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A Cellar of Fine Vintages / Re: Kling Magnetic Playing Cards
« on: January 16, 2015, 01:56:49 PM »
Thanks! Good idea.
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A Cellar of Fine Vintages / Re: Kling Magnetic Playing Cards
« on: January 16, 2015, 09:30:21 AM »
That is the kind of detective work I have come to expect from you Don! Good work.
As an aside, last weekend my step-son (Taylor) had a sleep over for his 12th birthday. One of the other kids taught him how to throw playing cards and he was instantly addicted. I told him that Chris Ferguson could cut a banana in half with a thrown card, so he has a goal. I realize that in roughly 99.99% of households, throwing playing cards can be a fun activity that doesn't result in wild fluctuations in Net Worth. As for the members here, I'm sure you have at least a few decks you'd prefer not see repurposed into projectiles...
Yesterday afternoon I come home with this magnetic deck, showed it to Taylor, and before I could stop him, King of Hearts is flying across the room. My wife, who was was a disinterested 3rd party in the matter, did a good job of keeping the peace and restoring my blood pressure to something on the high end of normal. The King seems to have come through the incident unscathed, as did Taylor, but it was a near thing. I didn't have illusions that this was a particularly valuable deck, but I did, in a somewhat raised voice, declare Executive Proclamation #619, which states: If playing cards must be thrown, members of our family are strongly encouraged to toss only cards manufactured in their year of birth or after.
Based on the dating system above, it looks like this deck enjoyed a peaceful existence for roughly 50 years, ended within hours of my purchasing it.
As an aside, last weekend my step-son (Taylor) had a sleep over for his 12th birthday. One of the other kids taught him how to throw playing cards and he was instantly addicted. I told him that Chris Ferguson could cut a banana in half with a thrown card, so he has a goal. I realize that in roughly 99.99% of households, throwing playing cards can be a fun activity that doesn't result in wild fluctuations in Net Worth. As for the members here, I'm sure you have at least a few decks you'd prefer not see repurposed into projectiles...
Yesterday afternoon I come home with this magnetic deck, showed it to Taylor, and before I could stop him, King of Hearts is flying across the room. My wife, who was was a disinterested 3rd party in the matter, did a good job of keeping the peace and restoring my blood pressure to something on the high end of normal. The King seems to have come through the incident unscathed, as did Taylor, but it was a near thing. I didn't have illusions that this was a particularly valuable deck, but I did, in a somewhat raised voice, declare Executive Proclamation #619, which states: If playing cards must be thrown, members of our family are strongly encouraged to toss only cards manufactured in their year of birth or after.
Based on the dating system above, it looks like this deck enjoyed a peaceful existence for roughly 50 years, ended within hours of my purchasing it.
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A Cellar of Fine Vintages / Kling Magnetic Playing Cards
« on: January 15, 2015, 03:24:14 PM »
Estate sale find for $5. 52+ two jokers, excellent condition and quite heavy. Pictured below on the magnetic board. Looks like a gimmick that just didn't quite catch on, although the cards feel pretty good in the hand, and might be fun to develop some tricks with.
I would guess they are from the 1950's. Am I way off? Do you see this deck very often?
I would guess they are from the 1950's. Am I way off? Do you see this deck very often?
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A Cellar of Fine Vintages / POTTER & POTTER AUCTION
« on: July 02, 2014, 08:11:37 PM »
Anything go crazy high or crazy low? Interesting items or occurrences?
TIA
TIA
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A Cellar of Fine Vintages / Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
« 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!
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A Cellar of Fine Vintages / Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
« 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.
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A Cellar of Fine Vintages / Re: Post Your Vintage Collection - Your Newest & Most Prized Acquisitions
« 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.
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A Cellar of Fine Vintages / Re: Bicycle #500 with 11, 12 & 13 pip cards?!
« on: April 28, 2014, 10:32:13 AM »I've got a 500 deck myself somewhere around here, though I'm unable to lay my hands on it
at the moment. When I find it, I'll see if it has a different back design than Mr. Ratledge's.
