White Whale -- Moby Deck

[DarkDerp]

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?

[HeartQ]

When it comes to the rare in antique decks there is always at least one elusive deck, either impossible to find, or too costly. However when you have collected for nearly 40 years, many of your wants have been found.  There is one amazing Samuel Hart deck in Lenny Schneirs auction in 1995 which went too high for us.  That is one I would love to own! 

Keep tuned, I will posted pictures asap.

[athomas16]

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

[52plusjoker]

We didn't either - our bid more than $600 under the final price.

[Don Boyer]

It could be a sign of the growing popularity of the hobby...  Who knows what a can of worms we opened! 

[DarkDerp]

Just looked up Samuel Hart. WOW!!

[Don Boyer]

Just looked up Samuel Hart. WOW!!

Yeah, those old-style Aces of Spades could be pretty cool, sometimes.  I get a kick out of the REALLY elaborate ones that had all the line work of a piece of currency or a stock certificate!

[Mike Ratledge]

Just looked up Samuel Hart. WOW!!

That is obviously a listing by our buddy and pal Dan Dragonovich (sp?).  As Lee has pointed out to me before you can tell it's his listing just by the way it's laid out with that oversize cut-out up top.

He's a 52+J member, as I recall, though possibly not current.  He's one of those people that always drops prices on things that will make your jaw drop, like the 1928 Black "No Revoke" (British) deck he's got one ebay right now for over $150: I've bought two for around $30 in as good or better condition.

[Daniel Wilson]

You mean other than the Norwood #85?  Where to begin...
http://www.wopc.co.uk/usa/uspcc/norwood-85.html

I'd have to say my current number-one most desired deck is the Saks Fifth Avenue.
All courts share the same base line art, but clever shading and costuming makes
them all look quite different in the end.
http://www.wopc.co.uk/germany/dondorf/saks-werbespiel.html

The two Einar Nerman designed decks from Sweden are high on my list as well.
They look like drawings from a turn-of-the-century 1900s children's book.
http://www.wopc.co.uk/sweden/granbergs/einar-nerman-patience.html

I'm also very partial to the Armanino Carte Whist #200 and the Modiano Centaurus,
one of which appeared in each of the most recent 52+J club auctions.  Unfortunately
for me, both were out of my price range at the time...
(no link for Armanino deck, Centaurus link below)
http://www.wopc.co.uk/italy/austrian-lloyd-steamship.html

I must also mention my two favorite USPCC decks: New Era #46 and Trophy Whist #39
(the earlier 1895 edition).  I would have thought the Trophy Whist more easily obtainable
than the New Era; however, there are two New Era decks currently on eBay, and I haven't
seen a Trophy Whist one in months.
http://www.wopc.co.uk/usa/uspcc/new-era-46.html
http://www.wopc.co.uk/usa/uspcc/trophy-whist.html

As for the one that keeps getting away, I have been the second-highest bidder on the
last three SF Hanzel decks on eBay.  Whoever keeps outbidding me at the last second,
if they're a member here, I respectfully request that they knock it off.   ^_^;
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Playing-Cards-SF-Hanzel-Chicago-Golden-Diamond-w-box-Cover-/271405640226

There are a few others on my wishlist (the AM Cassandre-designed Hermes cards and
the Jeu Louis XV decks) but these appear frequently enough on eBay.  The most recent
deck I crossed off my list was the double-deck "Pipes of Pan" Past-L-Eze set I bought
last month, which I will get pictures of later.

(Sorry for all the links!)

[HeartQ]

Hey Daniel

Just keep adding those links!  The more wonderful early decks of playing card decks that collectors see, the more the newer collectors will understand about our passion for the old.  It is hard to explain the difference between lithography and modern day printing unless you see the decks side by side but there is a difference.  Call it patina.

However I am routing for the collectors of new decks as well.  Surely these must be the antiques of the future.

[HeartQ]

In reference to the early Spade Aces, many of them are beautifully engraved and collectible,  I have always had a passion for them as well as the fantastic early Jokers and have collected them both for years. Those that advertise a product are delightful and there are great narrow ads as well as the wides to look for.  I rarely see much for sale but if I do and we don't have them I'm there.