a #0, which for all I know just vanished into history.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: jmrock on December 24, 2013, 08:06:10 PM
A piece of USPCC Advertising History alongside (to show scale) an exceeding rare deck of Bicycle Racerbacks c.1940-1955… Would anyone like to venture a guess as to why this vintage run of the mill looking deck of Racerbacks is so exceedingly rare?
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: 52plusjoker on December 24, 2013, 08:22:40 PM
Got me. Why?
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: jmrock on December 24, 2013, 09:00:22 PM
Almost always you'll find these as having Air Cushion Finish, while these are Bicycle Cards with an Ivory Finish… It's funny Tom, but whenever I start explaining something to you I'm always waiting for the other shoe to drop as though you're going to school me with some crazy knowledge and wisdom, reminding me of how much I have to learn… I'm not complaining, just glad you're here and I feel blessed that I am able to learn about something I love so much, from the foremost authority in the world…
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: chess on December 25, 2013, 06:11:29 AM
The bulk of my collection are modern decks, but I do like vintage USPCC.  Here is my small collection of vintage decks:

(http://i.imgur.com/C1k8vlM.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/VWVN7HT.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/nvAxYB1.jpg)





(http://i.imgur.com/2zgPGrm.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/FnyqMNj.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/epS5GCO.jpg)





(http://i.imgur.com/4XXah6O.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/rCcfFkt.jpg)





(http://i.imgur.com/TIwWXE3.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/CcUmgh6.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/L0gxdFl.jpg)





(http://i.imgur.com/du4Vcio.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/AzohdcF.jpg)





(http://i.imgur.com/ss0hb34.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/dPqeiXQ.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/tca5NF9.jpg)





(http://i.imgur.com/1kEHqkn.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/KaIQwt2.jpg)





(http://i.imgur.com/lR1M3k1.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/diRAyWh.jpg)

gilded  edges
(http://i.imgur.com/GiCfWnD.jpg)





(http://i.imgur.com/AzjY9Xi.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/iAd82dr.jpg)
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: JacksonRobinson on December 27, 2013, 12:04:42 AM
Just bought these gems from a long time 52+ Joker member Mr. Steve Browling I was able to make some trades for some of my newer Federal 52 releases.

Printed by The National Card Co., Indianapolis and New York
NU2 Superior Steamboats #9 (The Hochmman Encyclopedia)

c1885 This Deck was slightly better quality and soon replaced NU1. It was retained by USPC utnil about 1910.
Dawson p109

I'm still in search of me a good specimen of the Russel and Morgan US7 & US7a to round out my "Watermelon Joker" collection

Unfortunately the deck I acquired doesn't have a box so Its 100% complete but all cards are present.

(http://www.kingswildproject.com/images/cardcollection/NU2.jpg)
(http://www.kingswildproject.com/images/cardcollection/NU2bks.jpg)
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: jmrock on December 27, 2013, 02:25:05 PM
Jackson… I'm jealous… You seem to be making all the right contacts… That's a beautiful deck of cards… I especially feel that it's such an important deck to reflect the climate in the country during this period… I feel that when I leave a deck like this for my kids that it's important for them to know that history of the U.S.  and that racism was running rampant in this country, so much so that it was completely acceptable to print and distribute these cards to the general public… Great piece Jackson… Looks like you've gone from 0-60 in 2.4 seconds in Bugatti Veyron style…
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Nurul on December 27, 2013, 04:09:30 PM
I bought these new fan backs off of eBay yesterday. The images aren't mine, but I figured I'd still post them as this is the deck I'll be receiving.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: JacksonRobinson on December 27, 2013, 04:21:04 PM
Jackson… I'm jealous… You seem to be making all the right contacts… That's a beautiful deck of cards… I especially feel that it's such an important deck to reflect the climate in the country during this period… I feel that when I leave a deck like this for my kids that it's important for them to know that history of the U.S.  and that racism was running rampant in this country, so much so that it was completely acceptable to print and distribute these cards to the general public… Great piece Jackson… Looks like you've gone from 0-60 in 2.4 seconds in Bugatti Veyron style…

It doesn't hurt that all my deck purchases are tax write offs :)
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: jmrock on December 27, 2013, 08:13:40 PM
Jackson… I need my accountant to talk to your accountant  ;)…
Nurul… You know you love cards when you can't wait until you receive your decks to share your pics… Only a true fan would be posting screen shots in anticipation of receiving their vintage finds...
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Nurul on December 27, 2013, 08:21:03 PM
Jackson… I need my accountant to talk to your accountant  ;)…
Nurul… You know you love cards when you can't wait until you receive your decks to share your pics… Only a true fan would be posting screen shots in anticipation of receiving their vintage finds...

Ha, ain't that the truth :) this is my bargain buy for the year, paid $30 inc p&p so I'm very happy with that :) now I just need a blue one ...
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: runIt on December 28, 2013, 02:14:57 AM
Here are some vintage decks from my collection. Though I am more into vintage casino decks, but I am very happy that this kind of section was created for users like us. Lurker no more. lol
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: 10ofclubs on December 28, 2013, 08:38:27 AM
Wow runt, nice collection! Are those Blue Ribbon decks in the second picture? I've seen those around before, care to share som history on them? Is there just four of them?
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Nurul on December 29, 2013, 08:57:36 AM
Hey runit, glad to see you come out your shell :p amazing collection as always :) always look forward to seeing your stuff.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Anthony on December 29, 2013, 09:53:57 AM
Wow some fantastic vintage pieces being added to this topic. While I have nothing to contribute at the moment, I am enjoying the information and education from the new Vintage section of the site  :)
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: 52plusjoker on December 29, 2013, 11:26:13 AM
There'll be more when I get back home on Jan 2nd and start putting up antique/ vintage cards on a more regular basis. Think I'll do each posting as a separate topic so we can get comments related specifically to each.
Best wishes to all for a happy, healthy 2014 with some nice additions to your collections!
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: yoel on December 29, 2013, 04:40:39 PM
I had to dig in to my collection to find a gift for a friend so I figured I would share a few pics. 

In the first and second picture all of the decks are sealed except for the 2 Fanning Decks. There are some Pinochle Decks in there but thats just because I am an avid Pinochle player and it is something that I don't mind collecting.  The Bee's on the bottom left are the smooth finish variation which is rather rare the others that I have are all cambric. Oh and the Mavericks are probably one of my favorite decks.  I have one that is opened and they are some of the best handling cards I have used.

The third picture is a cool piece of playing card advertisement from the 70's.

The fourth picture consists of a few vintage magic decks.  One is an old Fox Lake Rainbow Deck very rare and they are in mint condition.  The Enardoe Deck is a vintage Stripper Deck and the Delesi is a vintage Invisible Deck. 
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Don Boyer on December 30, 2013, 02:04:10 AM
I had to dig in to my collection to find a gift for a friend so I figured I would share a few pics. 

In the first and second picture all of the decks are sealed except for the 2 Fanning Decks. There are some Pinochle Decks in there but thats just because I am an avid Pinochle player and it is something that I don't mind collecting.  The Bee's on the bottom left are the smooth finish variation which is rather rare the others that I have are all cambric. Oh and the Mavericks are probably one of my favorite decks.  I have one that is opened and they are some of the best handling cards I have used.

The third picture is a cool piece of playing card advertisement from the 70's.

The fourth picture consists of a few vintage magic decks.  One is an old Fox Lake Rainbow Deck very rare and they are in mint condition.  The Enardoe Deck is a vintage Stripper Deck and the Delesi is a vintage Invisible Deck.

Don't even try handling modern Mavericks - they're made very cheaply and if you had to faro to save your life, this is NOT the deck you'd choose.

The Fox Lake cards are actually part of a series of assorted magic decks - but the most interesting thing about them is that they're all based off of the Aviator BRIDGE-sized deck.  I recognized the card back right away.  Here's a British site selling a huge variety of gaffed Aviator/Fox Lake bridge decks:
http://www.cards4magic.co.uk/acatalog/copy_of_xAviator__Fox_Lake_.html

Judging from the box images, the Delesi deck is also Aviator bridge-sized, and I'd guess the Enardoe is, too - what an oddball name, until you realize the "maker" is Edward O. Drane - shorten the first name to just the initial, spell the whole thing backwards, and there it is, the deck brand name...  :))  It's kind of a common lazy-man's name generator, spelling things backwards like that.  There's a company that does construction garbage hauling in my area called Nacirema, apparently run by a rather patriotic americaN...
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: 52plusjoker on December 30, 2013, 09:07:43 AM
Noswad here. Interesting about the Fox Lake. Thanks.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: yoel on December 30, 2013, 10:22:37 AM

Don't even try handling modern Mavericks - they're made very cheaply and if you had to faro to save your life, this is NOT the deck you'd choose.

The Fox Lake cards are actually part of a series of assorted magic decks - but the most interesting thing about them is that they're all based off of the Aviator BRIDGE-sized deck.  I recognized the card back right away.  Here's a British site selling a huge variety of gaffed Aviator/Fox Lake bridge decks:
http://www.cards4magic.co.uk/acatalog/copy_of_xAviator__Fox_Lake_.html

Judging from the box images, the Delesi deck is also Aviator bridge-sized, and I'd guess the Enardoe is, too - what an oddball name, until you realize the "maker" is Edward O. Drane - shorten the first name to just the initial, spell the whole thing backwards, and there it is, the deck brand name...  :))  It's kind of a common lazy-man's name generator, spelling things backwards like that.  There's a company that does construction garbage hauling in my area called Nacirema, apparently run by a rather patriotic americaN...

Yes modern mavericks are garbage anyone here should know that.  The ones in the picture were made by Stancraft and rather hard to find.  I gave up on trying to find any a while ago so I'm assuming they are pretty scarce.

The Fox Lake decks are Aviator bridge decks. They are generally not all that hard to find except for the Rainbow Deck.  Ive never seen any for sale. 

The Delesi's are actually not that old that deck was made in 1993.  Delesi has been around for a while since the early 1900's their cards were originally made by Waddington but they switched to the USPCC in the early 90's and yes they are aviator bridge style.  Though the Enardoe's were actually made by the Arrco Playing Card Co and are from the 70's.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Curt on December 30, 2013, 11:02:40 PM
Here is my modest vintage collection. Just bits and pieces I have grabbed over the last little while, and hope to greatly expand upon in 2014.

(http://i.imgur.com/S68WkAZ.jpg)

Left to Right

Blackjack world championships deck
Sahara casino deck
Class "A" tax stamp bee ( that I was lucky enough to get from jmrock as while ago )
1 pack tax stamp bee
Imperial palace casino deck
Virginia Slims
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Don Boyer on December 31, 2013, 01:50:05 AM

1 cent tax stamp bee

I think you meant "1 Pack" rather than "1 Cent"...  :))

Nice little collection.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Curt on December 31, 2013, 01:54:11 AM

1 cent tax stamp bee

I think you meant "1 Pack" rather than "1 Cent"...  :))

Nice little collection.

My bad. Thanks. My new year's resolution is to really beef up this part of my collection. It will be much easier with all the knowledge gained from this new board.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: JacksonRobinson on January 05, 2014, 07:34:36 PM
Newest additions to the Kings Wild Collection

Thank you Mr. Dawson for this fine addition.
(http://www.kingswildproject.com/images/cardcollection/twindex.jpg)


Picked up this Scorer from Jrock
(http://www.kingswildproject.com/images/cardcollection/scorer.jpg)

(http://www.kingswildproject.com/images/cardcollection/BeeBikes1.jpg)

Not sure of the manufacturer of this Square cut Faro deck c1860s Maybe Tom can help identify
(http://www.kingswildproject.com/images/cardcollection/faro1.jpg)

(http://www.kingswildproject.com/images/cardcollection/squeezers1.jpg)

(http://www.kingswildproject.com/images/cardcollection/cardstack1.jpg)
(http://www.kingswildproject.com/images/cardcollection/faro1.jpg)
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Anthony on January 05, 2014, 07:58:57 PM
Wow, some fantastic additions Jackson, Gratz!
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Don Boyer on January 05, 2014, 09:00:47 PM

Not sure of the manufacturer of this Square cut Faro deck c1860s Maybe Tom can help identify
(http://www.kingswildproject.com/images/cardcollection/faro1.jpg)

How about a good close-up on the AoS and what remains of the tax stamp?  Might help.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: 52plusjoker on January 06, 2014, 07:39:19 AM
Hello Jackson
Glad you like the Russell decks. Nice stamps and nothing wrong with condition.

The Bicycle deck is not 1898 - more like 1890. Neat courts on the Trophy Whist.
 
The Faro deck is in Hochman under NYCC  I think. Will check tomorrow when I get home. It is around 1900 if I remember correctly.

You are building a nice little antique/vintage section. Way to be!  I can likely help with some of the ones you want - but not all!

Cheeers
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: jmrock on January 06, 2014, 10:57:18 AM
The Bicycle deck is magnificent (hell they're all magnificent)… but in particular that's a deck I've been searching for forever…  I believe that's the first Ace and first Joker… Wow… Incredible history… The Harts with the two dogs is incredible as well… The Steamboats with watermelon joker - an amazing piece… Lot's of great stuff…

Jackson… With regard to the Bee deck I sent you, you left out the best pic… It's an incredibly rare "Smooth Finish" deck, rather than the common Cambric Finish… They are just not found with Smooth Finish… An exceptional piece…
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: 52plusjoker on January 06, 2014, 02:29:32 PM
Hello Jackson and all
Don't want to poop on any parade but - While the Bicycle deck is US8 it is not the first. US8a in Hochman came earlier. When Gene Hochman first numbered the brands he hadn't seen the older one [US8a]. The American Manufacture deck was made by Samuel Hart [NYCC] in the 1890's and often sold as 'seconds', hence the generic Ace of Spades. It is NYCC42b in Hochman.

Hope this helps - original NY42 pix below - note the Ace has blue printing
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: JacksonRobinson on January 07, 2014, 01:25:57 PM
Newest acquisitions... this is beginning to an expensive hobby.  :o I'm gonna have to design some more cards. I'll post some pics of all the jokers and aces when I have some more time.

Thanks for the clarification Tom.

(http://www.kingswildproject.com/images/cardcollection/cardstack2.jpg)

Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: 52plusjoker on January 07, 2014, 03:04:12 PM
Wow Jackson
You are busy! Some really neat ones there. Specially like the sideways Tourist box and the first Army & Navy Box. Will await more pictures!
Judy sends her congratulations on some neat acquisitions.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: jmrock on January 07, 2014, 04:52:43 PM
Jackson… And so the pupil has become the master… Wow is all I have to say… Truly incredible score… The Tourists are just fantastic… Army Navy - Wow… The Tigers - Unbelievable… Are these complete decks?
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: JacksonRobinson on January 07, 2014, 05:46:35 PM
Jackson… And so the pupil has become the master… Wow is all I have to say… Truly incredible score… The Tourists are just fantastic… Army Navy - Wow… The Tigers - Unbelievable… Are these complete decks?

Yep all every single one of these are complete 52+ Joker decks.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: JacksonRobinson on January 11, 2014, 12:49:38 PM
I can't really begin to explain how excited I am for what the postman brought to me today. Every aspect of the vintage decks I have collected thus far is amazing. From their interesting tuck case construction to the craftsmanship in the printing and designs. Sure, one deck may cost as much as modern day deck brick but 1 incredible deck that has a life and a story puts to shame for me 12 merely average decks that will never even breath fresh air. I encourage all of you the next time you find yourself rushing to a website to buy the 19th color variation of someones deck stop, open The Hochman Encyclopedia and pick just one deck and then go find it. Your life will never be the same.

Inner dialogue "What!? am I talking about cards... No wonder my wife thinks I'm crazy."

(http://www.kingswildproject.com/images/cardcollection/Cardstack3.jpg)
(http://www.kingswildproject.com/images/cardcollection/Cardstack4.jpg)
(http://www.kingswildproject.com/images/cardcollection/Cardstack5.jpg)
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Anthony on January 11, 2014, 02:07:58 PM
Very nice Jackson, are all your decks full/complete decks? Outside of the sample backs. Are you picking up single cards also?
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: JacksonRobinson on January 11, 2014, 02:32:05 PM
Very nice Jackson, are all your decks full/complete decks? Outside of the sample backs. Are you picking up single cards also?

Yep I have the rest of the decks stacked up next the tucks
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: 52plusjoker on January 11, 2014, 02:54:58 PM
I can't really begin to explain how excited I am for what the postman brought to me today. Every aspect of the vintage decks I have collected thus far is amazing. From their interesting tuck case construction to the craftsmanship in the printing and designs. Sure, one deck may cost as much as modern day deck brick but 1 incredible deck that has a life and a story puts to shame for me 12 merely average decks that will never even breath fresh air. I encourage all of you the next time you find yourself rushing to a website to buy the 19th color variation of someones deck stop, open The Hochman Encyclopedia and pick just one deck and then go find it. Your life will never be the same.

Inner dialogue "What!? am I talking about cards... No wonder my wife thinks I'm crazy."

Jackson
I could not have said this better. The originality, keeping in mind the time manufactured, the design, craftmanship, etc of antique decks is a wonderful turn on when you first open the box - especially if it is in great shape.

Save some funds for our 52 Plus Joker auction. We will be posting the auction catalogue on the club website next Wednesday or Thursday. There are some very neat decks! 

PS. Can you send Judy a scan of the Army Navy Ace and Joker?

Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Lee Asher on January 13, 2014, 03:15:37 PM
Latest Addition To The Collection

Heart's Squeezers No. 352. [NY50 in the Hochman]
(http://www.605s.com/forum/hart352.jpg)

NOTE: These are hand-marked for nefarious reasons. Muuuahhhhhhh!!!!
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: jmrock on January 14, 2014, 11:34:07 AM
Lee… The card that has "Angel Back" printed on it is an Ad Card?
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Lee Asher on January 14, 2014, 12:05:38 PM
Lee… The card that has "Angel Back" printed on it is an Ad Card?

It's the Contract Bridge Score Card.

(http://www.605s.com/forum/bridge.jpg)
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Nurul on January 17, 2014, 08:43:24 AM
This is my very very small vintage collection. I do have like mid 80s and some other early 90s decks too but didn't know whether to include. I put steamboats there only because, they're steamboats and they're just so cool.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: 52plusjoker on January 18, 2014, 07:58:08 AM
Interesting "Squeezer" stamp on the Bee. Looks older than the tax stamp. Can you do a close up?
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Lee Asher on January 18, 2014, 09:20:27 AM
Interesting "Squeezer" stamp on the Bee. Looks older than the tax stamp. Can you do a close up?

Mystery ensues....
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Don Boyer on January 18, 2014, 11:11:14 AM
Interesting "Squeezer" stamp on the Bee. Looks older than the tax stamp. Can you do a close up?

Click on his photo and a pop-up window will appear with the photo in it.  Click on that photo and you zoom in.  The image is a little blurry, but still distinguishable.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Mydnyghte on January 18, 2014, 04:44:10 PM
I finally get to post in this thread, at long last (dances like a tween girl at a Bieber concert)

Lee Asher is the reason for this beginning, as this is the FIRST, and second, vintage deck I now own. He was incredible enough to trade the red version and tag on the blue as a traveling buddy. Needless to say, I am a happy camper and I WANT MORE!
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Nurul on January 19, 2014, 08:09:02 AM
Interesting "Squeezer" stamp on the Bee. Looks older than the tax stamp. Can you do a close up?

Here's a close up of the squeezer stamp.

Also I picked up some 343 Cadets, but they're Canadian. I've never seen anything like this before. Also, it didn't have a tuck, was sent in this little pouch, anyone know if it's of any sigunficance?
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Don Boyer on January 19, 2014, 09:08:12 AM

Also I picked up some 343 Cadets, but they're Canadian. I've never seen anything like this before. Also, it didn't have a tuck, was sent in this little pouch, anyone know if it's of any sigunficance?

I'm doing a little bit of guesswork here.  The Cadets were so named because they were intended for soldiers who didn't have a lot of room in their pockets and packs for a pack of playing cards.  Plus, it wouldn't surprise me if they needed to be concealed because of some commanders forbidding gambling in the ranks!

Your pouch, marked "Pt. Arthur" was probably owned by a soldier, last name Arthur, ranked Private.  Depending on the date of manufacture, there's even a chance it was carried into a combat zone.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: 52plusjoker on January 19, 2014, 10:38:08 AM
Nice stamp! Looks older than I guess it is. Those cadets made around end of WWI and while Don may be right, another possibility  is that that soldiers were a great design to help miniature packs made for kids be marketed as kids toys and games related to war would have been very popular at that time. Of course the cadets brand went back to the late 1800's - Spanish America War!
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Josh Blackmon on January 19, 2014, 07:26:12 PM
I picked up this Blue Bicycle Club Back deck in the summer for $4.75. Unfortunately it had no tuck box, but the cards were kept in great condition over their lifetime in storage. I like the way their luster and texture is revealed by the light reflecting on these old cards. These also have what I like to call the "sleepy eyed" court cards which are a favorite of mine. I hope to learn the skills to pin a better date on them, but currently I have it dated in my notebook as early 1900s. Let me know if you think differently.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Don Boyer on January 19, 2014, 11:44:43 PM
I picked up this Blue Bicycle Club Back deck in the summer for $4.75. Unfortunately it had no tuck box, but the cards were kept in great condition over their lifetime in storage. I like the way their luster and texture is revealed by the light reflecting on these old cards. These also have what I like to call the "sleepy eyed" court cards which are a favorite of mine. I hope to learn the skills to pin a better date on them, but currently I have it dated in my notebook as early 1900s. Let me know if you think differently.

That's a great-looking pack you have there!

I'll give you a few tips for discovering the age of your deck.

I looked at the close-up of your photo, specifically at the bottom of the Ace of Spades - the screen grab is below.  That code seems like gibberish, and much of it is, but the letter of that code is a dating system used by USPC for the year the deck was made.

Here's a few links to look at to help with determining the age based on the letter:
https://www.google.com/search?q=how+to+date+uspc+playing+cards&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a

The second one down is from Lee Asher, magician and fellow administrator of this forum!  The first one is also worth a look, despite that it won't help with your present deck, but it contains great information for dating a deck of cards based on the tax stamp on the box - valuable knowledge for your next vintage deck, perhaps.