I have a few of these decks, but I believe mine have the swastika back design. I too will have to check when I get home. I've always loved that joker.
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A Cellar of Fine Vintages / Re: Black Pack Playing Cards - Fournier circa 1980's
« on: March 28, 2014, 12:49:07 PM »
Interesting. Thanks for posting.
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A Cellar of Fine Vintages / Re: 1800's A DOUGHERTY Playing Cards AS ISSUED RARE Hochman
« on: March 24, 2014, 01:59:51 PM »
The decks arrived over the weekend. They are exactly as pictured. If anyone wants one for $62.50, I'll ship it to you. Or maybe it would be more fun to arrange a trade...
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A Cellar of Fine Vintages / Re: 1800's A DOUGHERTY Playing Cards AS ISSUED RARE Hochman
« on: March 19, 2014, 03:51:27 PM »
Hammer dropped! $125
Assuming it's legit, I have an extra Tally-Ho deck for sale. I won't accept a penny over $62.50. First person to PM wins!
Assuming it's legit, I have an extra Tally-Ho deck for sale. I won't accept a penny over $62.50. First person to PM wins!
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A Cellar of Fine Vintages / Re: 1800's A DOUGHERTY Playing Cards AS ISSUED RARE Hochman
« on: March 19, 2014, 03:07:23 PM »
I offered him $100 for both decks. He countered with $150. Do any of you want one of the decks for $75?
If you want both of them, make him an offer of $150 and he'll accept it. If you want one, shoot me a PM and I'll complete the transaction and forward you one of the decks.
If you want both of them, make him an offer of $150 and he'll accept it. If you want one, shoot me a PM and I'll complete the transaction and forward you one of the decks.
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A Cellar of Fine Vintages / Re: Ask the Experts at 52 Plus Joker
« on: March 14, 2014, 06:36:37 PM »
Here is something I've been meaning to ask about. Playing cards for Dominos. Copyright 1908 by USPCC. Two decks of double 9's in a leather case. I tried to picture a representative sample, it's just likea set of Dominos, but in playing card format...
Not much artwork as there are no court cards. I tried to do some Internet research but never hit on the right keywords to yield much. So, how often do you see something like this? Any thoughts about the back?
Frankly, any information at all would be appreciated.
Not much artwork as there are no court cards. I tried to do some Internet research but never hit on the right keywords to yield much. So, how often do you see something like this? Any thoughts about the back?
Frankly, any information at all would be appreciated.
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A Cellar of Fine Vintages / Re: White Whale -- Moby Deck
« on: March 07, 2014, 02:03:17 PM »This was posted in plethora, but I was interested in knowing if there was a deck you have scoured the earth for. A "must have" deck of cards that has to date eluded you?
I think you can add this to my list: Vintage Box of Bicycle Gold Edge Playing Cards No. 808x Ivory Finish
I would've never dreamed that deck would go for $1,000+ ! http://www.ebay.com/itm/251463322487?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
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A Cellar of Fine Vintages / Re: Wild Bill Hickok Deck?
« on: March 06, 2014, 04:17:10 PM »You have a pretty sharp set of authentic props for the display. We may never have hard evidence of the exact deck used and the exact cards held, but what the museum (and you) have presented are at least plausible.
Thank you, but none of that stuff is mine. Heck, after today, I don't even own the cards. That pistol was manufactured in 1881, clearly after Wild Bills' death, but I don't think Charlie is even pretending to be authentic. Rather his display is "in the style of" and I think that deck of cards is perfect and will really tie it all together.
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A Cellar of Fine Vintages / Re: Wild Bill Hickok Deck?
« on: March 06, 2014, 03:15:35 PM »I just heard back from the Adams Musemum in Deadwood. They sent me photos of the back and the front of the 8 of hearts.
Back:
Front:
Clearly these are not Squeezers. So does anyone recognize the back pattern? Do they date to 1876?
Upon reviewing this thread, I realize that I probably quoted the wrong post when talking about rounded corners. The 8H picture that the museum provided has a very similar back to my Samuel Hart Deck, but mine has perfectly square corners.
