That deck looks like it dates back from the 1800s... because of the way the court cards look and the lack of indexes, and the material of the cards as well as the "Cromwell" written on them. JMO.
Thanks NathanCanadas. Does the Cromwell link to anything in particular for you? I agree it looks like 1800s. I have spent some time trying to find the origin of these, even consulted with a collector and dealer of old cards. He could not tell me anything but offered to buy them, perhaps knew more than he let on?
@Dazzleguts, I don't use card clips, but I really like your clips
Thanks digipunk! I used one of the white ones to flatten a slight warp in the Trophy Whist deck shown above. It took several weeks, but it worked.
@Dazzleguts,
How do you know they're vintage card clips? They look pretty new to me...
Yes, they are in great shape aren't they? The brown one does have wear but it doesn't show on the dark surface, more in the fading of the gold lines. The white ones have some wear inside. I found these at a local thrift store, and one of the white ones had an early 1900s deck in it. I don't think they are from as early a time as that deck is, but from the leather book jacket style, and the fact that they are made to hold a pack of cards without the box, I guess them to be at least as old as 1960s/70s, probably older. They are metal but are surfaced with a very thin but tough leather look paper, like a hot press paper. The craftsmanship is also very good.
Does anyone here know the history of card clips? There doesn't seem to be anything online. Did USPCC make any in years past?