For further narrowing the year down, you can check on what period that back was being used by USPC under the Bicycle brand:
http://www.jimknapp.com/Cards/Bicycle.htm
http://www.cypressfilms.com/Bicycle//Robinson/Robinson.html

Happy hunting, and if you need more tips or advice, feel free to ask.  The only dumb question is the one you don't ask because you were afraid we'd think you were dumb.  We were all beginners once, so we sympathize.  :))
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Josh Blackmon on January 20, 2014, 12:21:47 AM
See this is where it gets fuzzy for me. I can narrow down the range of years for this deck to be between 1917-1969 and the letter "B" would suggest the year 1921 but the rest of the code doesn't fit the decipherable dating format so I can't assume it means anything. Without a tuck box or a tax stamp I guess I am best left at guessing on the exact age of this Club back deck. I wish there were a source where I could cross reference the court card style or Ace of Spades style and get a more accurate estimate. Until then, It'll just have to fall in to that 52 year range  :-[
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Don Boyer on January 20, 2014, 05:32:48 AM
See this is where it gets fuzzy for me. I can narrow down the range of years for this deck to be between 1917-1969 and the letter "B" would suggest the year 1921 but the rest of the code doesn't fit the decipherable dating format so I can't assume it means anything. Without a tuck box or a tax stamp I guess I am best left at guessing on the exact age of this Club back deck. I wish there were a source where I could cross reference the court card style or Ace of Spades style and get a more accurate estimate. Until then, It'll just have to fall in to that 52 year range  :-[

While modern decks have four digits preceding the letter which correspond to the week and year of manufacture, it's different for older decks - only the letter gives you anything.  And you're fortunate - the letter B was only used once in the entire span of years that deck back was being printed, so you have your year.

There's a way of establishing dates with the courts as well - there was an excellent article in "Clear the Decks" a few issues ago - CtD is the club newsletter of 52 Plus Joker.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: 52plusjoker on January 20, 2014, 07:50:42 AM
The code on this deck is meaningless. Needs to be exactly one letter and four numbers to mean anything. From seeing lots of these I'd date it 1905-1920. Without the box hard to get precise.
In next few days we are putting up lots of dating information in The Source.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Nurul on January 20, 2014, 08:03:07 AM
Nice stamp! Looks older than I guess it is. Those cadets made around end of WWI and while Don may be right, another possibility  is that that soldiers were a great design to help miniature packs made for kids be marketed as kids toys and games related to war would have been very popular at that time. Of course the cadets brand went back to the late 1800's - Spanish America War!

This is the first time I've seen a squeezer stamp. What kind of date are we talking? Could it mean that the stamp doesn't belong to the deck?
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: 52plusjoker on January 20, 2014, 04:21:07 PM
Stamp has look/feel of early 1900's. Could well have been earlier than the deck. Not sure!
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Don Boyer on January 21, 2014, 03:49:58 AM
The code on this deck is meaningless. Needs to be exactly one letter and four numbers to mean anything. From seeing lots of these I'd date it 1905-1920. Without the box hard to get precise.
In next few days we are putting up lots of dating information in The Source.

Curses, foiled again!  :)  Thanks for the more accurate info, as usual.

Is it possible that the B isn't really a B but an 8?  I saw on a deck on wopc.com a longer number like this, and the 3rd and 4th digits were the year of manufacture.  But it could have been simple coincidence as well, probably.

Stamp has look/feel of early 1900's. Could well have been earlier than the deck. Not sure!

Could it be possible that the stamp is indeed older than the deck and was simply used some period of time later - perhaps even years later?  Crazier things have happened.

Y'know, an entire topic on those vellum seals could be beneficial, if we have enough research on the topic.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: 52plusjoker on January 21, 2014, 10:57:52 AM
This is one of my favorite decks in my collection. I picked it up from Steve Browling while at the 52+ Joker Convention this year.

Congress including the Dundreary Joker. from the late 1800s

This is probably the most easy to get version, but there are also two other joker versions that are even more rare.  One of the other versions has the same version but with slight flesh tones, and then the most rare features one that has an oval border.

The pictures don't show it very well but this set has really nice gold gilded edges.

(http://www.kingswildproject.com/images/cardcollection/dundreary1.jpg)
Jackson and everyone
Interesting note about this deck and box. It is not a Congress box BUT there are many old USPC decks which came in these generic [not brand name] boxes. We suspect this deck originally came in this generic box
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: 52plusjoker on January 24, 2014, 09:07:25 AM
For those of you who are wondering where the great early US cards posted by plainbacks have gone, we moved them to the Source as an item of permanent, educational interest. The topic is at http://aethercards.com/discourse/the-source-card-collecting-101/ (http://aethercards.com/discourse/the-source-card-collecting-101/) titled Early 19th-Century Anglo-American Face Designs.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: JacksonRobinson on January 24, 2014, 04:09:55 PM
took some digging but I was able to find a AD52 Wireless deck.

(http://www.kingswildproject.com/images/CardCollection/Wireless117.jpg)
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Don Boyer on January 25, 2014, 03:11:36 AM

took some digging but I was able to find a AD52 Wireless deck.

Very nice!  It's how old?

These decks sometimes astonish me.  This deck certainly doesn't appear to have been USPC's top-of-the-line playing cards, but they've managed to survive all this time, and the only thing likely to have changed would be a slight yellowing of the cards' white spaces.  It was obviously not meant to last long at all, yet somehow made it over some decaces and still exists in such excellent shape.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: yoel on January 25, 2014, 09:38:05 AM

took some digging but I was able to find a AD52 Wireless deck.

Very nice!  It's how old?


The picture says 1920. 
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: 52plusjoker on January 25, 2014, 09:56:03 AM

took some digging but I was able to find a AD52 Wireless deck.

Very nice!  It's how old?


The picture says 1920.
The picture does says c[irca]1920. We do know it was produced as late as 1927, and perhaps a little later than that. No way of pinning it down further without careful examination of the tax stamp [if indeed it is there].
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Lee Asher on January 25, 2014, 01:08:37 PM
Picked up a mini deck of Tom Thumb Junior playing cards by Arrco Card Co.

(http://www.605s.com/forum/junior.jpg)

Yes, those are two holes in the Ace of Spades. I believe this deck was used in a trick (Haunted pack?)

If you want to see the back design, you must publicly promise not to laugh or judge...
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: HandSkillz on January 26, 2014, 01:28:25 AM
Picked up a mini deck of Tom Thumb Junior playing cards by Arrco Card Co.

(http://www.605s.com/forum/junior.jpg)

Yes, those are two holes in the Ace of Spades. I believe this deck was used in a trick (Haunted pack?)

If you want to see the back design, you must publicly promise not to laugh or judge...

I publicly promise not to laugh, let us see those backs!
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Don Boyer on January 26, 2014, 01:53:41 AM
Oh, Mr. Asher, of course we won't laugh!

What's with all the miniature decks lately?  Are you trying to feel like a giant?  Or are you trying out for the next Tamiflu TV ad?  :))

In case you haven't seen the ad or know the product, Tamiflu is a drug taken to shorten the duration of a case of common influenza.  It's only effective if taken within the first 48 hours of symptom onset.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=puEJO8ipNfs
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Lee Asher on January 26, 2014, 08:29:25 AM
You promised not to laugh....here you go.

(http://www.605s.com/forum/junior1.jpg)
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: yoel on January 26, 2014, 09:37:07 AM
You promised not to laugh....here you go.


How cute. It's Dumbo's girlfriend! Sorry I did laugh a little. 
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Lee Asher on January 26, 2014, 11:14:44 AM
How cute. It's Dumbo's girlfriend! Sorry I did laugh a little.

Yeah, it's tough not to laugh...
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: HandSkillz on January 26, 2014, 11:53:37 AM
Laugh, why would we laugh?? Elephants are terrifying, I had to try my hardest not to scream!  Look it it..you know this one's up to no good, it's probably going to trample an unsuspecting group of people.  That's why the holes are in the card, someone got scared and had the put her down.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Lee Asher on January 26, 2014, 12:02:45 PM
Laugh, why would we laugh?? Elephants are terrifying, I had to try my hardest not to scream!  Look it it..you know this one's up to no good, it's probably going to trample an unsuspecting group of people.  That's why the holes are in the card, someone got scared and had the put her down.

Elephants never forget ... & that includes this post!

Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Lee Asher on January 26, 2014, 12:06:44 PM
Ok, one more mini before I go.

Just added a pack of Liliput 131 minis (Spanish pattern / Catalan faces) to the collection. They were made by my favorite card manufacturer on this planet.

(http://www.605s.com/forum/liliput.jpg)
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Don Boyer on January 27, 2014, 12:38:29 AM
Ok, one more mini before I go.

Just added a pack of Liliput 131 minis (Spanish pattern / Catalan faces) to the collection. They were made by my favorite card manufacturer on this planet.

(http://www.605s.com/forum/liliput.jpg)

What happened - did you run out of Canadian nickels?  :))

Your favorite, aye?  Gee, I wonder why...  (now that had me laughing)
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: chach on February 02, 2014, 02:36:28 AM
Not sure if this post belongs here or in the Plethora, but seeing as these aren't from the last 20+ years, I'll throw it here.

Some buzzed browsing netted me these two decks via eBay.  The Secret Weapon is a Desert Shield variety that was going for way less than any of the other auction asking prices.  I already have one, but it never hurts to have an extra copy on hand and at 50% less than what everyone else was asking, how could I pass it up?  At least that's what the alcohol in my system told me... The Bee deck is unopened and lightly glued to the cardboard backing.  I'm not sure of the date, but I'd say late 60's or 70's since there's no tax stamp on it yet also no bar code.  Price tag on the card stock states 65cents.  Have to say, I wouldn't mind being able to pick up Bee decks for 65 cents a pop.  Anyways, I says to myself, "You've never seen one like that self! You best get it now!"  Again, Buzzed Browsing can be dangerous when your paypal account is directly linked to eBay.  But for less than $20 for the pair (including shipping), I'm a happy customer.

BTW - I'm looking for an original Vietnam version of the Bicycle Secret Weapon deck.  It is my grail deck, my white whale, the end all be all for my collection.  If anyone has any leads on where I can get one (opened or sealed, doesn't matter),  I would be much appreciative.

(http://images53.fotki.com/v1465/photos/5/201355/12485342/20140201_231851_5_bestshot-vi.jpg)
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Don Boyer on February 02, 2014, 03:59:02 AM
Not sure if this post belongs here or in the Plethora, but seeing as these aren't from the last 20+ years, I'll throw it here.

Some buzzed browsing netted me these two decks via eBay.  The Secret Weapon is a Desert Shield variety that was going for way less than any of the other auction asking prices.  I already have one, but it never hurts to have an extra copy on hand and at 50% less than what everyone else was asking, how could I pass it up?  At least that's what the alcohol in my system told me... The Bee deck is unopened and lightly glued to the cardboard backing.  I'm not sure of the date, but I'd say late 60's or 70's since there's no tax stamp on it yet also no bar code.  Price tag on the card stock states 65cents.  Have to say, I wouldn't mind being able to pick up Bee decks for 65 cents a pop.  Anyways, I says to myself, "You've never seen one like that self! You best get it now!"  Again, Buzzed Browsing can be dangerous when your paypal account is directly linked to eBay.  But for less than $20 for the pair (including shipping), I'm a happy customer.

BTW - I'm looking for an original Vietnam version of the Bicycle Secret Weapon deck.  It is my grail deck, my white whale, the end all be all for my collection.  If anyone has any leads on where I can get one (opened or sealed, doesn't matter),  I would be much appreciative.

You're in exactly the correct place!

I wish you luck hunting your white whale.  They're out there, but they're rather scarce since most of the Vietnam-era Secret Weapon decks were used in the field.  Be advised that last year USPC released a commemorative edition of that deck.  It's also one of those decks that you might find fakes of, but they're usually not too hard to suss out.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: chach on February 02, 2014, 04:32:00 AM
Thanks for the encouragement.  I like that USPCC released a commemorative deck, but it sure has made searching for an original one all the more tedious.  An eBay search used to take only a few secs to check through, now you have to go through 20 different listings to see which one is pictured.   I've been looking for one for years and have seen them only twice.  First one I saw was at a gunshow and to say the dealer was proud of his items is an understatement.  His belief that because half the tuck was missing along with most of the cards automatically meant that it was carried by Hal Moore himself.   ::)   It's very possible that particular deck was carried in the field and that's why some of the cards were missing, but what's more likely was that the guy distressed the pack himself and came up with his wild stories to improve the price without any actual providence.  The second time was at a friend of a friend's place and he didn't want to part with them at all as his father gave them to him.  I know I can relate to that, my father served in Vietnam and I have a few things from that time and there's no way on earth I'd give any of them up for any price.  Heck, the first deck of the Desert Shield version I got was a gift from a friend of mine that was stationed in Kuwait during DS and I wouldn't sell that one either because of its providence. 

As you said, the differences between the three versions are slight, though easily sussed out.   Thanks again.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Yashi on February 02, 2014, 07:00:53 AM
I've been wanting to get that secret weapon deck on ebay. Maybe I'll get one soon.
The commemorative ones released last year don't say Cincinnati, USA at the bottom if I remember correctly.
I also thought about getting the Vietnam version. But with no luck I thought about buying 52 individual Vietnam version ace of spades and wrap them in a vintage Vietnam war document since I love paper wrapped cards. :)

That bee looks sexy in that pristine condition.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: JacksonRobinson on February 02, 2014, 07:41:47 AM
Not sure if this post belongs here or in the Plethora, but seeing as these aren't from the last 20+ years, I'll throw it here.

Some buzzed browsing netted me these two decks via eBay.  The Secret Weapon is a Desert Shield variety that was going for way less than any of the other auction asking prices.  I already have one, but it never hurts to have an extra copy on hand and at 50% less than what everyone else was asking, how could I pass it up?  At least that's what the alcohol in my system told me... The Bee deck is unopened and lightly glued to the cardboard backing.  I'm not sure of the date, but I'd say late 60's or 70's since there's no tax stamp on it yet also no bar code.  Price tag on the card stock states 65cents.  Have to say, I wouldn't mind being able to pick up Bee decks for 65 cents a pop.  Anyways, I says to myself, "You've never seen one like that self! You best get it now!"  Again, Buzzed Browsing can be dangerous when your paypal account is directly linked to eBay.  But for less than $20 for the pair (including shipping), I'm a happy customer.

BTW - I'm looking for an original Vietnam version of the Bicycle Secret Weapon deck.  It is my grail deck, my white whale, the end all be all for my collection.  If anyone has any leads on where I can get one (opened or sealed, doesn't matter),  I would be much appreciative.

(http://images53.fotki.com/v1465/photos/5/201355/12485342/20140201_231851_5_bestshot-vi.jpg)

I just acquired an original secret weapon. I be willing to trade but it would need to be  a solid trade. It is not my holy grail but a great deck. Lol iv noticed that I almost like doing character references of a person before trading one of my vintage decks. :)

Also mine is open. I care not for cellowrap. (I received it open)
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: John B. on February 02, 2014, 08:36:50 AM
Did you get it (the original secret weapon ace of spades deck) for sale or trade? If sale how much was it? I would love to have one but doubt I could afford it if I found one.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: chach on February 02, 2014, 05:12:55 PM

I just acquired an original secret weapon. I be willing to trade but it would need to be  a solid trade. It is not my holy grail but a great deck. Lol iv noticed that I almost like doing character references of a person before trading one of my vintage decks. :)

Also mine is open. I care not for cellowrap. (I received it open)

I just PM'd you, didn't want to derail this thread further.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: JacksonRobinson on February 02, 2014, 10:34:19 PM
I just arrived at my new home in Memphis, and found an awesome care package waiting for me from Mr. Rock. Some awesome decks in this package.

At the bottom is a NYCC sample book.

(http://www.kingswildproject.com/images/cardcollection/cardstack7.jpg)

(http://www.kingswildproject.com/images/cardcollection/1919_1924Prohibition1.jpg)
(http://www.kingswildproject.com/images/cardcollection/1919_1924Prohibition2.jpg)
(http://www.kingswildproject.com/images/cardcollection/1919_1924Prohibition3.jpg)
(http://www.kingswildproject.com/images/cardcollection/1919_1924Prohibition4.jpg)

c.1919-1924 Prohibition Era Bee Sealed Class A Tax Stamp

(http://www.kingswildproject.com/images/cardcollection/19401965Bee.jpeg)

c.1940-1965 Extremely Rare Bee "Smooth Finish" Sealed 1Cent Square Tax Stamp

(http://www.kingswildproject.com/images/cardcollection/SW1.jpg)
(http://www.kingswildproject.com/images/cardcollection/SW2.jpg)
Original, Authentic Vietnam Era Bicycle Secret Weapon Bicycle Ace of Spades Deck


Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Don Boyer on February 02, 2014, 11:24:56 PM
I just arrived at my new home in Memphis, and found an awesome care package waiting for me from Mr. Rock. Some awesome decks in this package.

Looks like John really cares about you!  :))

Quote
c.1940-1965 Extremely Rare Bee "Smooth Finish" Sealed 1Cent Square Tax Stamp

I think you got the tax stamp description a little mixed up.  That's a 1940-1965 rectangular "1 Pack" tax stamp.  There was a square "1 Pack" stamp in use at the time that resembled your "Class A" stamp, but those are clearly rectangular.

Was there a square "10 Cents" stamp on something that you didn't show us?  Those were in use right after your "Class A" stamp, followed by the rectangular version in '29.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Anthony on February 03, 2014, 06:38:29 AM
Very nice additions Jackson, Gratz.

What's the info on this deck, haven't seen that design before.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: JacksonRobinson on February 03, 2014, 08:29:29 AM
Very nice additions Jackson, Gratz.

What's the info on this deck, haven't seen that design before.

That is a rerpo deck of a very early USPC deck called the "Texan" I just moved so my Hochmans is packer or I would give you the code.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Lee Asher on February 03, 2014, 09:03:35 AM
Very nice additions Jackson, Gratz.

What's the info on this deck, haven't seen that design before.

That is a repro deck of a very early USPC deck called the "Texan" I just moved so my Hochmans is packed or I would give you the code.

 Texan #45 is listed in the Hochman as US13. The original is from around circa 1889. The one in Jackson's pic is the reprint that sells for about $5.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: chach on February 05, 2014, 10:13:36 PM
Picked these up off ebay, from what I can tell they're a '59 vintage.  Z code on the AoS with a 1 tax-stamp.  They're very nice condition, the only issue is that they came from a smoker's home. 
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Lee Asher on February 10, 2014, 01:50:06 PM
Tom (http://www.playingcardforum.com/profile/52plusjoker/) & Judy (http://www.playingcardforum.com/profile/heartq) just came back from a small vacation, and found these beauties for me. Thanks!!!

(http://www.605s.com/forum/tom_gift.jpg)
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: 52plusjoker on February 10, 2014, 02:34:08 PM
Are you trying to make Golden Nuggets into the next Jerry's Nuggets?
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Don Boyer on February 10, 2014, 11:43:30 PM
Are you trying to make Golden Nuggets into the next Jerry's Nuggets?

It's too late - they already are!  While not as wildly popular as Jerry's, the Golden Nugget decks have a grewing number of ardent fans tracking them down among the collectors on the forum.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Nurul on February 11, 2014, 09:33:04 AM
Got some decks come through recently. My first ever pinochle deck, I'm loving that back design.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: 52plusjoker on February 11, 2014, 03:00:38 PM
Nice back indeed! A slight variation of the 1890 's Angel back used by Dougherty and NYCC amongst others.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: jmrock on February 12, 2014, 12:14:58 PM

Quote
c.1940-1965 Extremely Rare Bee "Smooth Finish" Sealed 1Cent Square Tax Stamp

I think you got the tax stamp description a little mixed up.  That's a 1940-1965 rectangular "1 Pack" tax stamp.  There was a square "1 Pack" stamp in use at the time that resembled your "Class A" stamp, but those are clearly rectangular.

Was there a square "10 Cents" stamp on something that you didn't show us?  Those were in use right after your "Class A" stamp, followed by the rectangular version in '29.

Don, there is indeed a square 1 Pack Tax Stamp c.1940-1965… It's on the Smooth Finish Bees that Jackson was showing… See the pic below…

Reference the following for additional tax stamp dating info… http://www.endebrock.de/stamps/st-usa.html
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Lee Asher on February 12, 2014, 12:39:40 PM
Don, there is indeed a square 1 Pack Tax Stamp c.1940-1965… It's on the Smooth Finish Bees that Jackson was showing… l

You can also find them on the Cambric ones, too.

(http://www.605s.com/forum/cdc1.jpg)
(http://www.605s.com/forum/cdc2.jpg)
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: 52plusjoker on February 12, 2014, 12:53:09 PM
I think both the long and the square were used almost interchangeably by all the various makers and so you should find either on a Bee deck or a Remembrance deck, etc.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Lee Asher on February 12, 2014, 02:16:54 PM
In my mailbox today...

A neat pack of bridge sized Bicycle cards with the cello still on (sorta)...

(http://www.605s.com/forum/bike_bridge.jpg)
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Don Boyer on February 13, 2014, 10:43:10 AM

Quote
c.1940-1965 Extremely Rare Bee "Smooth Finish" Sealed 1Cent Square Tax Stamp

I think you got the tax stamp description a little mixed up.  That's a 1940-1965 rectangular "1 Pack" tax stamp.  There was a square "1 Pack" stamp in use at the time that resembled your "Class A" stamp, but those are clearly rectangular.

Was there a square "10 Cents" stamp on something that you didn't show us?  Those were in use right after your "Class A" stamp, followed by the rectangular version in '29.

Don, there is indeed a square 1 Pack Tax Stamp c.1940-1965… It's on the Smooth Finish Bees that Jackson was showing… See the pic below…

Reference the following for additional tax stamp dating info… http://www.endebrock.de/stamps/st-usa.html

Please look at what I wrote.  We actually AGREE with each other!  I said that there was such a stamp, but that the one we were looking at wasn't that stamp.

Below is the photo that was being referred to.  That stamp ain't square!
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Anthony on February 15, 2014, 10:11:34 PM
Well my 1st entry into this area, nothing earth shattering, but I found interesting and for what I paid, it could not be beat. So my daughter and myself went and spent the day scouring one of our near by antique malls, I for Zippos and Playing cards, her for books.