I have a friend who wanted to make a Wild Bill Display and this thread reminded me that he needed a deck of cards to commemorate how he was killed. I went over today to present him with a deck. Below is the deck, pictured with a Colt 4440 and holster. The knife I believe is also period.
I believe we reproduced the hand exactly as it was described by the museum. Check it out:
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A Cellar of Fine Vintages / Re: It's a Little Off-Subject for This Board, But...
« on: March 06, 2014, 10:52:20 AM »I don't know If I can make anyone here drool Don, but we'll try, lol
...just a few to get things going
Wait a minute...? Go post these in the Plethora topic - we can save this topic for the posting of vintage BEST OF THE BEST decks to make the modern collectors drool! Please?
I like DarkDerp's idea! All you vintage collectors, come out and show us your most spectacular examples of playing card artistry and design. Please add PHOTOS! I'm sure you have many knock-your-socks-off decks to show your fellow collectors!
I shouldn't be in this thread, but I will do my best!
My submission is an 1876 A. Dougherty Triplicate in mint condition. This is a timely selection as you can currently purchase high quality replicas of the deck via kickstarter. In fact, rather than do a write-up on the history of this deck, which most of you probably already know, I'll just copy/paste from the kickstarter page and then add pictures of my deck:
The Triplicate No.18 deck was the first of its kind. Andrew Dougherty was granted a U.S. Patent for the Triplicate feature which was a miniature card placed in the top left and bottom right corners. It was a revolution in the way cards could be held and viewed. The decorative ace of spades and the wrapper for the first No.18 Triplicate deck showed a fanned hand of cards with the triplicate miniature indices viewable on each card.
I don't think this particular deck is exceptionally rare, I see it pop up for sale all along, but I don't think I've ever seen one as nice as mine. It has literally never been shuffled. It's also kind of funny how I came to own it. My uncle had it and knew I wanted it but for a long time we couldn't agree on a price. We finally decided to flip a coin. Tails I bought the deck for $100 and heads I bought it for $1000. Tails never fails.
I was lucky as Tom told me years ago that $100 was a pretty good deal and $1000 would have been a very bad deal.
If you want your very own copy, I believe there is one in the current 52+J auction. Or head over to kickstarter and get a replica:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1500444958/1876-adougherty-triplicate-playing-cards-restorati
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A Cellar of Fine Vintages / Re: Vannini Pocker Deck
« on: March 06, 2014, 09:36:37 AM »
That's not my site. It looks to be the same page I linked in my original post.
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A Cellar of Fine Vintages / Re: Vannini Pocker Deck
« on: March 06, 2014, 12:34:55 AM »
According to the website i linked, there is some discrepancy about who actually produced the artwork for the deck. To my eye, it look to be signed "Hague", but no such person is known to have produced other playing card art.
With the war ending, a new government being formed, and a rush to get the deck produced, i doubt anyone ever applied for a copyright, but I'm certainly no expert.
And to Daniel, the deck was purchased at auction in central Pennsylvania. No clue how it got there, or the lineage of the deck. No conection to my family, but I'll never forget the convo I had with the veteran.
As i typed this, a name popped in my head. Stanley Wylowski. I think that is the man i spoke to, with a misspelled last name. Will research...
EDIT: almost! His name is Stanley Vomacka, and you can read about him here: http://www.redbullrising.com/2011/09/association-celebrates-red-bull-history.html
He was still alive a couple years ago.
With the war ending, a new government being formed, and a rush to get the deck produced, i doubt anyone ever applied for a copyright, but I'm certainly no expert.
And to Daniel, the deck was purchased at auction in central Pennsylvania. No clue how it got there, or the lineage of the deck. No conection to my family, but I'll never forget the convo I had with the veteran.
As i typed this, a name popped in my head. Stanley Wylowski. I think that is the man i spoke to, with a misspelled last name. Will research...
EDIT: almost! His name is Stanley Vomacka, and you can read about him here: http://www.redbullrising.com/2011/09/association-celebrates-red-bull-history.html
He was still alive a couple years ago.