1st off a Virginia Slims two pack, one red and one blue in a deck sleeve. The Yellow/Blue deck is open and the other is still sealed.
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/COmDVtf0y5Gt4kfvZSY3AJ-mO4tC2PqVw3GJ_rjajB4=w940-h500-no)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/PrhVE5GLaWLyZS8gsmnJ0PmGUlU_ebY3NiGJTikaRsQ=w940-h500-no)

The other deck is an Arco deck with die-cut openings on the tuck. I've never seen anything like it before, they looked very cool. The tuck case has been opened but the deck is still sealed in the gold foil. Any info on this one would be appreciated.
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Te83uLrKK7o/UwApO8XE1WI/AAAAAAAAAow/ELttMIqm1lI/w940-h500-no/Arco_Club+_Casino_A.jpg)
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-wFaUYNJblTY/UwApOqu7f9I/AAAAAAAAAo0/GP-RumApAdc/w940-h500-no/Arco_Club+_Casino_C.jpg)
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/97tNdbWtub-q9comk2qITO9v9TZOqspZooNk7G_dITU=w940-h500-no)

We had fun  :D
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Don Boyer on February 16, 2014, 01:24:33 AM
WOW.  That Club Casino deck is awesome.  Classic Arrco back.  Just wish it wasn't a Pinochle deck!

I can tell you a few things right off the bat.

The barcode would indicate that the deck was probably made in the 1980s.  Barcodes, while they did exist in the 1970s, were not as common until later - USPC didn't start using them until the 1980s.  They're certainly no older than the introduction of commercial product bar coding, which took place after December 1, 1972, the date that UPCs (Universal Product Codes) were accepted as a standard for retail product identification.

They're also not likely to be any younger than sometime in 1987 - that was the year that Arrco was purchased by USPC, and not long after that the Chicago plant referenced on the box was shut down and manufacturing was moved to USPC in Cincinnati.  In fact, a little research at https://sites.google.com/site/cardconjurer/article/dating/manufacturersseals turned up that the deck sticker seal on that box was used from the late 1970s until 1987, the year of the USPC buyout.  Prior to that approximate period, all Arrco seals were stamps with moisture-activated adhesive and edge perforations, like the tax stamps that preceded them.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Anthony on February 16, 2014, 01:54:13 AM
Quote
Just wish it wasn't a Pinochle deck!
Ya I agree Don, but it's still a cool deck as is and thanks for the additional information as well.  :)
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: 52plusjoker on February 16, 2014, 07:41:11 AM
Virginia Slims decks are popular. The Arrco Club Casino must be a brand - never heard of a casino using pinochle decks.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Lee Asher on February 16, 2014, 02:13:24 PM
I can tell you a few things right off the bat.

The barcode would indicate that the deck was probably made in the 1980s.  Barcodes, while they did exist in the 1970s, were not as common until later - USPC didn't start using them until the 1980s.  They're certainly no older than the introduction of commercial product bar coding, which took place after December 1, 1972, the date that UPCs (Universal Product Codes) were accepted as a standard for retail product identification.

They're also not likely to be any younger than sometime in 1987 - that was the year that Arrco was purchased by USPC, and not long after that the Chicago plant referenced on the box was shut down and manufacturing was moved to USPC in Cincinnati.  In fact, a little research at https://sites.google.com/site/cardconjurer/article/dating/manufacturersseals turned up that the deck sticker seal on that box was used from the late 1970s until 1987, the year of the USPC buyout.  Prior to that approximate period, all Arrco seals were stamps with moisture-activated adhesive and edge perforations, like the tax stamps that preceded them.

I'm on the fence about this one Don. I think they are not USPC made, rather from the old Arrco Chicago plant. When USPC took over, they used their own stickers. Tony's deck clearly has the old Arrco sticker.

Here's an image of two decks, both Arrco. However, the one on the left is USPC made, while the other is not.

(http://www.605s.com/forum/arrco-stamp.jpg)

See what I mean? Thoughts?
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Don Boyer on February 16, 2014, 07:35:51 PM

I'm on the fence about this one Don. I think they are not USPC made, rather from the old Arrco Chicago plant. When USPC took over, they used their own stickers. Tony's deck clearly has the old Arrco sticker.

Ah to be (not-quite-so-)young and misunderstood...  :))

I am in agreement with you - these aren't USPC-made, but created before the '87 merger by Arrco in Chicago.  They're probably from the early/mid-'80s, though that would largely depend on when Arrco started using barcodes.  They're not older than December 1, 1972, because that's the date the UPC barcode standard was agreed upon by retailers - it was created by IBM and the first scanned piece of groceries is from '74 - a ten-pack of chewing gum packs which sits in the Smithsonian Institute.  Another piece of supporting evidence of approximate year of origin is that the seal is a sticker and not a stamp - the stamps were abandoned in the late '70s in favor of the stickers.

It's not completely impossible to think up a scenario where USPC made this deck, but it's incredibly unlikely.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Watson7 on February 19, 2014, 04:41:18 PM
Time for an early American deck. I was going to begin with......This is one of my favorites.... but if I go down that road, every deck I post will start that way. I love them all. So, here we have a complete Russell & Morgan Printing Company poker sized, c.1888, gold edged Euchre deck consisting of 32 cards, a Joker, four counter cards and the rules for playing the game. It is listed in the Hochman Encyclopedia as US12. The four counter cards have a back design that is different from the rest of the deck with the words "Progressive Euchre" printed thereon. The Ace of Spades is elaborately engraved and the Joker shows representations for the then seven cabinet Secretaries of Interior, War, Navy, State, Treasury, Attorney General and Postmaster General. Click on the picture to enlarge.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Josh Blackmon on February 19, 2014, 05:39:38 PM
Beautiful. I'd love to have this deck! Of course I'd love to have every deck....Did I mention my hobby makes my wife agitated? Says I'm just paying lots of money for shiny pieces of paper. I guess its true. And three pairs of the same shoes in different colors is a necessity  ;)
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: 52plusjoker on February 19, 2014, 06:52:33 PM
LOL - You know the only answer is to somehow get her interested. Then she'll try and take over and you'll have the opposite problem!
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Josh Blackmon on February 20, 2014, 10:11:44 PM
I wanted to start posting some of my recent acquisitions here so I will start with this dandy. I have loved the streamliner train design on this deck from the start, but never found it at a price I was willing to pay. Finally I came across a good deal and scooped it up. I like the faces of the court cards in this deck; the Jacks all seem to have some attitude. Grandpa, Dad, and several of my uncles worked for the Missouri Pacific Lines at one time or another here in Texas before it was absorbed into Union Pacific. They had the most Gorgeous trains. Glad to have this deck.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: 52plusjoker on February 21, 2014, 07:50:57 AM
Josh
RR decks a big area of interest to vintage collectors. The early (1890-1920) ones were wide and either had a different souvenir picture on the front of each card or were standard with special ace of spades, joker and an ad card or two.

Later issues right up to the 1980s tended to follow the same patterns but were normally narrower (2.25 inches wide rather than 2.5 inches). If you'd like I'll post a few pix of wide souvenirs on weekend when I'm home.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Josh Blackmon on February 21, 2014, 09:02:48 AM
That would be great to see Tom. Originally I wanted to stay away from the narrow cards but I find myself having bought two decks in the last week. Nothing against them, I just wanted to steer my collection down a more specific route and only get wide cards. In the end there are just too many narrow decks that interest me and I am bound to end up with several at least.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: 52plusjoker on February 21, 2014, 10:17:12 AM
We're the same - mainly wide but can't resist some narrow - now issue compounded as we are collecting, selectively, new designs from Encarded, Chin, Jackson, CARC, etc. LOL!
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Cryptocard27 on February 22, 2014, 05:39:16 AM
Hello to you all!!
I'm a french collector of american playing cards and B.P Grimaud decks. I am so pleased to be here and I hope share with you a lot of discussion about the fascinating world of playing cards.
My favorite makers are : Russell & Morgan , Caterson & Brotz ; Andrew Dougherty ; Samuel Hart  and I am particularly interested in Perfection PCC decks and Longley & Brothers playing cards.
The deck for which I desire most is the Andrew Dougherty Murphy Varnish deck. It's just an attractive dream for the moment, but for this so fascinating hobby, I think the patience is never a problem, and in my opinion, the best puzzle is the one that we build most slowly possible, to maximally protect the pleasure that we have to realize it..
I don't know if I chose the exact words in English to express what I really think on this subject but I hope that the language barrier will not be a problem to exchange, discover and share, together, in this wonderful playing card place!

To begin, here is one of my favorite decks of my collection: NY Consolidated Triton #42. I have two copies of these Samuel Hart Squeezers decks : one red and one green. Both are in "unopened" mint condition with the wrapper, in a tuck box.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Don Boyer on February 22, 2014, 06:43:12 AM
Hello to you all!!
I'm a french collector of american playing cards and B.P Grimaud decks. I am so pleased to be here and I hope share with you a lot of discussion about the fascinating world of playing cards.
My favorite makers are : Russell & Morgan , Caterson & Brotz ; Andrew Dougherty ; Samuel Hart  and I am particularly interested in Perfection PCC decks and Longley & Brothers playing cards.
The deck for which I desire most is the Andrew Dougherty Murphy Varnish deck. It's just an attractive dream for the moment, but for this so fascinating hobby, I think the patience is never a problem, and in my opinion, the best puzzle is the one that we build most slowly possible, to maximally protect the pleasure that we have to realize it..
I don't know if I chose the exact words in English to express what I really think on this subject but I hope that the language barrier will not be a problem to exchange, discover and share, together, in this wonderful playing card place!

To begin, here is one of my favorite decks of my collection: NY Consolidated Triton #42. I have two copies of these Samuel Hart Squeezers decks : one red and one green. Both are in "unopened" mint condition with the wrapper, in a tuck box.

Those are two really beautifully-preserved decks of cards!  A shame we can't see the contents!

I invite you to create a topic on the "Introduce Yourself" board, so that we may greet you warmly as a new user on our message board.  Welcome!
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: athomas16 on February 22, 2014, 03:41:47 PM
This is probably half of my (entire!) collection.  I realize you can't see much in these photos, but I plan to feature some of my better decks with individual posts in the future.  If you see any decks you want more info on, let me know.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: 52plusjoker on February 22, 2014, 04:24:50 PM
Like the three baseball decks - have a feeling there were four in the series. Why don't you post a new topic on these and show the backs clearly? The Enardoe is interesting. The suits have the colors reversed. The deck was published by Edward O. Drane - backwards E. O. Drane becomes ..........
Title: 1905 Empress Back, A. Dougherty
Post by: Josh Blackmon on February 22, 2014, 07:39:51 PM
I Picked up these Empress Back 1905 Empire Playing cards  by A. Dougherty last week.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: chach on February 23, 2014, 12:31:44 AM
Picked up a nifty bridge size advertising deck today for Townsend West dairy products.  AoS is marked 1942, bridge pts card has copyright 1935, so that sounds about right.

Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Josh Blackmon on February 23, 2014, 12:42:16 AM
I saw that deck on eBay and almost thought about purchasing it just for the baby joker. I like it!
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Don Boyer on February 23, 2014, 03:02:16 AM
This is probably half of my (entire!) collection.  I realize you can't see much in these photos, but I plan to feature some of my better decks with individual posts in the future.  If you see any decks you want more info on, let me know.

Those are some really nice decks.  The Crooked Deck brings back a LOT of memories - I used to play with them as a kid!  The Enardoe deck - that's a trick deck, right?  I know the DeLand Automatic deck is!

If I'm not mistaken, the DeLand deck eventually became the intellectual property of S.S. Adams Novelties, and from there I think it went to Magic Makers or to USPC - there are some newer printings of that deck still around today with USPC deck seals on them.  Most recent DeLand deck I've ever held in my hands was from 1990 but I've seen them for sale as new product within the last few years, and also in different DeLand designs.  They all followed the same basic theme - a extreme version of a Gambler's Deck.

A Gambler's Deck is stripped, stacked and marked to allow you to know the top AND bottom cards of the deck (there are other markings, but they're secondary, like the mark that tells you if it's an Ace or the mark that tells you what color it is, etc.).  The DeLand decks usually had markings that told you not just the top and bottom cards, but the location of ANY given card in the deck, when the deck was in stack order.  Looking at the back of the top card, you could count down the exact number of cards needed to find any card desired.

There was a serious drawback with all that utility, however.  It was not difficult at all to spot the changes from one card back to the next, there were so many of them.  A DeLand deck of this type would ALWAYS fail a riffle test performed by anyone but the legally blind...in which case the chances were about fifty-fifty of failure!

Thanks for the trip down Memory Lane!

I Picked up these Empress Back 1905 Empire Playing cards  by A. Dougherty last week.

Gorgeous.  A deck like this was a crooked gambler's dream when they were first printed!  The design is intricate enough to allow for a concealed marking system to be added after the fact by someone with the right shade of ink!
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: athomas16 on February 23, 2014, 09:46:36 AM
Yeah, those Delands are cool, but there is almost too much going on with them.  I had a similar deck in the 90's that my friends and i played with. Was it call Svengali? Haven't thought abought that in years.
Title: Re: 1905 Empress Back, A. Dougherty
Post by: 52plusjoker on February 23, 2014, 10:24:35 AM
I Picked up these Empress Back 1905 Empire Playing cards  by A. Dougherty last week.
This a pretty scarce deck - not often seen.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: 52plusjoker on February 23, 2014, 10:25:19 AM
Picked up a nifty bridge size advertising deck today for Townsend West dairy products.  AoS is marked 1942, bridge pts card has copyright 1935, so that sounds about right.
Great Joker
Quote from Don
If I'm not mistaken, the DeLand deck eventually became the intellectual property of S.S. Adams Novelties, and from there I think it went to Magic Makers or to USPC - there are some newer printings of that deck still around today with USPC deck seals on them.  Most recent DeLand deck I've ever held in my hands was from 1990 but I've seen them for sale as new product within the last few years, and also in different DeLand designs.  They all followed the same basic theme - a extreme version of a Gambler's Deck.

DeLand started around 1913 [see page 301 in Hochman Encyclopedia] and sold to Adams in 1918. Not sure when the Adam's versions were discontinued. The original DeLand Versions are very scarce.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: athomas16 on February 23, 2014, 02:48:55 PM
Both of my DeLands are S.S. Adams.  They both show a 1913 T.L. DeLand copyright but must've been produced after 1918.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: athomas16 on February 23, 2014, 03:07:35 PM
A piece of USPCC Advertising History alongside (to show scale) an exceeding rare deck of Bicycle Racerbacks c.1940-1955… Would anyone like to venture a guess as to why this vintage run of the mill looking deck of Racerbacks is so exceedingly rare?

That's a cool advertisement,but it's to big for my display rack!
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Don Boyer on February 23, 2014, 06:39:47 PM
Yeah, those Delands are cool, but there is almost too much going on with them.  I had a similar deck in the 90's that my friends and i played with. Was it call Svengali? Haven't thought abought that in years.

Svengali decks are a different animal!  They're quite simple, in fact - every other card is the same suit & value and is cut slightly shorter than the rest of the deck.  You can use such a deck for a number of effects, not the least of which being a card force (making the spectator pick the card of your choice but making it seem like a random selection).

You may have had one of the many variants of the DeLand deck.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: athomas16 on February 23, 2014, 07:57:30 PM
Yeah, those Delands are cool, but there is almost too much going on with them.  I had a similar deck in the 90's that my friends and i played with. Was it call Svengali? Haven't thought abought that in years.

Svengali decks are a different animal!  They're quite simple, in fact - every other card is the same suit & value and is cut slightly shorter than the rest of the deck.  You can use such a deck for a number of effects, not the least of which being a card force (making the spectator pick the card of your choice but making it seem like a random selection).

You may have had one of the many variants of the DeLand deck.

Yes, of course you are right.  My Svengali deck featured the 2 of Hearts.  Somehow we also had a 90's era DeLand.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Don Boyer on February 24, 2014, 12:08:27 AM
Yeah, those Delands are cool, but there is almost too much going on with them.  I had a similar deck in the 90's that my friends and i played with. Was it call Svengali? Haven't thought abought that in years.

Svengali decks are a different animal!  They're quite simple, in fact - every other card is the same suit & value and is cut slightly shorter than the rest of the deck.  You can use such a deck for a number of effects, not the least of which being a card force (making the spectator pick the card of your choice but making it seem like a random selection).

You may have had one of the many variants of the DeLand deck.

Yes, of course you are right.  My Svengali deck featured the 2 of Hearts.  Somehow we also had a 90's era DeLand.

Poked around on the history of the deck and the man.  In addition to working as a clerk at the US Mint in Philadelphia, Theodore L. DeLand was actively creating retail magic tricks from 1906 to 1915, creating nearly 100 tricks and apparently sparking a craze for packet tricks in the process.  The Mysto Magic Company bought the manufacturing rights to his works in 1911, followed by SS Adams in 1918.  DeLand died in an insane asylum in Norristown, PA in 1931.  Magic Makers bought SS Adams in 2009.
http://www.geniimagazine.com/magicpedia/Theodore_DeLand

The current publisher of Genii, Richard Kaufman, has been working on a biography of the man for over a dozen years but doesn't appear to have completed it yet - he was likely inspired to write it  because DeLand's tricks got him started in magic in the first place, according to his biography on MagicPedia.
http://www.geniimagazine.com/magicpedia/Richard_Kaufman

Interesting find: this page displays an Ace of Spades for the DeLand deck - am I mistaken or does that look a lot like an Arrco AoS?  I'm guessing that Arrco was printing this for a good while, which USPC took over when they bought Arrco in '87, and they opted to leave the same design in place.
http://magicmakersinc.com/learndeland/ (image is at bottom of page)

The deck is still available - even in red, which I've never seen before.  The only sell to the trade, however - you'd have to order it through a magic shop.
http://www.magicmakersinc.com/p-569-delands-marked-deck-ss-adams.aspx

A brief history of the deck's changing title: http://www.geniimagazine.com/magicpedia/Dollar_Deck

SS Adams makes a Svengali deck with a similar box design, which is probably what led you to mix the two decks.  It's also available in blue and red.
http://www.magicmakersinc.com/p-570-amazing-svengali-deck-ss-adams.aspx

A final note of interest to vintage/antique card collectors: apparently DeLand created a deck similar to his "Automatic/Dollar" deck called the Wonder Deck which allows a magician to know the position of any given card in a pack.  I'm guessing it was an improvement - supposedly due to pressure from casino owners (and probably some underground casino owners at that!), he pulled the deck from the market, destroyed the plates and all remaining copies of it he had in stock.  Wouldn't that be a feather in a collector's cap, finding that exceptionally-rare magic deck...
http://www.geniimagazine.com/magicpedia/Wonder_Deck

I think I've hogged this topic enough!  If we should continue this, we can branch these posts off into a new topic.
Title: Re: 1905 Empress Back, A. Dougherty
Post by: Josh Blackmon on February 24, 2014, 10:09:32 AM
Gorgeous.  A deck like this was a crooked gambler's dream when they were first printed!  The design is intricate enough to allow for a concealed marking system to be added after the fact by someone with the right shade of ink!
This a pretty scarce deck - not often seen.

I found them on eBay and I think I got a pretty good deal . The seller had several other auctions listed and they were very knowledgable about what they were selling, so I am guessing they may even be affiliated with this forum. Anyway, I was following several other auctions ending around the same time that I was outbid on; including an 1850 dougherty deck that skyrocketed in the last few hours, and this was the last one. I am interested in learning more about the deck, but I'm not going to research too much until my Hochman Encyclopedia and supplement arrives later this week (I finally sprung the money for them). Next up, a 52+ joker membership, but lets not be too hasty.
Title: Re: 1905 Empress Back, A. Dougherty
Post by: 52plusjoker on February 24, 2014, 04:27:38 PM

Quote
I found them on eBay and I think I got a pretty good deal . The seller had several other auctions listed and they were very knowledgable about what they were selling, so I am guessing they may even be affiliated with this forum. Anyway, I was following several other auctions ending around the same time that I was outbid on; including an 1850 dougherty deck that skyrocketed in the last few hours, and this was the last one. I am interested in learning more about the deck, but I'm not going to research too much until my Hochman Encyclopedia and supplement arrives later this week (I finally sprung the money for them). Next up, a 52+ joker membership, but lets not be too hasty.

Can't be too hasty. Carpe diem!
Title: Re: 1905 Empress Back, A. Dougherty
Post by: chach on February 24, 2014, 05:15:07 PM


I found them on eBay and I think I got a pretty good deal . The seller had several other auctions listed and they were very knowledgable about what they were selling, so I am guessing they may even be affiliated with this forum. Anyway, I was following several other auctions ending around the same time that I was outbid on; including an 1850 dougherty deck that skyrocketed in the last few hours, and this was the last one. I am interested in learning more about the deck, but I'm not going to research too much until my Hochman Encyclopedia and supplement arrives later this week (I finally sprung the money for them). Next up, a 52+ joker membership, but lets not be too hasty.

I thought it looked familiar, I was bidding on it too.  Guess you were the guy I cussed out for outbidding me.   ;)    So, do you want to trade, my dairy deck for the empress one?   :D
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: JacksonRobinson on March 17, 2014, 09:49:43 PM
Just got this WWI Allied Armies deck in the mail today. I am very pleased with it, more so than I expected when I purchased it.

(http://www.jacksonbrobinson.com/cc/AA1.jpg)
(http://www.jacksonbrobinson.com/cc/AA2.jpg)
(http://www.jacksonbrobinson.com/cc/AA3.jpg)
(http://www.jacksonbrobinson.com/cc/AA4.jpg)
(http://www.jacksonbrobinson.com/cc/AA5.jpg)
(http://www.jacksonbrobinson.com/cc/AA6.jpg)
(http://www.jacksonbrobinson.com/cc/AA7.jpg)
(http://www.jacksonbrobinson.com/cc/AA8.jpg)
(http://www.jacksonbrobinson.com/cc/AA9.jpg)
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Don Boyer on March 18, 2014, 02:15:50 AM
I can see why you'd be pleased - that art is really nice.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: 52plusjoker on March 18, 2014, 08:40:47 AM
Jackson - a beauty!
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: 52plusjoker on March 23, 2014, 10:49:55 AM
Look what the mailman brought me on Friday - Boudoirs a narrow brand by Chas. Goodall & Sons in London with neat backs produced from maybe 1910 to 1925. These were sold in Canada [a big market for Goodall] and have a Canadian 15 cents war tax stamp from about 1920. Especially like the Art Deco back. Still sealed in wrappers.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Don Boyer on March 23, 2014, 08:42:01 PM
Look what the mailman brought me on Friday - Boudoirs a narrow brand by Chas. Goodall & Sons in London with neat backs produced from maybe 1910 to 1925. These were sold in Canada [a big market for Goodall] and have a Canadian 15 cents war tax stamp from about 1920. Especially like the Art Deco back. Still sealed in wrappers.

That's a fantastic pair of decks.  I wonder why we no longer see such nice slipcover boxes anymore?  Closest to it I've seen was the box for the Bicycle Prestige plastic cards, but it's a pale shadow of this.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Josh Blackmon on March 23, 2014, 10:34:10 PM
Cool Decks! I wondered the same thing Don. I bet it is just a matter of time until someone revisits the slipcase style box in a custom or kickstarter project.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Rob Wright on April 01, 2014, 02:00:37 AM
52+Joker auction winner

1894 Midwinter Fair Deck
sorry pics are not the best-phone camera

The back is what got me. I just really liked it for some reason.
(http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/31/4a/e4/314ae4ca79e85cc97c341e099f4ef712.jpg)

1 side of tuck with 2 King of Hearts- Anybody know why there are 2?
(http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/40/53/8a/40538afde24b50296bd33ac65194e84d.jpg)

Other side of tuck, Aces, and Bear "Joker"
(http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/a6/4f/d2/a64fd2c75d52384c50825dc7d14e8ded.jpg)

A few more cards
(http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/57/91/f4/5791f4782d35f33dd438bd698377e291.jpg)

great deck. All complete. Cards for most part are in great shape. Tuck is pretty worn out(after 120 years I'd be worn out to)
Love the deck, and glad I was able to help out the club as well.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: 52plusjoker on April 01, 2014, 03:17:15 AM
Hi Rob. Glad you like it and a great purchase. Mid-winter much harder to find than the similar decks from the Columbia Exposition in the same era.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Cryptocard27 on April 15, 2014, 09:12:47 AM
The court cards of Russell & Morgan PTG co decks are my preferred among all the other antique decks. I think the width and the size of the hearts, clubs and spades are perfect, colours are really beautiful and the representations of the jacks, queens and kings are also magnificent and very detailed.

I also like a lot the antique 32 card decks. There are fewer cards in the box but the holding in hand is very pleasant and I find that the antique models with joker are just fascinating.

The first pictured deck is a Sportsman's #202, introduced in 1881, by Russell, Morgan & Co. This is the first issue with the nice and picturesque Ace of spades and a pinkish red Pheasant back.

The two others, introduced in 1888 with the name Cabinet #707 was made and packed with 32 standard cards and four special progressive euchre cards.
These copies have a blue back and one represents binoculars. The other baby back was used for another brand made by Russell&Morgan: the Army and Navy #303.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Don Boyer on April 15, 2014, 09:46:17 AM
I can see why you like those R&M faces so much - they're really well done.

I'm curious, what purpose does the Progressive Euchre card serve?  I've never even heard of one until I read your post.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: 52plusjoker on April 16, 2014, 09:34:18 AM
I can see why you like those R&M faces so much - they're really well done.

I'm curious, what purpose does the Progressive Euchre card serve?  I've never even heard of one until I read your post.
These are great cards because they have a super ad for R&M on the backs - otherwise they are twos and threes that came with the deck and are used to keep track of the score while playing. Most US Euchre decks of the 1860's to 1890's came with these extra four cards
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Cryptocard27 on April 17, 2014, 09:08:59 PM
I'm curious, what purpose does the Progressive Euchre card serve?  I've never even heard of one until I read your post.

I could not say more to the answer of Tom. However, you can look at this link to have some additional pictures and information :

http://www.wopc.co.uk/usa/uspcc/cabinet.html
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Mike Ratledge on April 21, 2014, 10:15:19 PM
Hello to you all!!
I'm a french collector of american playing cards and B.P Grimaud decks. I am so pleased to be here and I hope share with you a lot of discussion about the fascinating world of playing cards.
My favorite makers are : Russell & Morgan , Caterson & Brotz ; Andrew Dougherty ; Samuel Hart  and I am particularly interested in Perfection PCC decks and Longley & Brothers playing cards.
The deck for which I desire most is the Andrew Dougherty Murphy Varnish deck. It's just an attractive dream for the moment, but for this so fascinating hobby, I think the patience is never a problem, and in my opinion, the best puzzle is the one that we build most slowly possible, to maximally protect the pleasure that we have to realize it..
...
I recently picked up a pair of excellent condition Perfection decks, one PU4 and one PU5 both sans joker and box, as typical for 1880's decade decks.  For some reason nobody seems to look on eBay for those - I paid less than $100 for the pair.

I've found several interesting vintage B P Grimaud decks here lately as well, but nothing worthy of note (I don't think).  A couple of them in mint condition, though - which is unusual here in the states.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Don Boyer on April 22, 2014, 01:38:36 AM
I'm curious, what purpose does the Progressive Euchre card serve?  I've never even heard of one until I read your post.

I could not say more to the answer of Tom. However, you can look at this link to have some additional pictures and information :

http://www.wopc.co.uk/usa/uspcc/cabinet.html

Out of curiosity, what's on the other side of the card?  The side displayed is the back, yes?
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: 52plusjoker on April 22, 2014, 10:19:37 AM
I'm curious, what purpose does the Progressive Euchre card serve?  I've never even heard of one until I read your post.

I could not say more to the answer of Tom. However, you can look at this link to have some additional pictures and information :

http://www.wopc.co.uk/usa/uspcc/cabinet.html

Out of curiosity, what's on the other side of the card?  The side displayed is the back, yes?
The backs are black with R&M 'advertising'. The fronts are two's and three's [standard pip cards] - two of each - which assisted in scoring.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: 52plusjoker on April 22, 2014, 10:21:32 AM
Hello to you all!!
I'm a french collector of american playing cards and B.P Grimaud decks. I am so pleased to be here and I hope share with you a lot of discussion about the fascinating world of playing cards.
My favorite makers are : Russell & Morgan , Caterson & Brotz ; Andrew Dougherty ; Samuel Hart  and I am particularly interested in Perfection PCC decks and Longley & Brothers playing cards.
The deck for which I desire most is the Andrew Dougherty Murphy Varnish deck. It's just an attractive dream for the moment, but for this so fascinating hobby, I think the patience is never a problem, and in my opinion, the best puzzle is the one that we build most slowly possible, to maximally protect the pleasure that we have to realize it..
...
I recently picked up a pair of excellent condition Perfection decks, one PU4 and one PU5 both sans joker and box, as typical for 1880's decade decks.  For some reason nobody seems to look on eBay for those - I paid less than $100 for the pair.

I've found several interesting vintage B P Grimaud decks here lately as well, but nothing worthy of note (I don't think).  A couple of them in mint condition, though - which is unusual here in the states.
Nice find the Perfections which are much less common than the major makers of the time - the Dougherty is quite early and nice back. Post up a few Grimaud's and you'll find out more.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Mike Ratledge on April 22, 2014, 10:37:36 AM
Interesting fact: the address for Dougherty (80 Centre St in Manhattan) is now the city Courthouse.

Let's see if I have anything already pictured. Not much, I found one interesting Michelangelo deck, but no clue as to date. Also a mid-70's Around the World in 80 Days (Jules Verne) deck which has all custom faces, but it is not rare. The one I found is mint / sealed as well.

I'll have to hunt down a few more and take photos...

I found pix from another source that I put onto my NAS for future reference:
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Mike Ratledge on May 09, 2014, 11:15:11 PM
I've seen so many different versions of both "Enardoe" and "Deland" decks since we looked at the vintage one (Deland) I bought in a Steamboat #220 tuck, and I found a vintage Enardoe "Double-backs" deck on eBay this evening for $4 - mint, sealed and vintage 1940's maybe early 50's (blue).  There seem to be quite a few varieties even 'new' now, like a "Haunted" deck, "Force" deck, "Blank faces" deck, "Cheek to Cheek" deck - all Enardoe, but apparently contemporary and not vintage.  I'm supposing someone bought the rights to reproduce them and is churning them out like french fries.  Most are in the $5-$7 range but I've seen quite a few listed in the $20-$23 range on eBay and Amazon.  Curious...  I'll have to take some pictures when it comes in, but I'm 99% certain that it is a mint 1945 - 1950's deck, possibly earlier.  The Deland "automatic" or "$100 deck" is easy to find, maybe $5-$7 as well brand new, but they are now made in China vice USPC Co.

The Deland "Nifty" I have is definitely somewhere around the 1930's or maybe earlier, per Hochman's could be early 20's as I recall (I'm not looking at it nor my notes).  The instructions for the "Automatic" or "$100 deck" (clockwork based) are easy to find, the other 4 that I've found aren't.  I've just about decoded the Nifty, and as I noted once I'm certain I have it exact I'll cobble up a PDF file in Acrobat.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Don Boyer on May 10, 2014, 12:17:11 AM
I've seen so many different versions of both "Enardoe" and "Deland" decks since we looked at the vintage one (Deland) I bought in a Steamboat #220 tuck, and I found a vintage Enardoe "Double-backs" deck on eBay this evening for $4 - mint, sealed and vintage 1940's maybe early 50's (blue).  There seem to be quite a few varieties even 'new' now, like a "Haunted" deck, "Force" deck, "Blank faces" deck, "Cheek to Cheek" deck - all Enardoe, but apparently contemporary and not vintage.  I'm supposing someone bought the rights to reproduce them and is churning them out like french fries.  Most are in the $5-$7 range but I've seen quite a few listed in the $20-$23 range on eBay and Amazon.  Curious...  I'll have to take some pictures when it comes in, but I'm 99% certain that it is a mint 1945 - 1950's deck, possibly earlier.  The Deland "automatic" or "$100 deck" is easy to find, maybe $5-$7 as well brand new, but they are now made in China vice USPC Co.

The Deland "Nifty" I have is definitely somewhere around the 1930's or maybe earlier, per Hochman's could be early 20's as I recall (I'm not looking at it nor my notes).  The instructions for the "Automatic" or "$100 deck" (clockwork based) are easy to find, the other 4 that I've found aren't.  I've just about decoded the Nifty, and as I noted once I'm certain I have it exact I'll cobble up a PDF file in Acrobat.

Now if I'm not mistaken (and it's very possible that I am), the Nifty will have 104 circles on the back at the least, with at least 52 on each half of the back.  The clock pattern from the Automatic or $100 deck should be just like that being used on this deck to indicate card values, and each of those fifty-two circles have marks that would tell you, in order, the entire deck from top to bottom.  It's not as sophisticated as the Automatic marks in that with those, you can also determine a card's location using the suit/value while this only works in the opposite manner, telling you the value/suit of a card at a given location.  But it's also less obviously marked - barely!  A gullible spectator could possibly be led to believe that the back pattern is just something random or repeating from card to card, but today's spectator, aware of the existence of marked cards, would probably be more suspicious.

I'm also of the belief that the stack order used for this deck will be the same stack order used for the Automatic/$100 decks.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Mike Ratledge on May 10, 2014, 05:19:31 AM
Sounds very close, Don - but not precisely what I am seeing using the logic of looking at the faces and only one dial (the others indicate next card, previous card, how many cards were cut, how many are left on the table, etc, etc like the Automatic deLand deck) but I'll finish this up later this week once I get off working 10 hours today.  Probably do the actual finish of the decode tomorrow.  It could well be that I'm letting one of the other dials confuse me, because unlike the Automatic deck these have small circle - about 100 of them as you noted, and not the familiar 12-clock ("improved"?) system on the Automatic/$100 Deck.  I'm a pattern recognition expert.  I'm sure I'll figure it out precisely before too terribly long and maybe make some headway on what the other circles decode to as well.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Don Boyer on May 10, 2014, 07:57:44 AM
Sounds very close, Don - but not precisely what I am seeing using the logic of looking at the faces and only one dial (the others indicate next card, previous card, how many cards were cut, how many are left on the table, etc, etc like the Automatic deLand deck) but I'll finish this up later this week once I get off working 10 hours today.  Probably do the actual finish of the decode tomorrow.  It could well be that I'm letting one of the other dials confuse me, because unlike the Automatic deck these have small circle - about 100 of them as you noted, and not the familiar 12-clock ("improved"?) system on the Automatic/$100 Deck.  I'm a pattern recognition expert.  I'm sure I'll figure it out precisely before too terribly long and maybe make some headway on what the other circles decode to as well.

I'm an amateur cryptanalyst and knowledgeable cryptographer (using "old school" methods and ciphers) so if you want to scan some cards and send them my way, perhaps I can give you a hand.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Mike Ratledge on May 18, 2014, 12:12:15 AM
An interesting find: "Advance" brand Australian deck made in Adelaide, looks to be 1900±10, I'm thinking. Odd that it appears to have USPCC standard courts. I am wondering if they were owned by or "borrowed" them? Anyone seen this deck before. It's novel for me.

My estimate on the date is because of the "Squeezers" and "Round Corners" on them., and comparison to decks of the period.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Mike Ratledge on May 18, 2014, 12:29:19 AM
Another eBay "steal": a mis-listed (spelling error) for a deck of Arpak 1928/9 "No Revoke" deck, but this one has a different back than the two I already found.  It went for $3.99 and nobody else bid on it.  I bought the other two for $30 and $24 respectively, but I've seen our friend Dan D list a deck in not quite as good condition for over $150, so - I'm certain it's only worth about 1/3rd of that amount. ;)  It's not exactly "OB-1" or even "OB-anything", but - for $3.99 I'll live.

I don't make these things up - I have a special algorithm that I wrote myself to look for error/misspelled listings and I tend to find things that just don't come up for most people, I suppose.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: 52plusjoker on May 26, 2014, 06:45:09 AM
Never seen the Aussie deck but made under license from USPC or packaged to look Australian is a possibility. Date looks like 1910-20 - my guess. The Arpak relatively common - maybe $30 mint would be maximum value.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Mike Ratledge on May 26, 2014, 07:13:50 AM
Never seen the Aussie deck but made under license from USPC or packaged to look Australian is a possibility. Date looks like 1910-20 - my guess. The Arpak relatively common - maybe $30 mint would be maximum value.
I have another Royal Hawaiian deck pair (one open, one mint/sealed) that's made in Australia. I'll have to hunt it up. As I noted yesterday everything is in a state of Flux.

I have three of the Arpak No Revoke decks, in various conditions. Two are very similar, only one red, one blue. The third has a different back I've never seen before and isn't still sealed but has the overwrap still in the box, close to Excellent - considering it's nearing 90. I think I have a oix:
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Cryptocard27 on June 05, 2014, 11:59:49 AM
This is probably half of my (entire!) collection.  I realize you can't see much in these photos, but I plan to feature some of my better decks with individual posts in the future.  If you see any decks you want more info on, let me know.

Hi athomas16,

Would it be possible to have a scan of the deck inside the red Russell & Morgan box please?
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Mike Ratledge on June 05, 2014, 12:23:34 PM
This is probably half of my (entire!) collection.  I realize you can't see much in these photos, but I plan to feature some of my better decks with individual posts in the future.  If you see any decks you want more info on, let me know.

Hi athomas16,

Would it be possible to have a scan of the deck inside the red Russell & Morgan box please?
That's bound to be an Army 303 or Navy 303 deck, just look for "Army 303" or "Navy 303" (actually, there is also an "Army / Navy 303" set (pair).  They used it again in 1985 for the 100th anniversary reprints that were never for sale publicly, but have slipped out anyway.  I think I still have 5 of those sets left, after I sold one to a friend here. (and no, not for sale, folks! - unless you're willing to entertain a price of $120, they 'list' for $50+$50 as of the Hochman's Supplement and Pricing Guide published 10 years ago, now.  I can't see that they are any less rare now than they were 10+ years ago.  I suppose I could sell one - maybe.  I've posted pictures of the exact thing before, so I won't post another pix.  It comes in a leather(ette?) presentation case with both decks wrapped in a thick "onion-skin" type paper with a fold-over presentation card with the "100th Anniversary" details on it.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: 52plusjoker on June 05, 2014, 01:10:15 PM
This is probably half of my (entire!) collection.  I realize you can't see much in these photos, but I plan to feature some of my better decks with individual posts in the future.  If you see any decks you want more info on, let me know.

Hi athomas16,

Would it be possible to have a scan of the deck inside the red Russell & Morgan box please?
That's bound to be an Army 303 or Navy 303 deck, just look for "Army 303" or "Navy 303" (actually, there is also an "Army / Navy 303" set (pair).  They used it again in 1985 for the 100th anniversary reprints that were never for sale publicly, but have slipped out anyway.  I think I still have 5 of those sets left, after I sold one to a friend here. (and no, not for sale, folks! - unless you're willing to entertain a price of $120, they 'list' for $50+$50 as of the Hochman's Supplement and Pricing Guide published 10 years ago, now.  I can't see that they are any less rare now than they were 10+ years ago.  I suppose I could sell one - maybe.  I've posted pictures of the exact thing before, so I won't post another pix.  It comes in a leather(ette?) presentation case with both decks wrapped in a thick "onion-skin" type paper with a fold-over presentation card with the "100th Anniversary" details on it.
Sorry Mike, not quite right - the box is a generic one used for many brands in the early days - for example Army, Navy, Cabinet, Congress, etc. In my experience Navy is BLUE and Army is RED. They also came in green, orange, black and perhaps other colors. For example I have the first Texan [US13] in this same red box.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Mike Ratledge on June 05, 2014, 04:25:03 PM
This is probably half of my (entire!) collection.  I realize you can't see much in these photos, but I plan to feature some of my better decks with individual posts in the future.  If you see any decks you want more info on, let me know.

Hi athomas16,

Would it be possible to have a scan of the deck inside the red Russell & Morgan box please?
That's bound to be an Army 303 or Navy 303 deck, just look for "Army 303" or "Navy 303" (actually, there is also an "Army / Navy 303" set (pair).  They used it again in 1985 for the 100th anniversary reprints that were never for sale publicly, but have slipped out anyway.  I think I still have 5 of those sets left, after I sold one to a friend here. (and no, not for sale, folks! - unless you're willing to entertain a price of $120, they 'list' for $50+$50 as of the Hochman's Supplement and Pricing Guide published 10 years ago, now.  I can't see that they are any less rare now than they were 10+ years ago.  I suppose I could sell one - maybe.  I've posted pictures of the exact thing before, so I won't post another pix.  It comes in a leather(ette?) presentation case with both decks wrapped in a thick "onion-skin" type paper with a fold-over presentation card with the "100th Anniversary" details on it.
Sorry Mike, not quite right - the box is a generic one used for many brands in the early days - for example Army, Navy, Cabinet, Congress, etc. In my experience Navy is BLUE and Army is RED. They also came in green, orange, black and perhaps other colors. For example I have the first Texan [US13] in this same red box.
Yes, Tom - I just remembered Navy being - well, Navy - and Arny being Red.  I'm not aware of the others, typically the OB's are hard to come by for the 1880's and 1890's decks.  I have a few, very few, mostly good decks in excellent condition, but those are often missing the Joker or the OB.  It's just human nature, lots of people discarded the jokers early on.  The boxes generally weren't that high of quality, especially finding something like a Tiger 101 in good condition is an exceptionally rare find, even if the deck is in next-to-perfect condition.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: 52plusjoker on June 05, 2014, 04:47:48 PM
Speaking of Tigers: Here's a rare one - only Tigers we have ever seen with this Ace & Joker [Hochman US1a]. We'd be most interested if anyone else has seen one.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Mike Ratledge on June 05, 2014, 05:31:02 PM
Sweet combination, Tom!  Can't say that I've seen that colored joker in a US1 deck before, frankly.  Is the AoS unique as well?  It looks familiar?  Is it used in another deck, perhaps?  I'm on the phone right now or I'd grab my Hochman's and look.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: 52plusjoker on June 05, 2014, 07:22:22 PM
Sweet combination, Tom!  Can't say that I've seen that colored joker in a US1 deck before, frankly.  Is the AoS unique as well?  It looks familiar?  Is it used in another deck, perhaps?  I'm on the phone right now or I'd grab my Hochman's and look.
Both go together in this unique deck - US1a when you get off the phone!
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Slowhand on June 05, 2014, 10:51:45 PM
Great deck T.!.. I love the finely engraved Ace of Spades... here's another "Moldy Oldy" for anybody's enjoyment.. that the original box has survived is amazing...
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Mike Ratledge on June 05, 2014, 10:55:20 PM
Great deck T.!.. I love the finely engraved Ace of Spades... here's another "Moldy Oldy" for anybody's enjoyment.. that the original box has survived is amazing...
A great example, thanks!  I have looked for one of the Tigers 101 decks with OB for a while, even one with a marginal box including the joker, and they are just too hard to find any more.  I suppose that most people that want them have them, and they certainly aren't offered for sale very often.  I look forward to seeing what's offered during the convention in October (Wednesday the 15th to Saturday the 18th) here in my hometown of Charleston when we're holding the 52+J annual convention.  They (both this one and Tom's example) show how hard it is to find one with even close to perfect registration between the colors, even when there was basically only red, black and yellow.  These days we take such things for granted, but back in the late 1800's and early 1900's those Tigers 101 decks are about as good an example as one might find for the lowest end of the price-range that was produced.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Cryptocard27 on June 06, 2014, 09:33:02 AM
Speaking of Tigers: Here's a rare one - only Tigers we have ever seen with this Ace & Joker [Hochman US1a]. We'd be most interested if anyone else has seen one.

Nice deck Tom and very pleased to see a copy outside the encyclopedia! I think this ace is the most beautiful of all the Tigers #101 issues, even if, paradoxically, I love the joker of the US1.
Another US1/US1a version was recently sold on eBay but really has no the same freshness as yours, largely because of the condition but also because of the different Ace & Joker combination used in my view.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Don Boyer on June 06, 2014, 05:52:14 PM
I'm still wondering why USPC doesn't make this deck today!
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Cryptocard27 on June 08, 2014, 04:46:11 PM
I'm still wondering why USPC doesn't make this deck today!