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A Cellar of Fine Vintages / Re: Vannini Pocker Deck
« on: March 05, 2014, 12:23:04 PM »Astonishing... Was it a common occurrence for military units in World War II (or other conflicts) to have custom decks of cards created for them? I've seen a few pop up here and there online.
This is real history. Amazing.
I'm embarrassed to say this, but a few years ago I actually did some research on 34th infantry, tracked down a survivor, and gave him a call. Obviously he was very old but his voice was strong and memory was great. This gentleman was wounded in battle, laid bleeding (nearly) to death on the battlefield for almost 24 hours, and only survived by a miracle. As you would expect, the conversation never shifted to playing cards...
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A Cellar of Fine Vintages / Vannini Pocker Deck
« on: March 05, 2014, 12:07:24 PM »
Today I will share a deck from my collection that you might not have seen too many times. It has an interesting history and a great art deco look. It was apparently featured in a book on Art Deco playing cards by Uwe Volker Segeth, but I don't have a copy of the book. If you do, perhaps you could share some additional information. Almost everything I know about this deck I learned here: http://www.dxpo-playingcards.com/xpo/deck-month/pages/deck-10-12.htm
The deck was a special edition for the 5th US Army, made in 1945 by Vannini from Florence, Italy. On the back design there's a red bull skull, which can also be found on one of the jokers. This skull refers to the 34th "Red Bull" Infantry Division, which was only one of the Divisions of the 5th US Army. The liberation of Florence came on August 4, 1944. But the war in the whole of Italy officially ended on May 2, 1945, when the last German troops surrendered and the Division had reached the French border.
As you can see in the pictures below, the court cards are fantastic! Even better, one of the jokers features Hitler and Mussolini waving the white flag of surrender. Check them out:
EDIT: I forgot to mention the period writing on my decks' blank card- helps date the deck...
The deck was a special edition for the 5th US Army, made in 1945 by Vannini from Florence, Italy. On the back design there's a red bull skull, which can also be found on one of the jokers. This skull refers to the 34th "Red Bull" Infantry Division, which was only one of the Divisions of the 5th US Army. The liberation of Florence came on August 4, 1944. But the war in the whole of Italy officially ended on May 2, 1945, when the last German troops surrendered and the Division had reached the French border.
As you can see in the pictures below, the court cards are fantastic! Even better, one of the jokers features Hitler and Mussolini waving the white flag of surrender. Check them out:
EDIT: I forgot to mention the period writing on my decks' blank card- helps date the deck...
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A Cellar of Fine Vintages / Re: Wild Bill Hickok Deck?
« on: March 03, 2014, 10:57:12 PM »I tried to do some digging (not that I'm an expert in vintage things) and found this.
Got the image from this site: http://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/1008941
It looked like Samuel Hart to me too, but those rounded corners?
Rounded? More likely just worn. They don't look terribly rounded.
For all we know, these could even be reprint cards - didn't someone release a Hart deck reprint at some time? Since the museum was incorrect on what deck these came from, I wouldn't consider it impossible that they'd be incorrect about these being the actual cards handled by Will Bill in his last-ever poker hand.
I checked the replica decks offered bu US Games Systems - no match. The models they offer are reprints of a Dougherty deck and an L.I. Cohen deck, with the originals having been printed during the Civil War, over a decade before WIll Bill's death.
I would say that it's possible that the cards are authentic playing cards of the era, but the likelihood of them being the precise cards held in that infamous game are pretty slim.
Yeah, I think you're right. The wear is fairly uniform, but probably wear.
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A Cellar of Fine Vintages / Re: Wild Bill Hickok Deck?
« on: March 01, 2014, 12:24:06 AM »I tried to do some digging (not that I'm an expert in vintage things) and found this.
Got the image from this site: http://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/1008941
It looked like Samuel Hart to me too, but those rounded corners?
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A Cellar of Fine Vintages / Re: Playing Card Auction - January to March 2014
« on: February 28, 2014, 10:14:23 AM »
How did I miss this thread until now??? Thanks for bumping!
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