I agree entirely with you Don but it will be maybe a future idea for some designers, as Jackson Robinson or Michael Scott who redrew Triplicate decks and Mauger deck.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Cryptocard27 on June 08, 2014, 06:08:31 PM
I won a Consolidated Squeezers #35 a few weeks ago on eBay but the deck is without box and I have no other indication about the date, except the Encyclopedia. Despite this, is it possible to identify more specifically the issue date of this deck please ?
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: 52plusjoker on June 09, 2014, 06:44:11 AM
I won a Consolidated Squeezers #35 a few weeks ago on eBay but the deck is without box and I have no other indication about the date, except the Encyclopedia. Despite this, is it possible to identify more specifically the issue date of this deck please ?
Difficult to be precise without seeing the cards and the box. Based on what I see in the picture, I would say it is between 1885 and 1890.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Mike Ratledge on June 09, 2014, 06:53:39 AM
I think about 1890-95 is right. The box might tell you more IF it's in good condition. Most boxes that old are missing or ragged as heck.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Cryptocard27 on June 17, 2014, 11:29:11 AM
Thank you Tom and Mike for the precision about the Squeezers deck!
I am very pleased to show you my third version of the first Cabinet #707 received yesterday. This update was accompanied by a small number of changes : a shiny red back with a very nice orange cloth box, stamped in black. As the logo on the box is black, the deck has not gold edges and it was a pleasant surprise because my two other versions are Extra Cabinet #707x.
This time, the deck is really complete and contains the small booklet with the instructions for the Progressive Euchre game.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: 52plusjoker on June 17, 2014, 07:43:05 PM
Very nice - great to get it complete with booklet, extra scoring cards, etc. Felicitation!
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Don Boyer on June 18, 2014, 12:02:58 AM
Very nice - great to get it complete with booklet, extra scoring cards, etc. Felicitation!

I fear for my bank account when I start encountering a few of these decks at Charleston!  :))
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Mike Ratledge on June 18, 2014, 12:13:04 AM
Very nice - great to get it complete with booklet, extra scoring cards, etc. Felicitation!

I fear for my bank account when I start encountering a few of these decks at Charleston!  :))
Bring your wallet to the late-night scene that we're going to have for everyone with blackjack and poker in one of the suites right under the convention floor (2nd floor on this hotel, suites are all on the first floor, right under the convention area).  Besides, Bill & I will likely be taking up money, anyway!  ;^)

(and you might find some decks for sale, as well!)
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: athomas16 on June 19, 2014, 11:43:56 AM
This is probably half of my (entire!) collection.  I realize you can't see much in these photos, but I plan to feature some of my better decks with individual posts in the future.  If you see any decks you want more info on, let me know.

Hi athomas16,

Would it be possible to have a scan of the deck inside the red Russell & Morgan box please?

Sorry for the delayed response.  I can provide as many pics of that deck as you would like, but I fear you will be disappointed.  That is the box that my Triplicate deck came in.  Or  I should say that is the box my Triplicate deck was in when I got it.  It almost certainly wasn't originally produced that way. 

Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Cryptocard27 on June 19, 2014, 12:44:01 PM
This is probably half of my (entire!) collection.  I realize you can't see much in these photos, but I plan to feature some of my better decks with individual posts in the future.  If you see any decks you want more info on, let me know.

Hi athomas16,

Would it be possible to have a scan of the deck inside the red Russell & Morgan box please?

Sorry for the delayed response.  I can provide as many pics of that deck as you would like, but I fear you will be disappointed.  That is the box that my Triplicate deck came in.  Or  I should say that is the box my Triplicate deck was in when I got it.  It almost certainly wasn't originally produced that way.

Wooow athomas!!! Your deck is fabulous.. This version with the horse on the back and the little joker is extremely desired and your copy seems in perfect condition. Beautiful surprise!! The deck is not in its original box but sincerely, I think that nobody here expected to see a Triplicate deck under this Russell & Morgan box. Thank you athomas and thanks for the pictures  ;)
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: 52plusjoker on June 20, 2014, 10:48:20 AM
Agree - very nice Triplicate - definitely wrong box. Below is a Trip box and a Trip wrapper. Some came in box and some [earlier] in a wrapper.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Cryptocard27 on June 20, 2014, 12:08:02 PM
Agree - very nice Triplicate - definitely wrong box. Below is a Trip box and a Trip wrapper. Some came in box and some [earlier] in a wrapper.

Very nice Tom!! Have you pictures of your Trip inside the wrapper and the box please ?
Could you tell me that no Triplicate deck was issued in a box + wrapper. Either one or the other necessarily ?
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: athomas16 on June 20, 2014, 12:45:57 PM
This is probably half of my (entire!) collection.  I realize you can't see much in these photos, but I plan to feature some of my better decks with individual posts in the future.  If you see any decks you want more info on, let me know.

Hi athomas16,

Would it be possible to have a scan of the deck inside the red Russell & Morgan box please?

Sorry for the delayed response.  I can provide as many pics of that deck as you would like, but I fear you will be disappointed.  That is the box that my Triplicate deck came in.  Or  I should say that is the box my Triplicate deck was in when I got it.  It almost certainly wasn't originally produced that way.

Wooow athomas!!! Your deck is fabulous.. This version with the horse on the back and the little joker is extremely desired and your copy seems in perfect condition. Beautiful surprise!! The deck is not in its original box but sincerely, I think that nobody here expected to see a Triplicate deck under this Russell & Morgan box. Thank you athomas and thanks for the pictures  ;)


Thanks!  I have told this story before, if not on here, then the old 52+J site.  I tried to buy this deck from my uncle for several years but we could never agree to a price.  Finally we decided to flip a coin.  Heads I would pay $1000 and tails I would pay $100.  Luck was with me that day. 

At the time, Tom told me that $1000 would've been too much and Judy told me how desirable the horse back was, they both agreed it was the wrong box.  I have seen single cards with the horse back sell for $25+, but I'm still glad I won the toss.  I have never seen pictures of the correct triplicate packaging before, so thanks for posting those pics Tom.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Rob Wright on June 30, 2014, 10:27:37 PM
This is a deck I thought was pretty neat. I'm sure they are readily available, but I got it cheap. The deck is well used, but not damaged. Inner slide box has a little damage on bottom corner. Top slide is perfect.

Rexall Drug Store- unsure what year

(http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/f8/de/13/f8de1381fd214b03f72436ce4ef75715.jpg)
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Don Boyer on June 30, 2014, 11:52:58 PM
This is a deck I thought was pretty neat. I'm sure they are readily available, but I got it cheap. The deck is well used, but not damaged. Inner slide box has a little damage on bottom corner. Top slide is perfect.

Rexall Drug Store- unsure what year

As a chain and a brand for merchandise, Rexall came into existence in 1902, one of a handful of chains operated by the United Drug Stores co-op.  By 1943, all the UDS chains became Rexall Drug Stores.  The chain peaked in the early-mid '50s when it started getting squeezed by corporate-owned chains and by '85 it was sold to a vitamin company.  It's a pale shadow of its former self today, with a greater presence in Canada than the US.  Dollar General acquired rights to be one of a number of exclusive retailers of Rexall products.

I'd guess that the deck probably is from the early half of the 20th century rather than the latter half, just based on the company's history alone.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Mike Ratledge on July 01, 2014, 07:03:42 AM
Willis Russell started a relatively short-lived company February 15th 1905 and the last gasp was the newer version of the Blue Ribbon decks in 1930. Pretty much narrows it down, but I can find no reference to that specific Joker unfortunately. Tom, any words of wisdom? The Ace of Spades is one of only two used from start to finish, so not really very helpful as to dating.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: 52plusjoker on July 01, 2014, 07:50:01 AM
USPC group, by the time this deck was printed included Russell, Standard, Consolidated Dougherty, etc., made Country Club as a private brand for United Drug. They made dozens of private brands for stores, stationers, book stores, jewellers, etc. all of which sold cards. Somewhere I have a list of them that I obtained from USPC once. I'll try and find it and post more information.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Don Boyer on July 01, 2014, 12:38:54 PM
So it's much like Stud was for Walgreens, and its replacement deck, Play-Right.

Dang, I miss those Studs!  So much nicer looking.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Mike Ratledge on July 01, 2014, 07:47:21 PM
I try to never cross-post, but this is just too soecial: 1890-ish US6 with first Dundreary Joker, OB1 and basically unplayed - maybe once. It looks like it was in a drawer for 125 years! Mislisted on eBay for $49.95 and I found it first, so you know what I did...
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: athomas16 on July 02, 2014, 12:18:43 PM
I try to never cross-post, but this is just too soecial: 1890-ish US6 with first Dundreary Joker, OB1 and basically unplayed - maybe once. It looks like it was in a drawer for 125 years! Mislisted on eBay for $49.95 and I found it first, so you know what I did...

Sonofa!
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Mike Ratledge on July 02, 2014, 12:47:47 PM
I try to never cross-post, but this is just too soecial: 1890-ish US6 with first Dundreary Joker, OB1 and basically unplayed - maybe once. It looks like it was in a drawer for 125 years! Mislisted on eBay for $49.95 and I found it first, so you know what I did...

Sonofa!
Exactly... I was more than pleased to pay up as well as add $400 insurance for her.  Not bad for a $1 investment at a thrift shop...
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Cryptocard27 on July 09, 2014, 10:34:21 PM
Hello everyone !

Here are the scan of two other favourite decks of my collection.

The first deck is a 4-11-44 gold edges (Hochman L17) with a nice grey and white 4-11-44 back and a beautiful engraved Ace of Spades but without joker and box. On the back, we can see crows and if you look carefully their posture, you can distinguish the number 4-11-44 : Four with the first crow, Eleven with the latter two and Forty Four with the last two.
We can also see a crescent moon on the back. This symbol was also used in other decks, for example the Joker of the Crescent #44 (Hochman NU11) and the Joker of the Tip-Top #350 (Hochman PU1).

The second deck is an Extra 4-11-44 (Hochman L22a) with gold edges too. The back has an attractive brown color and represents a black man sitting on a rocking chair, under a crescent moon again and beside a spider web. There is a banner of playing cards in the middle of the card and when starting at the middle to either end, we can see : four of diamonds, six of heart + five of diamonds and four of spades + four of clubs. This correponds to the sequence of numbers Four Eleven Forty Four, in addition to the 4-11-44 logo, also added on this back (and captured in the spider web to maybe remind the "sticky" superstition concerning this fetish number).

The particularity of this copy is the joker and the ace of spades : The Ace saying "Globe Playing Card Co, New York and Chicago" but the joker saying "Card Fabrique Co, Factory Middletown".
I asked the question to an expert to identify better the deck in the Hochman and apparently, "it is not surprising that the deck would be issued with the Card Fabrique Ace and the Globe joker or the Globe Ace and the Card Fabrique Joker because both companies were owned by the same family and made their cards in the same factory. Other than the names the aces and jokers are the same."

About the 4-11-44 game, here is a part of the story for those who don't know :

"Four Eleven Forty Four or 4-11-44 is a phrase that has appeared repeatedly in popular music and as a reference to numbers allegedly chosen commonly by poor African Americans while gambling.

The roots of the phrase can be traced to the illegal lottery known as "policy" in 19th-century America. Numbers were drawn on a wheel of fortune, ranging from 1 to 78. A three-number entry was known as a "gig" and a bet on 4, 11, 44 was popular by the time of the Civil War.

The New York Clipper,a sporting and theatrical weekly, ran a serial story by John Cooper Vail in April and May of 1862 titled "'4-11-44!' or The Lottery of Life in the Great City," indicating that the number was already a gambling cliche. The Secrets of the Great City, an 1869 book by Edward Winslow Martin, references 4-11-44 and attributes the section on policy to "the New York correspondent of a provincial journal", but does not name the writer. Nor does he date the article, except to say it was published "recently".

The combination became known as the "washerwoman's gig" after it featured on the cover of Aunt Sally's Policy Players' Dream Book, published by H.J. Wehman of New York sometime in the 1880s. The stereotypical player of the washerwoman's gig was a poor black male."
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Josh Blackmon on July 15, 2014, 11:44:30 PM
I have not posted a lot lately, but I have been acquiring some decks over the last few months that I am very proud of and want to share here.  From the start I have wanted a focus of my collection to be railroad decks and I have made some good headway in that direction. Pictures below are several southern pacific decks (I am trying to pick up all the scenic backs), a Union Pacific, a Louisville & Nashville route, and 2 Chicago northwestern decks. After that I have a National Card Company Full House Poker Deck from the late 1800s, and a couple of classic sealed bridge decks. Now I come to my favorites I've acquired recently. I am trying to pick up some USPCC decks with unique jokers and ever since I originally saw the bird dog ace in the Hochman guide I have wanted it; so I picked up a really clean Sportsman's deck and marked it off my list. After that I have jumbo Slipcased deck with a waterfall joker which I really like. Finally I found a really unique deck from the national Elks bridge tournament during the thirties which is very clean and slick; I live the purple color. So if you want to ask about any of them or have anything to say about them then post away!
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Josh Blackmon on July 15, 2014, 11:49:17 PM
The rest
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Don Boyer on July 15, 2014, 11:53:37 PM
Great haul.  I love how NorthWestern Rail managed to get a bikini-clad girl onto the back of a railroad-themed deck!
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: 52plusjoker on July 16, 2014, 08:34:14 AM
Great haul.  I love how NorthWestern Rail managed to get a bikini-clad girl onto the back of a railroad-themed deck!
Great haul is right. These are all neat and collectable decks. I like the Elks and don't see it hardly ever. There are lots of neat RR decks and it is a great area to collect. Competitive because of all the RR general collectors.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Josh Blackmon on July 16, 2014, 03:43:39 PM
Great haul.  I love how NorthWestern Rail managed to get a bikini-clad girl onto the back of a railroad-themed deck!

No kidding. Way to go Chicago NW! All kidding aside, whoever conceptualized the decks for Chicago Northwestern back in the day did a stellar job. Wheras most other railroad decks focus on the train itself, theirs seem to highlight the dynamics of the people in the scene as they acknowledge the train rolling by. Really neat decks. My favorite (which I haven't acquired yet) is a scene of a man and two boys in a workshop watching the train go by in the distance. Little slices of Americana which are really well done.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Josh Blackmon on July 16, 2014, 03:51:10 PM
Great haul is right. These are all neat and collectable decks. I like the Elks and don't see it hardly ever. There are lots of neat RR decks and it is a great area to collect. Competitive because of all the RR general collectors.

I almost let the Elks deck slide before going ahead and purchasing it. I had never seen it before and could not find any internet information on it. I finally ran across an original newspaper article from 1933 referencing the tournament itself and decided to get them because they were so unique and I wasn't sure to see them again. The $10 investment did not disappoint! the AOS code matches up, and the cards are virtually unplayed. Very clean box and cards which I am glad to have.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Mike Ratledge on July 16, 2014, 04:03:39 PM
I put my $12 on Great Northern. Strange how so much shows up after so few for a long time. As usual, as soon as I looked at the picture I thought "should have gotten a back with Julia Wades-on-Water in the groupong", but. . .
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: 52plusjoker on July 16, 2014, 05:10:50 PM
Great haul is right. These are all neat and collectable decks. I like the Elks and don't see it hardly ever. There are lots of neat RR decks and it is a great area to collect. Competitive because of all the RR general collectors.

I almost let the Elks deck slide before going ahead and purchasing it. I had never seen it before and could not find any internet information on it. I finally ran across an original newspaper article from 1933 referencing the tournament itself and decided to get them because they were so unique and I wasn't sure to see them again. The $10 investment did not disappoint! the AOS code matches up, and the cards are virtually unplayed. Very clean box and cards which I am glad to have.
Ha! Ha! I would not have even made a $9 offer - just hand over the $10 bill and stick the deck in my bag.!

How come you haven't joined 52 Plus Joker? We'd love to have you do so and of course come to the October convention in Charleston.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Rob Wright on July 26, 2014, 09:22:59 PM
Recent "old" stuff

(http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/57/53/10/575310f3cc2823b903e4126f5c4b7754.jpg)
(http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/14/1f/ee/141fee2c54a5c0548954d3038baeb5be.jpg)
(http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/d1/25/83/d125834072202edd072b02e50ebaf370.jpg)
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: 52plusjoker on July 26, 2014, 10:35:21 PM
Very nice - especially like the two old 'brick' boxes. The Dougherty dates late 1890's and the Fauntleroy maybe slightly earlier.
Title: Re: Post Your Collection / Your Newest Acquisitions
Post by: Magasaki on August 06, 2014, 05:54:21 AM
Hi Guys,

I recently acquired a deck entitled 'Correspondances' that I found interesting. It has taken a fair amount of google translating and researching for me to understand the full concept behind the deck so I though I'd share my findings with you. If anyone has any information / corrections please let me know.

The deck carries the name Baptiste Paul Grimaud who was a card maker in the 19th Century, however this deck was manufactured in 1985 by France Cartes. I believe the Grimaud family continued to have involvement in card making or at least the name was used by France Cartes up until later in the 20th C. However I cannot find any record of the name still being used.

The deck is based around Parisian life and focuses on the Metropolitan rail system. Conveniently there was (at the time) 52 stations on 13 lines of the Metropolitan network and these are represented on the 52 cards and 13 indexes / numbers of the deck. More interestingly the artists (Laurence Caiazzo / Pica-Cicero-Scop) say to have taken into consideration for the design of each card; the station itself, the traditional meaning of the colour and suite, the symbolism of the number and the culture, activities and historical significance of the architecture and inhabitants of the area.

Additionally the 2 jokers are 'dedicated to the city' and 1 represents a new proposed station at the time (Saint Michel) and the other represents the symbolic and geographic center of Paris (Column Astrologique du Catheine de Medici).

I love finding decks that have an interesting story behind them. One of the best parts of collecting is learning something new about history / culture and influence into design work. Especially if it is of architectural and social significance. Please, if anyone has any more information about this deck or those involved in its creation please let me know. I have attached images to this post (and the next) and will be continuing with research on each station to see how the artist has interpreted all of the considerations above.

Image links below:
Clubs: http://imgur.com/TkxnGHr
Diamonds: http://imgur.com/LGWEBPs
Hearts: http://imgur.com/MK1i0mE
Spades: http://imgur.com/QqWy9f4

EDIT: I see this got moved to vintage - apologies I will try get the right board next time! - Tom


Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Don Boyer on August 06, 2014, 06:42:17 AM
Magasaki, I hope you don't mind, but I moved your deck post to the "show your collection" topic in A Cellar of Fine Vintages.  Considering it's nearly four decades old, it certainly qualifies!

The general rule of thumb that we're using is if it's older than twenty years, it's vintage.  I can't recall if we nailed down a number for antique, but I'd ballpark it as being anything older than perhaps 80 years - so for today, vintage is pre-1994 and antique is pre-1934!  I daresay we should create a category for anything "prebellum" or dating back to before the Civil War, as people do manage to get (as some cost) a number of decks made in that time frame.  In the 19th-Century antebellum years, many innovations in playing cards that you'd recognize today came into being, most notably the index, the joker and rounded corners.

My ranges aren't iron-clad, but they give you at least an idea of where to start.

BTW: that is a REALLY nice-looking deck - don't suppose you could post more photos/scans for us?  :))
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: 52plusjoker on August 06, 2014, 07:32:17 AM
Magasaki, I hope you don't mind, but I moved your deck post to the "show your collection" topic in A Cellar of Fine Vintages.  Considering it's nearly four decades old, it certainly qualifies!

The general rule of thumb that we're using is if it's older than twenty years, it's vintage.  I can't recall if we nailed down a number for antique, but I'd ballpark it as being anything older than perhaps 80 years - so for today, vintage is pre-1994 and antique is pre-1934!  I daresay we should create a category for anything "prebellum" or dating back to before the Civil War, as people do manage to get (as some cost) a number of decks made in that time frame.  In the 19th-Century antebellum years, many innovations in playing cards that you'd recognize today came into being, most notably the index, the joker and rounded corners.

My ranges aren't iron-clad, but they give you at least an idea of where to start.

BTW: that is a REALLY nice-looking deck - don't suppose you could post more photos/scans for us?  :))
A simple concept is Vintage is over 20 years old and antique is pre-WWI.
Correspondances - Nice deck - I have never seen it before.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Magasaki on August 13, 2014, 05:53:20 AM
Another Grimaud deck, this time from 1983. each court card / ace has an illustration and accompanying story which adds up to the narrative of the life of the Montgolfier brothers and the invention of the hot air balloon. '83 was the centenary of the first flight so it is a commemorative deck.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: 52plusjoker on August 13, 2014, 08:00:46 AM
Cool. By accident a few years ago driving in France we saw a sign for a castle which had been the home of the Montgolfier family and commemorated the hot air balloon flights. We did a quick visit but it was very crowded and we moved on.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Josh Blackmon on August 13, 2014, 10:47:11 PM
A deck of Congress cards I acquired a few weeks back. Early 1900s called spinning wheel. The back design is not really my cup of tea, but I am happy about that Ace of Spades! Notice the way I took the photos all angled and and artsy.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: 52plusjoker on August 14, 2014, 07:23:30 AM
One of my favourite Aces from the Congress brand. Neat to have a Congress with matching Joker. Most Congress have a standard Joker and are named on the back. A few had named Jokers which matched the back and there was no name on the back. A bit of Congress trivia!
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Cryptocard27 on August 23, 2014, 12:30:56 PM
Since I have the Hochman Encyclopedia, I really wanted to have the Hockey #7 deck, mainly because of the great Joker. With a little luck, I won a Near Mint copy on eBay the last year, with two other antique Pinochle decks, at a very good price. I hope you will appreciate it.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: 1greeneyedwonderwoman on August 23, 2014, 07:22:16 PM
I figure I'd start off posting a few pics of one of my favorite vintage decks… 1800's Steamboats with Watermelon Joker…

Gorgeous cards!
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: ecNate on December 08, 2014, 04:56:13 PM
While I did also pick up Rarebits, Run and a few others, the big news for me is I picked up another white whale, Vanity Fair No 41 from 1895.  It's not a complete deck though, which means it's not as valuable and really the only way I could every justify having a copy, so it works for me.  Being almost 120 years old it's the oldest non reproduction deck in my collection and shockingly is a bit clumpy.    ;)

PCDB Entry (https://playingcarddb.com/dbdeck?id=2304)
WOPC Entry (http://www.wopc.co.uk/usa/uspcc/vanity-fair.html)

(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/62608242/Vanity%20Fair%20Spread.jpg)
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: torcams on January 19, 2015, 12:06:38 AM
Recently acquired this gem of a deck - Hochman/Dawson SX11 - a special version of the SX8 Columbian Exposition souvenir deck from Winters Art Litho. Co. with 2 special cards (pictured) from the Hayner Distilling Company of Springfield Ohio and given out at the fair.

Note the price list - in 1893 the "good stuff" was $6 a gallon!!
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: 52plusjoker on January 19, 2015, 03:40:12 AM
very nice deck and you don't see it very often. Exposition decks with advertising are relatively unusual and command a good price.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: ecNate on January 22, 2015, 06:25:23 PM
I really need to get a proper little lighting tent and lights...

Anyhow, I finally picked up that Eagle 5 suit deck from USPCC (https://playingcarddb.com/dbdeck?id=2622&name=eagle-five-suit-bridge) I've been talking about lately here and at UC.  I just love the eagle pips on these, even if this particular deck isn't in the greatest of shape it's pretty good for a 70+ year old deck.

(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/62608242/Eagle%20Deck%20Displayed.jpg)
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Magasaki on January 29, 2015, 05:45:53 AM
Magasaki, I hope you don't mind, but I moved your deck post to the "show your collection" topic in A Cellar of Fine Vintages.  Considering it's nearly four decades old, it certainly qualifies!

The general rule of thumb that we're using is if it's older than twenty years, it's vintage.  I can't recall if we nailed down a number for antique, but I'd ballpark it as being anything older than perhaps 80 years - so for today, vintage is pre-1994 and antique is pre-1934!  I daresay we should create a category for anything "prebellum" or dating back to before the Civil War, as people do manage to get (as some cost) a number of decks made in that time frame.  In the 19th-Century antebellum years, many innovations in playing cards that you'd recognize today came into being, most notably the index, the joker and rounded corners.

My ranges aren't iron-clad, but they give you at least an idea of where to start.

BTW: that is a REALLY nice-looking deck - don't suppose you could post more photos/scans for us?  :))

I know this is a follow up to an old post, but in case you're interested I translated the booklet from French to English (the best I could) and have uploaded all the translations for each card and the concept for the 13 indexes at the link below. Just roll your mouse over each card to read the transcript.

http://www.magasaki.com/#!correspondances/c12yo

Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Magasaki on January 29, 2015, 05:48:30 AM
Another Grimaud deck, this time from 1983. each court card / ace has an illustration and accompanying story which adds up to the narrative of the life of the Montgolfier brothers and the invention of the hot air balloon. '83 was the centenary of the first flight so it is a commemorative deck.

I also translated the Montgolfiers deck which reads as a narrative of the early years of the hot air balloon. Some awesome stories in the artwork of these. Transcripts are on my site here http://www.magasaki.com/#!les-montgolfieres/c1grj
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Magasaki on January 29, 2015, 05:51:32 AM
While I did also pick up Rarebits, Run and a few others, the big news for me is I picked up another white whale, Vanity Fair No 41 from 1895.  It's not a complete deck though, which means it's not as valuable and really the only way I could every justify having a copy, so it works for me.  Being almost 120 years old it's the oldest non reproduction deck in my collection and shockingly is a bit clumpy.    ;)

PCDB Entry (https://playingcarddb.com/dbdeck?id=2304)
WOPC Entry (http://www.wopc.co.uk/usa/uspcc/vanity-fair.html)

(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/62608242/Vanity%20Fair%20Spread.jpg)

That's stunning ecNate. Really really like this one. Good find.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: 52plusjoker on January 29, 2015, 07:33:26 AM
While I did also pick up Rarebits, Run and a few others, the big news for me is I picked up another white whale, Vanity Fair No 41 from 1895.  It's not a complete deck though, which means it's not as valuable and really the only way I could every justify having a copy, so it works for me.  Being almost 120 years old it's the oldest non reproduction deck in my collection and shockingly is a bit clumpy.    ;)

PCDB Entry (https://playingcarddb.com/dbdeck?id=2304)
WOPC Entry (http://www.wopc.co.uk/usa/uspcc/vanity-fair.html)

(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/62608242/Vanity%20Fair%20Spread.jpg)

That's stunning ecNate. Really really like this one. Good find.
An early transformation is always a neat find. The idea now is to keep 'trading' up. You find a slightly better one, sell this one, repeat, etc. It's surprising how often that can be accomplished without large [net] expenditure. We started out with a similar Murphy Varnish [Judy's favorite deck] and over maybe 20 years worked our way up to near mint through several iterations. Think our net cost is very low as we managed to make some profit on a couple of the sales.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Don Boyer on January 29, 2015, 10:52:57 PM
I really need to get a proper little lighting tent and lights...

Anyhow, I finally picked up that Eagle 5 suit deck from USPCC (https://playingcarddb.com/dbdeck?id=2622&name=eagle-five-suit-bridge) I've been talking about lately here and at UC.  I just love the eagle pips on these, even if this particular deck isn't in the greatest of shape it's pretty good for a 70+ year old deck.

I thought the lighting and composition were just fine.  The wood makes an excellent background.


I also translated the Montgolfiers deck which reads as a narrative of the early years of the hot air balloon. Some awesome stories in the artwork of these. Transcripts are on my site here http://www.magasaki.com/#!les-montgolfieres/c1grj (http://www.magasaki.com/#!les-montgolfieres/c1grj)

Great work.  I noticed an abbreviation I wasn't familiar with: a measure of volume abbreviated "mc".  As I read a bit more, contextual clues led me to think it was the vogue of the time to abbreviate "mètres cubes," or in English, "meters cubed," more commonly seen as "m3" these days.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Magasaki on January 30, 2015, 05:16:58 AM
Good spot Don! Collective detective work underway 8)
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: torcams on February 05, 2015, 08:25:11 PM
I have two areas of playing cards gracing my collection.  I've been very focused on wide souvenirs lately but recently went back to my first passion - Coca-Cola advertising decks.  This latest acquisition a minty 1928 example, I believe made by the Western Playing Card Co. based on the Ace of spades.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: goonie on February 07, 2015, 06:09:33 PM
 A few from my collection...
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: goonie on February 07, 2015, 06:21:11 PM
And some more...
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: goonie on February 07, 2015, 07:28:18 PM
Some shipping related cards my mum found in my dad's garage...
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: goonie on February 07, 2015, 07:31:33 PM
A few others...
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: goonie on February 07, 2015, 07:34:00 PM
Another assortment...
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: torcams on February 07, 2015, 07:50:56 PM
I love that Worshipful Olympics deck!
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: torcams on March 15, 2015, 12:09:21 PM
Finally completed the trio of SCA 28, 29 & 30 Intercolonial Railway souvenir views decks.  These are manufactured by Goodall and have quite a bit of photo variation between SCA28/29 and SCA30.  SCA28 and 29 have the same photos, but on slightly different cards on a couple.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: 52plusjoker on March 15, 2015, 03:26:42 PM
Very nice!
These three, as we lived in the Maritimes, have long been favourites of ours.:)
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: torcams on March 15, 2015, 05:13:33 PM
Very nice!
These three, as we lived in the Maritimes, have long been favourites of ours.:)

Thanks Tom.  Can you tell me - do you know if SCA28 was issued with a blank card?  My 29 & 30 have blanks but not my 28.  Just curious....
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: 52plusjoker on March 16, 2015, 07:53:41 AM
Very nice!
These three, as we lived in the Maritimes, have long been favourites of ours.:)

Thanks Tom.  Can you tell me - do you know if SCA28 was issued with a blank card?  My 29 & 30 have blanks but not my 28.  Just curious....
I'll check ours later but I'm pretty sur it would have had a blank. Common practice with Goodall and most, if not all, of their Canadian souvenirs had one.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: 52plusjoker on March 20, 2015, 09:57:32 AM
Well checking ours out didn't help. We only have SCA29 and SCA30. Both with blanks. I'd be amazed if SCA 28 did not come with a blank.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: torcams on March 20, 2015, 06:35:10 PM
Ok, thanks for looking.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: MrVamp on April 11, 2015, 10:50:39 AM
I recently received a deck of Playboy Casino Atlantic City playing cards, solid orange back, as the first in my vintage Playboy collection. I am on the lookout for the solid green as well, in addition to the vintage Playboy Rider backs, which have boxes that are similar to the casino card boxes. In the longer term, I might also collect the Bee Playboy Casino Cards from the same casino.  I really like the green and orange monochrome colors for casino cards. However, they will have to be uncancelled and sealed.

The cellophane is wrapped tight around the pack, so there is no prospect of it getting loose, like I have seen on Ebay is pretty common for the Nugget Casino Cards.

Enjoy.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: 52plusjoker on April 12, 2015, 11:18:52 AM
Nice - don't know much about these. Are they standard courts and Jokers or is there a Playboy element on the cards?
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: MrVamp on April 12, 2015, 11:47:43 AM
Nice - don't know much about these. Are they standard courts and Jokers or is there a Playboy element on the cards?

There is no Playboy element to these casino cards; they are standard Bee Courts and Jokers, which I believe is true for all the Bee Playboy Casino cards (solid or diamond backed). However, both the Playboy Rider back and the Fournier Playboy London casino cards have altered Aces and Jokers.

Here is a link to a thread on this forum about some of the variety of Playboy playing cards: http://www.playingcardforum.com/index.php?topic=4224.0

And here is a link to the custom Aces in the Fournier Casino cards set, also seen on this forum: http://www.playingcardforum.com/index.php?topic=1624.0
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: skinny on May 15, 2015, 08:17:25 PM
This isn't my newest, nor my most prized, but I've always liked this one. I haven't seen another deck with the "Gibson" text on the back instead of USPCC.

(I'm editing this entry to include keywords... I couldn't find this when I searched for
NAT Playing Cards
Thanks)
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Don Boyer on May 16, 2015, 12:24:45 AM
This isn't my newest, nor my most recent, but I've always liked this one. I haven't seen another deck with the "Gibson" text on the back instead of USPCC.

Interesting-looking box - kind of Art Deco.

According to this page (https://sites.google.com/site/cardconjurer/article/dating/manufacturers#GPC), Gibson manufactured cards from 1925 until sometime into the 1940s, with locations in Cincinnati and New York City.  It doesn't indicate they were purchased by USPC - they may have simply been an independent maker that closed shop before the UnStoppable Playing Card Cabal (hee hee) bought them.  If I had to guess, it was probably due to too many of the employees (and perhaps even the company's owner/-s) being drafted for the war effort - but that's strictly a guess.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: skinny on May 16, 2015, 02:21:21 AM
I haven't seen anywhere that USPCC bought Gibson either, but this makes it seem a good assumption:
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Don Boyer on May 16, 2015, 11:51:00 PM
I haven't seen anywhere that USPCC bought Gibson either, but this makes it seem a good assumption:

Yes, that would seem to be positive proof that at some point, USPC purchased Gibson!  I'm assuming that purchase took place in the mid-1940s, since the company ceased to exist after that - USPC probably took whatever intellectual property they deemed worth anything and simply dissolved the company like so many others they've purchased - but not immediately, or this tax stamp cancellation on this tuck box wouldn't exist.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: vai777 on May 29, 2015, 12:43:52 AM
Bought these back in 2004 or 2005, forgot what I paid... not much though....

Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: skinny on June 28, 2015, 01:29:34 AM
These are my newest. I'm sure they didn't come this way originally, but they do fit in that box ~perfectly.~

Sealed Triumph and PlayTime (plus 34 interlocking plastic chips).
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Lee Asher on July 27, 2015, 07:45:49 AM
I'm the proud new owner of one of the more exotic pieces of USPC ephemera.

(http://www.605s.com/forum/uspc-plate.jpg)
Plate graciously gifted to me by Tom & Judy Dawson.

Thank you guys!
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: 52plusjoker on July 27, 2015, 11:26:41 AM
Looks perfect for a plate of your very special Caesar Salad!  ;D
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Cryptocard27 on September 24, 2015, 10:48:54 AM
It is not a deck but a some time ago, I found two antique engravings of 1876. The first one shows the factory of Andrew Dougherty at 76 Centre Street, in New York, and the engraving includes a protection sheet. The second represents the portrait of the manufacturer. The last one is of less good quality and a bit more damaged but colors are nevertheless magnificent for the two.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Chuqii on September 24, 2015, 03:35:34 PM
Well, it took a year, but I finally decided to branch out from KEM cards.  This set makes me glad I did. 1915 tax stamp on the unopened deck.  Smells like history.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Cryptocard27 on September 24, 2015, 04:45:03 PM
Well, it took a year, but I finally decided to branch out from KEM cards.  This set makes me glad I did. 1915 tax stamp on the unopened deck.  Smells like history.

Great set and one of the nicest Canary deck that I have seen up to now!
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: 52plusjoker on September 25, 2015, 04:22:02 AM
Very nice set and special to have a sealed one with intact stamp. Well done!
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Cryptocard27 on September 25, 2015, 03:11:32 PM
Very nice set and special to have a sealed one with intact stamp. Well done!

It's true that antique decks with intact stamp have a something extra, quite fascinating!
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Chuqii on September 25, 2015, 03:29:50 PM
And here is that set's little brother with a Standard "Society" deck - Faithful - with the colored ace.  Should be about 100 years old (correct me if I'm wrong).  Cards not pristine, no joker, and most of gilt edges worn off, but no creases or other defects.  That means I won't feel bad using them at poker tomorrow night :D
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Cryptocard27 on September 25, 2015, 04:32:18 PM
Concerning the Standard Playing Card Company, I would really like to see a copy of the early deck made by the company with the rare joker (Hochman SU1) pictured below.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: tstark on October 08, 2015, 11:11:44 AM
As you can see by the photos, it is an eclectic collection.  For the most part I don't keep the decks, they are sold to acquire others and a limited few remain in the collection.  I love the oddities and you will see as you go through the photos which those are.  I didn't know, for example, that Bee came in a Smooth Finish or Bicycle a High Finish.  The movie deck is from a Bollywood film back in the 40s.  The Mickey Mouse mini-deck is from 1935.  The Tiger playing cards are the first cards to come out of the USPC back in the 1880s. 
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: tstark on October 08, 2015, 11:15:19 AM
The 5 suit bridge was a failed attempt at a new game, and the 5th suit was a green Eagle (c1940).  The Gypsy Witch Fortune Telling is the original from the very early 1900s.  There is a tax stamp sealed Racer Back and a rare Bee back no. 86.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: tstark on October 08, 2015, 11:19:25 AM
Here is the Mickey Mouse mini, some more of the rare Bikes, and one of my personal favorites the High Finish Rider Back (c1955).  The square corner antique is a Samuel Hart Faro deck which had a brown "worm" back.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: tstark on October 08, 2015, 11:25:41 AM
I am also a fan, like many, of the wide variety of jokers like the Umpire.  Many may be unaware that many of the Bikes were offered with gilt edges like this Racer, which was also an Ivory Finish.  The boxed set is still in my collection and is a Russell deck which 5 bone dice.  Also pictured are early Russell Recruits and a very early Steamboat.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Chuqii on October 23, 2015, 05:38:18 PM
Wow, tough to follow those photos.  But here are a few of these leather bound sets I picked up.  The Bicycle is a pinochle set, so no jokers but double the aces.  And the set still has the pegs (I guess for cribbage?  Does pinochle use pegs?)  And I am really liking the old monochrome backs.  This one from Standard Playing Card Co. is labeled "Reflections"
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Don Boyer on October 23, 2015, 06:44:01 PM
Wow, tough to follow those photos.  But here are a few of these leather bound sets I picked up.  The Bicycle is a pinochle set, so no jokers but double the aces.  And the set still has the pegs (I guess for cribbage?  Does pinochle use pegs?)  And I am really liking the old monochrome backs.  This one from Standard Playing Card Co. is labeled "Reflections"

It's not so much that pinochle uses pegs, but that using a peg-based scoreboard for keeping score in any score-keeping game would use pegs!  Pinochle does use scoring, so if pencil and paper weren't handy, the pegs and the board would make an excellent substitute.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Anthony on October 23, 2015, 08:29:30 PM
I'm still working on my vintage knowledge and feeling comfortable with my appraisal of my possible purchases, The Blue deck is still sealed, and the red is in really nice condition, the box is a little worn, but couldn't be happier, been wanting these for a while :)

(https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/t31.0-8/12185411_1483471771955556_4269622736725076130_o.jpg)
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Lee Asher on October 29, 2015, 09:10:10 AM
I've been so busy with all the political aspects of the 52 Plus Joker, I haven't had time to share some of my new treasures. Here's a pic of a very early Andrew Dougherty Pinochle deck I picked up a few weeks ago. I love this!

Circa 1907
(http://www.605s.com/forum/a-dougherty.jpg)
(http://www.605s.com/forum/a-dougherty1.jpg)

Enjoy!
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: 52plusjoker on October 29, 2015, 01:44:33 PM
I'm still working on my vintage knowledge and feeling comfortable with my appraisal of my possible purchases, The Blue deck is still sealed, and the red is in really nice condition, the box is a little worn, but couldn't be happier, been wanting these for a while :)

(https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/t31.0-8/12185411_1483471771955556_4269622736725076130_o.jpg)
Have seen these sets, with these great designs, go for as much as $200 mint.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Chuqii on December 07, 2015, 03:05:06 PM
Nothing fancy, but this just arrived.  A set of c1945 Hamiltons and some of my other 1930-60s deck in the back. 
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Goldenhill on January 19, 2016, 02:49:05 PM
This deck is on ebay for $50 any ideas what it might be worth?

http://m.ebay.com/itm/1800s-Antique-Playing-Cards-John-J-Levy-Consolidated-Card-Co-New-York-Crisp-/401055943578?nav=SEARCH
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: 52plusjoker on January 19, 2016, 03:38:07 PM
This deck is on ebay for $50 any ideas what it might be worth?

http://m.ebay.com/itm/1800s-Antique-Playing-Cards-John-J-Levy-Consolidated-Card-Co-New-York-Crisp-/401055943578?nav=SEARCH
Check out Hochman!
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Don Boyer on January 20, 2016, 12:51:03 AM
This deck is on ebay for $50 any ideas what it might be worth?

http://m.ebay.com/itm/1800s-Antique-Playing-Cards-John-J-Levy-Consolidated-Card-Co-New-York-Crisp-/401055943578?nav=SEARCH
Check out Hochman!

Let me make it even easier for him...

http://shop.conjuringarts.org/store/pc/showsearchresults.asp?pageStyle=P&resultCnt=30&keyword=hochman
Title: A white whale from Mrs Robinson
Post by: Josh Blackmon on February 18, 2016, 06:14:03 PM
The white whale at the top of my list is captured. I've been after this piece since seeing the scans available online several years back. I have only seen it available for sale twice since then and am ecstatic to have snatched it up!
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: 52plusjoker on February 19, 2016, 08:46:31 AM
Yes - well done. Rarely see one available and it is a classic. :D
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Cryptocard27 on February 20, 2016, 08:57:08 PM
Hey everyone ;)

Here are my last two finds: The first deck "Tourists #155" was bought on eBay US in November 2015, with the great help of a member of the club to receive it in France. The second deck "Aladdin #1002" (Gold Edges) was sold by a Frenchman in January 2016. According to the back and the joker, I think that this latter dates back to the 1890s. The nice leather case contains two score keeper.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: 52plusjoker on February 21, 2016, 11:03:58 AM
Very nice finds - both are early - I'd say 1885-1890 period.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Cryptocard27 on February 21, 2016, 01:54:03 PM
Very nice finds - both are early - I'd say 1885-1890 period.

Thank you Tom! I would have liked to add the John J. Levy deck but as you said, the price was very high and too expensive for me :) Despite this, do you think that the buyer got a good deal considering the rarity of the deck ?
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: 52plusjoker on February 22, 2016, 09:56:23 AM
I would say buyer paid full price - considering condition, wrapper, etc. not an overpayment. In the end if you want it there should not be a problem paying top dollar as you may never get the opportunity again.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: MrVamp on March 03, 2016, 03:35:26 PM
I just got this in the mail. I have seen one earlier post the High Finish Rider back blue version, and the poster mentioned that it was pretty rare. Anyone know the story about the High Finish Rider Back in general, and if it is really that rare? Usually the rider back comes in Air-cushion finish.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Don Boyer on March 04, 2016, 01:42:45 AM
I just got this in the mail. I have seen one earlier post the High Finish Rider back blue version, and the poster mentioned that it was pretty rare. Anyone know the story about the High Finish Rider Back in general, and if it is really that rare? Usually the rider back comes in Air-cushion finish.

Well, you can see that your deck has a "1 Pack" tax stamp on it - it was made between 1940 and 1965.  High Finish was commonly seen in Blue Ribbon and Aristocrat decks of that era, but I've heard of it being found on the occasional Bicycle deck as well.  There were many different, distinct finishes back then, unlike today.  Many of the finishes have names borrowed from the cloth used to make them - the texture on the card surface was created by using cloth rollers to apply a coating to the surface of the paper, leaving the fabric's pattern on the dried coating and providing a textured finish.  Common examples would be Cambric, Linen and Linoid.

These days, finishes are made using steel rollers pressing into the surface of the paper - flat for a smooth finish, dimpled for an embossed finish.  I couldn't give specifics on exactly what makes a High Finish a High Finish, but I'm guessing it was marketed as a premium texture compared to Air Cushion Finish.  It was also not uncommon for Rider Backs and other back designs to have an Ivory Finish - completely smooth.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Chuqii on March 11, 2016, 05:59:08 PM
These are fun cards.  Never realized how small they actually are until my first deck arrived.  I have no idea why this posted sideways.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Don Boyer on March 11, 2016, 11:40:56 PM
These are fun cards.  Never realized how small they actually are until my first deck arrived.  I have no idea why this posted sideways.

Those are quite charming.  I've never seen them packaged in a metal tin like that before.  I have a fondness for vintage miniature decks - while they were probably made in the thousands if not millions of decks, they were largely marketed for children, and like most childhood playthings in the early 20th century, I'm guessing the vast majority ended up in the trash due to either being destroyed, being confiscated by a parent or school teacher or the child becoming an adult and losing interest.  They're probably a bit less common than bridge or poker decks.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Chuqii on March 13, 2016, 06:31:39 PM
The tin is pretty neat. Has some images of other backs on it. I'll post some more pics tomorrow.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Don Boyer on March 14, 2016, 01:46:42 AM
The tin is pretty neat. Has some images of other backs on it. I'll post some more pics tomorrow.

It sounds like they made the one box design for the entire brand, using it to house all the different designs they sold.  That's pretty cool, actually, in addition to being highly functional.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Chuqii on March 14, 2016, 02:14:52 PM
Actually, the box advertised other USPC brands and backs.  Take a look.  Anyone know what the USPCA stands for?
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Don Boyer on March 16, 2016, 05:58:03 AM
Actually, the box advertised other USPC brands and backs.  Take a look.  Anyone know what the USPCA stands for?

If I had to guess, I'd say it's United States Playing Card Company of America - but it's just a guess.

In the lid of the tin, the design on the right is an old Bicycle deck design.  Combine that with the ad on the bottom of the tin for Congress playing cards and it looks like they were trying to get young kids hooked on the habit of playing cards, graduating them to the "adult-sized" brands when they outgrew their miniatures.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: lovenugget2003 on May 26, 2016, 09:58:11 AM
Part of my favorite decks, and about 1970s
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: lovenugget2003 on June 06, 2016, 06:22:27 AM
love these vintage decks forever
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Don Boyer on June 07, 2016, 01:11:42 AM
love these vintage decks forever

I'm just trying to imagine what cards are in the Torpedo and Mohawk tuck boxes.  As far as I've been told, they were used as "catch-all" discount brands - basically, whatever cards they had lying around they needed to get rid of went into those boxes.  In later years, one usually only found Aviators in them as they were one of the cheapest brands USPC was making.  However, the Mohawks are from between 1940-1962 and the Torpedoes are from between 1962-1965.  The tax stamps are the clue to the age.

New York Consolidated was founded in 1871, bought by USPC in 1894 and run independently by them until 1930, at which point they were merged with A. Dougherty to form Consolidated Dougherty Co. - the Mohawks have a CDC cancellation on the stamp while the box says NY Consolidated.  It was common enough to continue using the old company names after the merger of the two - until the box redesign in 1992, Bee boxes state the NY Consolidated name on the face, while new Tally Ho boxes still state the A. Dougherty name today.  In 1962, USPC decided to disband/absorb CDC into the parent company, taking all their brands and marketing them as USPC brands - the Torpedoes have a USPC cancellation on the stamp.  Though to be honest, I'm not 100% sure if Torpedoes were a CDC brand or if they were USPC all along, in which case one can only say the deck is from sometime between 1940-1965.  "One Pack" tax stamps (both the square and rectangular versions) were created and used from 1940 until the tax was repealed near the end of 1965, to be replaced by the manufacturers' seals we know today.

Thus, both decks are no older than 1940, but the Mohawks are no younger than 1962 while the Torpedoes could be as young as 1965.  If the Torpedoes box has any CDC, NYCC or AD markings on it, then it can't be older than 1962 because of the USPC cancellation.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: lovenugget2003 on June 13, 2016, 08:58:35 AM
love these vintage decks forever

I'm just trying to imagine what cards are in the Torpedo and Mohawk tuck boxes.  As far as I've been told, they were used as "catch-all" discount brands - basically, whatever cards they had lying around they needed to get rid of went into those boxes.  In later years, one usually only found Aviators in them as they were one of the cheapest brands USPC was making.  However, the Mohawks are from between 1940-1962 and the Torpedoes are from between 1962-1965.  The tax stamps are the clue to the age.

New York Consolidated was founded in 1871, bought by USPC in 1894 and run independently by them until 1930, at which point they were merged with A. Dougherty to form Consolidated Dougherty Co. - the Mohawks have a CDC cancellation on the stamp while the box says NY Consolidated.  It was common enough to continue using the old company names after the merger of the two - until the box redesign in 1992, Bee boxes state the NY Consolidated name on the face, while new Tally Ho boxes still state the A. Dougherty name today.  In 1962, USPC decided to disband/absorb CDC into the parent company, taking all their brands and marketing them as USPC brands - the Torpedoes have a USPC cancellation on the stamp.  Though to be honest, I'm not 100% sure if Torpedoes were a CDC brand or if they were USPC all along, in which case one can only say the deck is from sometime between 1940-1965.  "One Pack" tax stamps (both the square and rectangular versions) were created and used from 1940 until the tax was repealed near the end of 1965, to be replaced by the manufacturers' seals we know today.

Thus, both decks are no older than 1940, but the Mohawks are no younger than 1962 while the Torpedoes could be as young as 1965.  If the Torpedoes box has any CDC, NYCC or AD markings on it, then it can't be older than 1962 because of the USPC cancellation.

Thans for your information. That's help me to clavify thd date of decks more clearly.

Please also find the below tax stamp bicycle, I found some information about "how to date a deck", the tamp was in use from 1919 to 1924. Am I right?

Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Don Boyer on June 13, 2016, 09:00:26 PM

Please also find the below tax stamp bicycle, I found some information about "how to date a deck", the tamp was in use from 1919 to 1924. Am I right?

The stamp itself was in use form 1894 to 1924.  Over the years, it went from being a two-cent stamp to eight cents, through the use of overprinting to indicate the new value.  If you look on your stamp's overprinting and cancellation, you can see in red that it was overprinted "8 Cts." and that it was canceled in black on "4-1-1919," or April 1, 1919 - the last nine in the year is mostly cut off, but enough of it is visible to make it positively identifiable, especially when you combine it with the period in which the card tax was eight cents - only one of the years occurred in the 1910s, the rest being in the 1920s.  After 1924, the tax went to ten cents and a new stamp was finally issued, taking this one out of circulation for good.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: lovenugget2003 on June 28, 2016, 08:43:00 AM

Please also find the below tax stamp bicycle, I found some information about "how to date a deck", the tamp was in use from 1919 to 1924. Am I right?

The stamp itself was in use form 1894 to 1924.  Over the years, it went from being a two-cent stamp to eight cents, through the use of overprinting to indicate the new value.  If you look on your stamp's overprinting and cancellation, you can see in red that it was overprinted "8 Cts." and that it was canceled in black on "4-1-1919," or April 1, 1919 - the last nine in the year is mostly cut off, but enough of it is visible to make it positively identifiable, especially when you combine it with the period in which the card tax was eight cents - only one of the years occurred in the 1910s, the rest being in the 1920s.  After 1924, the tax went to ten cents and a new stamp was finally issued, taking this one out of circulation for good.

Very clear explaination, thank you.
I hope I can find sealed deck older than 1900.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Chuqii on June 29, 2016, 02:45:48 PM
Here are some of my latest acquisitions of old USPC decks.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Chuqii on June 29, 2016, 02:47:39 PM
and some other older decks
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Kruser on June 29, 2016, 09:36:20 PM
OMG!! ... Those are awesome!! (I'm swooning over the Tourist and Capitol decks, but the others are great too! - Some amazing backs!)

... How did you get them?

Kruser
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Chuqii on June 30, 2016, 09:28:10 AM
I can't just give away my secret, but I'll give you a hint:  starts with e and ends with y. 
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Don Boyer on July 01, 2016, 10:44:47 AM
I can't just give away my secret, but I'll give you a hint:  starts with e and ends with y.

...and it has a "ba" in the middle?  :))

It's a popular place to find vintage and antique decks - it makes collecting them far easier than it was in the pre-Internet days.
Title: NYCC DeLuxe no.142 - Sweet backs!!
Post by: Kruser on July 07, 2016, 08:30:04 PM
Hi Card Fans!

… OK, this item doesn’t really stand up to the other cool decks in this thread - it’s not particularly rare (these sets come up on Ebay all the time), nor is it particularly old (1921-ish, right?)

Still, it’s a good starter item that displays nicely and is a great conversation piece.  I grabbed this set because the cards are in mint condition, and, especially, because the backs are amazing! … They have really grown on me! (Ebay didn’t do them justice).  The so-so box was a bonus.

I’ve (hopefully!!) attached a photo of the set, and a photo of the ace with the 2 backs. I’ve also added a link to a higher-res photo for zooming.  The colours really pop! … especially in the blue back.  The detail of the interior floral pattern is fantastic!  Also, for the 2 or 3 members who haven’t seen the DeLuxe ace, this one is a good example …

Cheers!

Kruser

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_Q0OJRTNZq-cHBsbW1JVjN1T0E/view?usp=sharing
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: RFS1972 on July 10, 2016, 10:26:04 PM
New member here.  I've been collecting Kem cards for a little while, as well as Copag, Cartamundi, Dal Negro, Fournier and a smattering of others.  Mainly 100% plastic cards as I used to deal poker and love to play.  My dining room has turned into a poker room with a sizable card display.  I took some pics of the Kem collection.  I'll list the names of the cards also since at times, I've had to search and dig to find them out.  Maybe this will help others out and if I am incorrect, I can get the real name!

(http://kem - picture1.jpg)

Picture 1
1.  Radiance
2.  Jacquard
3.  Panther
4.  Daisies
5.  Maple
6.  American Horses
7.  Cardinals
8.  Gamecocks (White)
9.  Gamecocks (Color)
10.  Mallard
11.  Duchess
12.  Shells of the Sea
13.  Scroll
14.  Club
15.  Carnations
16.  Spinnaker
17.  Casino Back
18.  Chrysanthemums
19.  Arrow
20.  Alpha

(http://kem - picture2.jpg)

Picture 2
1.  Seagull
2.  York
3.  Flamingo
4.  Flying Cloud
5.  Carousel
6.  Seville
7.  Clipper Ship
8.  Harvest
9.  Arabesque
10.  Jade
11.  Stargazer
12.  Blossoms
13.  Eagle
14.  Paisley
15.  Windrose
16.  Wisteria
17.  Fantasy
18.  Fawn
19.  Augusta National Golf Club
20.  Pantheon

(http://kem - picture3.jpg)

Picture 3
Left Box
1.  Kent
2.  Soverign
3.  Country Geese
4.  Sequence
5.  Florence
6.  Tall Ships
7.  Cameo
8.  Cameo Vine Border
9.  Crown
10.  Florentine
11.  Golf
Right Box
1.  Camellia
2.  Pharaoh
3.  Monaco
4.  Garland
5.  Pinochle
6.  Liberty Centennial
7.  Victorian

(http://kem - picture4.jpg)

Picture 4
Left Box
1.  WPT (Wide)
2.  Barnes & Nobles (Wide)
3.  Hummingbird
4.  Unicorn
5.  Millinium (I think these are fake - they are made of paper and use the Hemisphere art)
6.  Egret
7.  Old Glory
8.  Water Lily
9.  Dogwood
10.  Balloons
11.  Medallion (??  Guesing on a name here...maybe Mandala?)
Right Box
1.  Zodiac
2.  Equestrian
3.  Inlay
4.  Allhambra
5.  Roses
6.  Angels
7.  Bicentennial
8.  Decor
9.  Mosaic
10.  Athens
11.  Golf II

(http://kem - picture5.jpg)

Picture 5
1.  Liberty Centennial Clamshell
2.  Bicentennial Clamshell
3.  Carnation Clamshell
4.  Florence Miniature Set
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: RFS1972 on July 10, 2016, 10:27:32 PM
Continued from previous post...

Picture 6
1.  Hemisphere Clamshell
2.  AMEX Clamshell
3.  Tall Ships Clamshell
4.  Gamecocks Clamshell

The last two pictures are just of the card collection portion of the poker room (most of it anyway).
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Kruser on July 11, 2016, 08:54:34 AM
Hi RFS1972!

Nice collection!  ... I really like the displays you've created!

Kruser
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Chuqii on July 11, 2016, 05:21:55 PM
As a KEM collector, you should check out the highly informative "Before Bakelite" article in Card Culture from last year.

Only two decks I saw that was misnamed.  Zodiac should be Guiding Star, and Medallions should be Moon Flower
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: RFS1972 on July 11, 2016, 06:11:47 PM
Quote
"Hi RFS1972!

Nice collection!  ... I really like the displays you've created!

Kruser"

Thanks.  I use jewelry display cases with glass tops from Amazon to display them.  Inside the cases, I put each deck inside a clear plastic bridge-sized case, which you can pick up from makeplayingcards.com (their shipping charges are atrocious by the way).  All Kem original containers are cataloged and stored in the closet...lol.  All the other cards I store in wooden/leather boxes made for playing cards.  You can find those all over Ebay and Amazon.  A lot of the wooden boxes come from Poland and the leather ones from Italy.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: RFS1972 on July 11, 2016, 06:13:19 PM
As a KEM collector, you should check out the highly informative "Before Bakelite" article in Card Culture from last year.

Only two decks I saw that was misnamed.  Zodiac should be Guiding Star, and Medallions should be Moon Flower

Thanks - I'll look into finding copies of this Card Culture.  And thanks for the name corrections.  I've gotten so frustrated at times I am thinking of setting up a website just for the purpose of listing each card name and a picture for others who have the same problem!
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: lovenugget2003 on July 12, 2016, 08:24:09 AM
Continued from previous post...

Picture 6
1.  Hemisphere Clamshell
2.  AMEX Clamshell
3.  Tall Ships Clamshell
4.  Gamecocks Clamshell

The last two pictures are just of the card collection portion of the poker room (most of it anyway).


Those wooden playing card boxes are amazing.
Are they suitable for Bridge size card only?

Thanks for sharing.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: RFS1972 on July 12, 2016, 06:45:34 PM

Those wooden playing card boxes are amazing.
Are they suitable for Bridge size card only?

Thanks for sharing.
[/quote]

Thanks!  I actually started collecting the boxes before I started collecting Kem cards.  I had originally just intended to have a handful of 100% plastic cards to go with the room and I found the cool boxes.  That blew up to around 50 boxes and led into the Kem collection.

The ones from Poland and Italy are almost always large enough to hold Bridge and Poker sized cards.  There are three main styles.

This is what I call them, so here are the three main style.
1.  Flat Top - these are like a standard set box.  Two decks are cards laying flat side by side.
2.  Top Loader - these are like the old Kem cases.  Two decks on their side.
3.  Double-Decker - think of the Double Decker buses - Two decks laying flat on top of each other.

There are a few more vintage styles.  There are some from Japan that are like the Top Loader and Double-Decker, but they have little drawers with handles you can pull out.  Also a few Top Loaders where the top is more like a sleeve of wood that comes completely on and off.

I'd say about 95% of the ones I have can hold bridge and poker sized cards.  Most of my collection is bridge sized.  After a lot of these pictures were made, I put all the cards in clear plastic bridge-sized 54 card cases and those cases fit in the box, so I know poker sized cards would.

Bonus picture of my lammer box.
 
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: RFS1972 on July 12, 2016, 06:53:28 PM
Also, the second picture - the red box with the quad antique A's - those are poker-sized Da Vinci Persiano cards.  The flat top box with the busted heart Royal has bridge sized Copag Epoc cards in them.  Box of those are boxes from Poland.  Just wanted you to see that they will normally hold poker sized cards.

I've included a picture showing the protective cases I use and that they will normally fit in the box as well.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Don Boyer on July 14, 2016, 05:33:15 PM
As a KEM collector, you should check out the highly informative "Before Bakelite" article in Card Culture from last year.

Only two decks I saw that was misnamed.  Zodiac should be Guiding Star, and Medallions should be Moon Flower

Thanks - I'll look into finding copies of this Card Culture.  And thanks for the name corrections.  I've gotten so frustrated at times I am thinking of setting up a website just for the purpose of listing each card name and a picture for others who have the same problem!

CARD CULTURE is one of two periodicals published by the club that runs this forum, 52 Plus Joker.  You might notice some forum users have a "52 Plus Joker Member" badge on their ID.  It's a digital PDF-format monthly and Issue 20 comes out Friday - I'm the editor as well as the forum's administrator and VP/Dir. of Digital Media for the club.  The other magazine, Clear the Decks, is a print quarterly that's been in print for about thirty years now.  CTD focuses more on the antique market (older than 1930) while CC covers the vintage and modern markets more, though there's some overlap in each.

Joining 52+J is cheap, only $25/year, and the magazines alone are worth more than the cost of membership!  Check us out at 52plusjoker.org - and please excuse the out-of-date design.  We're looking for solutions to update and manage it more effectively - acquiring this forum over two years ago is part of that initiative.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Chuqii on August 02, 2016, 08:31:00 PM
Another antique decks I've come into lately.  Loving the Frog back.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Eddie Hughlett on August 03, 2016, 09:38:06 AM
The Frog Back is sooooo cool.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: lovenugget2003 on August 29, 2016, 08:55:10 AM

Those wooden playing card boxes are amazing.
Are they suitable for Bridge size card only?

Thanks for sharing.

Thanks!  I actually started collecting the boxes before I started collecting Kem cards.  I had originally just intended to have a handful of 100% plastic cards to go with the room and I found the cool boxes.  That blew up to around 50 boxes and led into the Kem collection.

The ones from Poland and Italy are almost always large enough to hold Bridge and Poker sized cards.  There are three main styles.

This is what I call them, so here are the three main style.
1.  Flat Top - these are like a standard set box.  Two decks are cards laying flat side by side.
2.  Top Loader - these are like the old Kem cases.  Two decks on their side.
3.  Double-Decker - think of the Double Decker buses - Two decks laying flat on top of each other.

There are a few more vintage styles.  There are some from Japan that are like the Top Loader and Double-Decker, but they have little drawers with handles you can pull out.  Also a few Top Loaders where the top is more like a sleeve of wood that comes completely on and off.

I'd say about 95% of the ones I have can hold bridge and poker sized cards.  Most of my collection is bridge sized.  After a lot of these pictures were made, I put all the cards in clear plastic bridge-sized 54 card cases and those cases fit in the box, so I know poker sized cards would.

Bonus picture of my lammer box.
[/quote]

They are awesome, and I'll focus on them on ebay soon.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: lovenugget2003 on August 29, 2016, 08:59:04 AM
Bee collection is one of my target
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Chuqii on September 01, 2016, 05:00:44 PM
Trophy Whist No. 39, Arabian back, with the new courts, c. 1895.  Really like this deck.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Don Boyer on September 07, 2016, 03:33:29 PM
Trophy Whist No. 39, Arabian back, with the new courts, c. 1895.  Really like this deck.

It's pretty cool.  Most decks of that era don't have such large, bold indices on them.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: lovenugget2003 on November 07, 2016, 09:41:21 PM
Lovely  casino cards, Jerry's Nugget Fiair Club, Sahara Tahoe and Rivera Hotel
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: akicer on December 07, 2016, 01:04:50 PM
OMG I was asking my friend where I could learn more about vintage cards... Ant here it is!!! You guys are awesome collectors!
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: lovenugget2003 on December 22, 2016, 09:21:27 PM
I've got something new....
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: MrVamp on January 10, 2017, 07:45:21 PM
I've got something new....

Very nice. I especially like your cellophane sealed Blue Ribbon and Aristocrat's with tax stamps.

Is it possible for you to take some pictures of those in isolation? I would love to see them!
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Chuqii on January 11, 2017, 05:30:35 PM
Here's a nice addition to my collection, an old Tourists deck with joker.  Anyone happen to have a name for the card back?  I've never seen it before.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Chuqii on January 23, 2017, 09:16:27 AM
Just received this Canteen deck.  Anyone out there seen a joker for this deck?  Hochman's doesn't have one, and neither does WWPCM, so I am curious.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Kruser on January 23, 2017, 06:05:04 PM
Wow! That Canteen deck is a great find - and looks like amazing condition too!

I recently lost out on an auction for the AS, which I'm sure was the same specimen shown in the WWPCM, so I don't think there are many floating around.  The way I read Hochmann, the editors had only ever seen one Canteen deck, and it was without a joker. 

... I wonder if yours is the deck they were talking about??

Cool stuff!

... I'm not jealous, though!  :-[

Kruser
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Chuqii on January 23, 2017, 11:55:08 PM
The lister had some Hochman info in the listing, so could be (but I doubt it). Neat deck though.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: skinny on February 05, 2017, 04:40:48 PM
I already had a red / blue pair (complete, opened) of High Finish Rider Backs, but I didn't think I'd ever have a brick of sealed decks! 6 red, 6 blue, perforated USPCC stamps.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: MrVamp on February 06, 2017, 02:16:37 AM
I already had a red / blue pair (complete, opened) of High Finish Rider Backs, but I didn't think I'd ever have a brick of sealed decks! 6 red, 6 blue, perforated USPCC stamps.

Wow. Very nice! How does High Finish feel in comparison to Air-Cushion Finish?
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: skinny on February 06, 2017, 10:52:51 AM
Wow. Very nice! How does High Finish feel in comparison to Air-Cushion Finish?
It's very smooth. Not a glossy, slippery smooth, but very smooth.

Air-Cushion Finish vs High Finish is much like comparing each side of a sheet of Masonite.
 
If I'm looking at reflected light down the length of the card, I don't see a "texture" per se, but you can see that the sheets went through the rollers lengthwise.

While you can't feel it at all, the cards suggest a wavy, one direction texture just as new corrugated cardboard might hint at the layer below the flat surface sheet. Make sense?

My 2 opened decks (G ace, 1 pack tax stamp, modern tuck, 1965) are in pretty good shape. I'm basing my observations from them. None of the decks in the brick box are opened.

- Edit to add keywords: High Finish Bicycle Rider Back playing cards brick -
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: MrVamp on February 12, 2017, 03:50:57 AM
Wow. Very nice! How does High Finish feel in comparison to Air-Cushion Finish?
It's very smooth. Not a glossy, slippery smooth, but very smooth.

Air-Cushion Finish vs High Finish is much like comparing each side of a sheet of Masonite.
 
If I'm looking at reflected light down the length of the card, I don't see a "texture" per se, but you can see that the sheets went through the rollers lengthwise.

While you can't feel it at all, the cards suggest a wavy, one direction texture just as new corrugated cardboard might hint at the layer below the flat surface sheet. Make sense?

My 2 opened decks (G ace, 1 pack tax stamp, modern tuck, 1965) are in pretty good shape. I'm basing my observations from them. None of the decks in the brick box are opened.

- Edit to add keywords: High Finish Bicycle Rider Back playing cards brick -

Interesting. Thanks for the elaboration :-)
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Chuqii on March 13, 2017, 11:45:48 PM
Here's a KEM white whales I've been on the lookout for - the original plastic case in wood grain finish. Only other one I'd seen was the one in the black and white ad.  Now I've got one (which is really exciting me, others, maybe not so much). Enjoy the pics.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: skinny on April 22, 2017, 01:00:03 PM
This is the only example I've seen of this box, so I had to have it.  Little Duke decks in near perfect tucks in a slide box.

Both are 52+J with matching back designs, although one deck has the early ace (1904), the other has the more recent ace (1909).
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: torcams on July 15, 2017, 06:40:35 PM
Congress #606 Geo back and a #404 lacquer back
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Chuqii on July 16, 2017, 09:24:18 PM
Very nice additions to your collection.  :D
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: torcams on July 20, 2017, 12:51:46 AM
Chuqii - I like your KEM decks!  I have only one from that maker - the 1939 NYWF edition.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: skinny on July 21, 2017, 08:27:33 PM
Here's another one I hadn't see before. Picked this up Bee Canasta recently.

Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Don Boyer on July 23, 2017, 01:43:08 AM
Here's another one I hadn't see before. Picked this up Bee Canasta recently.

Definitely an uncommon package - very nice.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: torcams on August 19, 2017, 05:47:10 PM
One of the last decks I needed for my souvenir collection - a really interesting one, as are most of the Tom Jones issues.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Chuqii on September 18, 2017, 06:08:18 PM
It's my first Treasury deck, and it has a GAR Encampment slipcase.  I did not know what GAR was until I looked it up.  The "Grand Army of the Republic" (GAR) was a fraternal organization composed of veterans of the Union Army (United States Army), Union Navy (U.S. Navy), Marines and the U.S. Revenue Cutter Service who served in the American Civil War for the Northern/Federal forces.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Chuqii on October 25, 2017, 05:33:00 PM
Interesting deck and box combo.  Obviously a Russell PCC deck based on Blue Ribbon ad card, but I've not seen this back, ace and joker associated with the Torpedo brand.  Box is from 1924-1929 based upon tax stamp.  Ace looks to be a generic variant of the RU38b "The Rouser" originally used by Kalamazoo for local market sales (per Hochman).  Anybody else seen this before?  And anyone know what kind of a bird that is on the joker?  I thought seagull, but I don't think seagulls hunt other birds.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Don Boyer on October 29, 2017, 12:54:24 AM
Interesting deck and box combo.  Obviously a Russell PCC deck based on Blue Ribbon ad card, but I've not seen this back, ace and joker associated with the Torpedo brand.  Box is from 1924-1929 based upon tax stamp.  Ace looks to be a generic variant of the RU38b "The Rouser" originally used by Kalamazoo for local market sales (per Hochman).  Anybody else seen this before?  And anyone know what kind of a bird that is on the joker?  I thought seagull, but I don't think seagulls hunt other birds.

I don't know about "back in the day," but in relatively recent times, the Torpedo brand was being used as a "catch-all" for left-over decks from other brands that they simply didn't have boxes for and that they wanted to get rid of cheaply and quickly, or so I've been told.  Eventually, before the brand was phased out, it was used only with Aviators, which at the time was probably the most inexpensive deck USPC offered.  There's a few other brands that fit this bill - Mohawk and Cavaran are two I can think of.  They were considered discount brands much like how we think today of 99-cent store decks or Mavericks, except what was considered acceptable quality then was probably a bit higher than what we find today...
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Daniel Wilson on October 30, 2017, 12:18:12 AM
And anyone know what kind of a bird that is on the joker?  I thought seagull, but I don't think seagulls hunt other birds.

Short beak and carrying prey in its talons suggests hawk, but I can't place it any closer than that.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Chuqii on October 30, 2017, 01:40:25 PM
thanks for the hawk info.  I was wondering if there might be any link between Torpedo name and bird of prey, since it does seem a bit macabre to have a big bird with its prey on a joker.  I'll see if anything turns up.

Update:  So far, I've just discovered that "Torpedo" was 1920s slang for a hit man.  Also, end of WWI and early 1920s were beginning of development of torpedoes delivered by air.  Oh, well.  Still a mystery

Update 2:  Turns out mines were originally called torpedoes.  Only later on did torpedo refer to exclusively powered water weapons.  Had to get the Pinochle deck box to go with.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Chuqii on November 08, 2017, 03:32:50 PM
My latest and oldest deck - Mauger Centennial.  Most similar to U19d and SX1, but this Ace of Spades has Spade indicators in the corners and the cards have no indices.  Deck back is the same as I've seen on  the Centennial deck reproduction.  Ace - 9 show lots of wear, 2-8 are much cleaner as you can see in the two backs.  Super excited to add this to my collection.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: torcams on November 22, 2017, 01:47:34 PM
Congrats on the Centennial deck!
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Chuqii on November 28, 2017, 07:55:26 PM
Thank you very much.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Chuqii on January 23, 2018, 01:11:24 PM
And here are some early R&M Steamboats with the two-color courts.  No joker, though.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: lovenugget2003 on August 31, 2018, 12:11:07 AM
Green star back Steamboat
very hard to find sealed Steamboat cards
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Chuqii on October 22, 2018, 01:04:27 PM
This is now the oldest deck I own, M. Nelson Love Scenes deck, c1864.  Per Hochman, these were the fifth series of cards from M. Nelson, and are described as "Love Scenes, designs from French Artists".  Zoom in to check them out.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: tobyedwards on October 23, 2018, 01:57:58 PM
This is a very attractive deck. Thank you for sharing it with us on this site.
You make mention of Love Scenes as being the fifth in a series of 8 issued by Mortimer Nelson, therefore, I am taking the liberty of posting a photo of a partial wrapper from another of his decks that clearly indicates what the subjects of these 8 decks are and confirming that, indeed, your deck is the fifth in this series. It may be nearly impossible to see in the photo, and it is even hard to see on the wrapper itself, but the middle section of the wrapper between the portrait of General Polk on the left panel and the verbiage on the right panel reads "Picture Playing Cards". The small print at the bottom of the right panel states "Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1863, by M. Nelson, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the Southern District of N. York."
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: torcams on October 28, 2018, 04:38:12 PM
I love the lacquer backs from the late 1800s to the early 1900s.  The orange and silver color on this set is stunning - it may be my favorite deck of its type in my collection.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Don Boyer on October 29, 2018, 02:45:58 AM
I love the lacquer backs from the late 1800s to the early 1900s.  The orange and silver color on this set is stunning - it may be my favorite deck of its type in my collection.

I agree, it's a really stunning look.  I wonder why people aren't making decks like this today?
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: torcams on November 10, 2018, 12:14:42 PM
Lacquer back with Frogs!
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: torcams on November 10, 2018, 12:30:46 PM
National Card Co. Lenox #67 lacquer back - Sunset with original wrapper.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: torcams on November 10, 2018, 12:45:07 PM
Early Congress Geo back with the earliest (?) Ace of Spades.  No trace of gold edging anywhere, so I believe it to be a #404, but it could be wear.  Box is likely not correct.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: torcams on November 10, 2018, 03:06:35 PM
Switching gears, this is probably my (close) second favorite narrow Coca-Cola advertising deck.  I believe it was only offered as a double deck and was manufactured by the International Playing Card Co., USPCC's Canadian branch.  Late 30s era.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Chuqii on November 11, 2018, 11:24:53 AM
Those lacquer backs are all awesome.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: tobyedwards on December 04, 2018, 02:34:07 PM
I thought I would share one of my favorite decks with everyone on this site. Although it is a standard deck, it ranks among the top 5 in my collection for the following reasons.
It is an early example of Hochman NU19 National Club # 75 circa 1890, but what makes it so special to me is that it has the original "Skull & Cross-bones" back design which I have never seen or heard of anywhere else, however, if someone out there does have another original example using this back design, regardless of the brand, I would love to see and hear about it.
I am showing a picture of a page from a USPC sample book from 1898 that shows the name of this back design as being available under the National Apollo brand but this very same back design is not shown in this book under the National Club brand.
The second picture shows the original box that this deck came in and another similar original box for this same brand. This style of box was also originally used by National for their top of the line Bijou # 1 brand. The somewhat larger blue box houses this deck and has a pebbled surface. It also mentions The National Card Co. which is not shown on the smaller red box, which I believe to be later, although it houses another example of National Club # 75 but with a red back called "Ideal". Both decks have plain edges.
The third picture shows the Ace of Spades, the outstanding original back design and the wonderful accompanying joker for this brand.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: torcams on December 04, 2018, 10:59:25 PM
Outstanding, thanks for sharing Toby.  I've always wondered what an original deck of this back design looked like.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: torcams on December 23, 2018, 02:06:00 PM
Another lacquer back - can't get enough of these!  Dundreary joker with flesh tones.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: tobyedwards on January 04, 2019, 01:58:31 PM
In reference to Matt's earlier posting of his Congress lacquer back deck featuring the frogs, I thought I would share what I believe to be a later variation of this back design that comes with one of the named jokers replacing Lord Dundreary. The later version has a different arrangement of the cattails together with a different background of birds and stars.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: torcams on January 05, 2019, 12:37:25 AM
Great to see the named Joker and I love that orange back!
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: tobyedwards on January 27, 2019, 03:21:55 PM
In keeping with the latest currently running theme of Japanese Lacquer Backs, I thought I would contribute an example of the Congress Starlight back and what may be considered a variation issued by Dougherty under his Oriental # 91 brand (coincidence?) both issued circa 1885.
The first photo shows the US6a Congress Ace of Spades, the original Starlight back design and the early flesh-toned version of the Dundreary joker without the US symbol in the corners.
The second photo shows the front of the Dougherty original box for his Oriental # 91 brand.
The third photo shows the AD15 Indicator Ace of Spades, what I believe to be Dougherty's interpretation of the Starlight back design and one of the accompanying jokers associated with this brand as shown in Chapter 6 of the Hochman encyclopedia.
Prior to discovering this back design by Dougherty, I could only recall these lacquer backs having been issued by USPC, National, Perfection and Goodall in England. If anyone viewing this can contribute more information in this regard, I would appreciate your posting it here.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: torcams on February 01, 2019, 10:22:46 PM
Toby,

A quick look on WWPCM yields this picture of a beautiful butterfly back with a similar theme.  It is under the indicator brand with the same Joker as yours.  Not sure if it is Oriental 91 or not.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Chuqii on February 11, 2019, 10:05:23 AM
To continue with my questions about the bird of prey joker in the Torpedo deck above, I have now found out that the bird of prey joker carried over from Kalamazoo Playing Card Co.  Here's a Eureka box with I assume Kalamazoo Eureka cards inside (hard to be 100% sure since no back design on the box) that has the bird of prey joker.  Still don't know what kind of bird or why they used it for a Eureka deck.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: tobyedwards on February 12, 2019, 01:52:01 PM
Briefly returning to the subject of lacquer backs and in response to Matt's picture of the Dougherty butterfly back, here is USPC's Congress version of their Butterfly lacquer back with named joker for comparison.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: tobyedwards on February 12, 2019, 10:58:23 PM
I thought I would provide an answer to the "bird of prey" question that was posed earlier, by posting the following picture of a Kalamazoo original box that has the same depiction on it as the frequently found joker. This Hawk brand name only appears on the box and comes with the unusual brand number of 0000.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Chuqii on February 19, 2019, 04:20:30 PM
Thanks for sharing!
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Chuqii on May 06, 2019, 06:14:11 PM
This is one I've been wanting for a long time:  my first Willis W. Russell  deck, and it is a beauty.  Great "Saber" back design, excellent condition, gilded, long-distance pips, box and joker.  This one has it all.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: torcams on June 18, 2019, 11:22:27 PM
cool deck Chuqii
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Chuqii on July 16, 2019, 04:49:37 PM
1927 Bicycle Eagle back, 52/52, no joker, no box - I didn't realize these were so scarce, but now I am glad I have one.  Really nice back design.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Dufus on July 28, 2019, 01:25:59 PM
I love the lacquer backs from the late 1800s to the early 1900s.

I love the lacquer backs as well. 
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: torcams on August 14, 2019, 10:33:18 PM
I love the lacquer backs from the late 1800s to the early 1900s.

I love the lacquer backs as well.

Beauties -  I love these!
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: torcams on August 17, 2019, 07:32:50 PM
Congress 606 Chameleon - really liking this deck with its special named Joker.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Dufus on August 18, 2019, 10:33:19 PM
very nice.   interesting box, backs, joker.....all around nice deck.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Chuqii on August 23, 2019, 05:05:54 PM
These came in the mail yesterday ..... :D
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: CBJ on August 23, 2019, 11:53:49 PM
Holy sh**!
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: torcams on August 24, 2019, 06:43:27 PM
nice decks, wow!
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Dufus on August 26, 2019, 08:50:38 PM
very nice 808s
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Calvingrace on September 30, 2019, 06:35:08 AM
My Tahoe collection. All 3 vintage generations of Tahoe's. All foil sealed :)  :D
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Don Boyer on September 30, 2019, 06:37:23 AM
My Tahoe collection. All 3 vintage generations of Tahoe's. All foil sealed :)  :D

Very cool.  Are they in a Carat Case?  Looks nice.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Calvingrace on September 30, 2019, 06:38:51 AM
My Arrco Tahoe collection. Generations 1, 2, and 3 all foil sealed  :D
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Calvingrace on September 30, 2019, 06:41:07 AM
Yes they're in a 3 deck carat case.. sorry I just made my account and I have no idea what I'm doing..
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: NCC1888 on November 01, 2019, 11:01:49 AM
I've only been collecting for 2 years and like others went different directions until I decided which direction to go. Obviously it's National. I was lucky enough to win this beauty at the Convention this year.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: NCC1888 on November 01, 2019, 11:18:00 AM
A favorite deck of mine is worth only a few dollars. But I received it from a lady (Annarae Tong) that as a young girl was a POW in the Phillipines. Her family were missionaries captured by the Japanese. After being liberated and placed on a ship to the U. S. she was given these cards to play with by a Coast Guard man. His friend was a Pharmacist Mate that took care of her sister. His name was Byron E. Barr. This man was known in Hollywood as Gig Young. I have a signed letter from her with the history of the deck. Later she even reunited with the POW Camp Commander.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: torcams on November 03, 2019, 01:12:34 PM
That Crescent deck is amazing.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Chuqii on November 20, 2019, 06:38:17 PM
Got my first Junior No. 21 decks.  No boxes or jokers, but you've got to start somewhere.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: torcams on December 12, 2019, 11:48:12 PM
Got my first Junior No. 21 decks.  No boxes or jokers, but you've got to start somewhere.
That is a great looking Ace of Spades!
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Don Boyer on December 17, 2019, 06:18:52 AM
Got my first Junior No. 21 decks.  No boxes or jokers, but you've got to start somewhere.
That is a great looking Ace of Spades!

The old-school aces do tend to be pretty awesome.  Some vintage-inspired decks have done a nice job of replicating them.  One of my favorites in that category would be the Bicycle Gold Seal New Fan Back by Zenneth Kok - he did them in black and white.  They're getting a bit more scarce these days but they're still out there if you look.  Amazon has the black ones, while the white are much more rare (only 1,000 were made, if I recall).  Coterie1902.com has a deal for the pair - spend $100 at their site and you can buy both for $25.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: freihaut on March 19, 2020, 05:06:20 AM
Wow some amazing cards. I've recently become interested in vintage Kems and was hoping someone might have an answer to this question.

After a new set of Kem cards I bought degraded to an unusable condition after 3 months, simply sitting in their case under my coffee table in an Australian summer I started looking for older ones from the original company. I bought a nice 845 bridge size double set in the upright, presumably Bakelite, case and an unopened poker size 1082 deck in the soft plastic case. My question is when did Kem start making poker size cards and were they ever made back in the Bakelite day as the very old decks all seem to be bridge size.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Chuqii on March 19, 2020, 03:21:09 PM
That is a great question, to which I do not have an answer.  What I believe is the earliest KEM poker size deck that I have has a very strange date code on the Ace of Spades:  K125116  It is also the only deck I have seen with a regular style tuck box.  From the style of the tuck box I'd guess 1970s.  My other poker size KEMs are from 1986 and 1987 in the single vinyl cases.

There is a reference to a "Poker" deck in a 1940 catalog, but I've never actually seen one, and I don't know if it was poker sized.

Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: RFS1972 on March 19, 2020, 03:47:40 PM
I believe the one labeled as a "Poker" deck actually says Poker on the card back and is the name of the deck.  In all cases I have seen Kem list their poker-sized cards as "Wide" and not "poker-sized".  Here is the one that I have that is named "Poker", which, ironically, is bridge-sized.

(http://[url=https://imgur.com/gallery/8YvaBxA]https://imgur.com/gallery/8YvaBxA[/url])

As for Wide size, I have never seen anything earlier than the ones that arrive in the vinyl cases.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Chuqii on March 20, 2020, 12:36:33 AM
I can?t pull up the actual magazine, but a google books search turned up a 1967 reference to wide size KEMs.  Here?s the screenshot:
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Don Boyer on March 23, 2020, 03:38:01 AM
Wow some amazing cards. I've recently become interested in vintage Kems and was hoping someone might have an answer to this question.

After a new set of Kem cards I bought degraded to an unusable condition after 3 months, simply sitting in their case under my coffee table in an Australian summer I started looking for older ones from the original company. I bought a nice 845 bridge size double set in the upright, presumably Bakelite, case and an unopened poker size 1082 deck in the soft plastic case. My question is when did Kem start making poker size cards and were they ever made back in the Bakelite day as the very old decks all seem to be bridge size.

Yeah, plastic and heat don't get along together...  Always store in a cool, dry place!

Have you tried washing them?  It might revive them, assuming they didn't just turn into a puddle in the box.

That is a great question, to which I do not have an answer.  What I believe is the earliest KEM poker size deck that I have has a very strange date code on the Ace of Spades:  K125116  It is also the only deck I have seen with a regular style tuck box.  From the style of the tuck box I'd guess 1970s.  My other poker size KEMs are from 1986 and 1987 in the single vinyl cases.

There is a reference to a "Poker" deck in a 1940 catalog, but I've never actually seen one, and I don't know if it was poker sized.



That is a kick-ass find!  I've never seen Kems in a paper box like that.  I would even wager to guess, based on the box design, that it could even be from circa 1960s.  Is there any ZIP codes mentioned anywhere on the cards or the tuck?  That would definitely date it to 1965 or later.  Without ZIP codes, it's more likely (though still not a guarantee) that they were pre-1965.

I believe the one labeled as a "Poker" deck actually says Poker on the card back and is the name of the deck.  In all cases I have seen Kem list their poker-sized cards as "Wide" and not "poker-sized".  Here is the one that I have that is named "Poker", which, ironically, is bridge-sized.

As for Wide size, I have never seen anything earlier than the ones that arrive in the vinyl cases.

It is very ironic, but less so these days.  More poker players (and casinos) use plastic decks in bridge size than poker size, since the popularity of Texas Hold 'Em exploded.  It's easier to hide the narrow cards under your hand when peeking at the indices from the table.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Chuqii on April 08, 2020, 01:54:22 PM
These are gorgeous.  National Card Co. El Dorado No. 49 decks.  Cards are gilded, gold backs.  Awesome tuck boxes.

Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Don Boyer on April 29, 2020, 06:34:09 AM
These are gorgeous.  National Card Co. El Dorado No. 49 decks.  Cards are gilded, gold backs.  Awesome tuck boxes.

Man, they used to make some lovely boxes back then...
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Chuqii on May 19, 2020, 02:00:23 PM
Here's US60 Scout #108, also posted in Hochman Updates section.



Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: kack on August 25, 2020, 10:28:58 AM
I finally decided to open this deck. It feels so nice, the pictures are great and the gold gilt is premium.
My guess is these are from Japan as all of the cards have a picture of a Japanese city.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Don Boyer on August 29, 2020, 06:59:10 AM
I finally decided to open this deck. It feels so nice, the pictures are great and the gold gilt is premium.
My guess is these are from Japan as all of the cards have a picture of a Japanese city.

That would be my guess as well.  There's two strong contenders for who made the deck - either Nintendo (yes, they still make playing cards, it's how they got their start) or Angel Playing Cards.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Chuqii on October 12, 2020, 03:30:55 PM
Got these in last week.  One of my favorite sets of court cards.  Hart's French Whist No. 68 with box and joker.

Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: torcams on October 19, 2020, 09:46:45 PM
nice Clay!
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: tobyedwards on October 26, 2020, 02:08:34 PM
Harkening back to earlier posts pertaining to the Congress lacquer backs featuring the Dundreary jokers prior to the advent of named jokers, I thought I would share an image from a tobacco advertising envelope which shows this particular gentleman in reference to a brand of cigars bearing both his name and likeness. One would have thought that this noble personage would be better suited to a higher grade cigar than just a five cent variety but at least we can see that he was worthy of greater representation than just the joker from a deck of Congress playing cards. I do not know if this particular brand of cigar also had an advertising deck of cards issued, as was the case with so many other stars of the day, but I continue to be on the lookout for one and I will be sure to share it with the viewers of this website if that lucky day ever arrives.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: NCC1888 on November 01, 2020, 04:25:24 PM
This label may be for the same brand.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: torcams on November 02, 2020, 06:43:02 PM
Toby and Dave - WOW - those are a great ad and label!
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: JohnEdelson on December 17, 2020, 04:59:43 AM
I have a question about the joker shown by CHESS from his Uncle Sam deck pictured above. It was from the late 1800s by Standard Playing Cards of Chicago.

I have a few versions of this joker.

The image is of a good imp capturing some sort of evil creature in a box and exclaiming:
I have got Him!


I am convinced there must have been a folktale or myth popular back then which this illustrates. Anybody know?
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: excelsior on September 25, 2021, 02:20:25 PM
woooooowww !!!!  :D

There are some gold pieces here !

Love it !

Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Chuqii on November 01, 2022, 05:22:59 PM
Check out this beauty.  c1920 Bee Back No. 67 brick box with 11 sealed Class A tax stamp decks and 1 open.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: torcams on December 22, 2022, 04:53:31 PM
Finally came across an example of this great Congress deck earlier this year.  "Fortuna" c1908.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: torcams on February 02, 2023, 11:51:26 PM
Another lucky find in the Congress category - the scarcely seen 1903 variant of "Yacht".  Not great condition, but you take what you can find!  The box indicates that this was originally sold at a Boots stationers in England.
Title: Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
Post by: Don Boyer on April 19, 2023, 02:15:57 AM
Another lucky find in the Congress category - the scarcely seen 1903 variant of "Yacht".  Not great condition, but you take what you can find!  The box indicates that this was originally sold at a Boots stationers in England.

Considering the deck is about 120 years old, I'd say it's in excellent shape.  Any creased or torn cards, or did you really luck out and find an undamaged deck?