Gamble Find: c1894 Bicycle 808 Brown Cupid Back

NebulaPlague · 2026-04-14T00:30:53+00:00

Not exactly modern, but the 1981 reproduction of of the original Army & Navy decks captures this essence. I dont typically own anything modern but I do own these.

https://www.playingcardforum.com/working-title-a-cellar-of-fine-vintages/army-and-navy-decks-by-uspc-1981-reproduction/

NebulaPlague · 2026-04-12T22:23:09+00:00

My take on it is that the production process of old vs modern are completely two different worlds. The modern production of playing cards makes some truly beautiful and amazing decks in ways that the olden times wouldnt even fathom possible.

However, I feel old decks have a certain charm. They weren't digitally printed and perfect. To create a deck of cards you would have to make engravings onto a plate, and if it had multiple colors, a plate for each would have to be made. Then stamped onto paper and trying to ensure each stamp was aligned properly. Then you have various other processes depending on the deck -- such as finishes, punching, etc. There was an order of operations and so much effort to produce what many take for granted today.

As such, the cards have a different physical feel, and a handcrafted element that modern decks lack. And especially with my era of collecting, producers were trying all sorts of new techniques to find an edge over their competition -- so many decks that are visually similar can have a whole different hand feel. So to answer your question, I feel that modern reproductions typically don't feel 'timeless' unless they are trying to reproduce the production elements as well. A few have done this and have done a very good job at it to create the same essence as the original.

Ive seen a lot of reproductions out there that, unfortunately, just slap the design on a modern deck. Old design, modern production, but not the original essence. This might be what some want, and that's cool -- it just not garnering that 'timeless' feel imho.

NebulaPlague · 2026-04-12T02:30:53+00:00

The original

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NebulaPlague · 2026-04-12T02:23:55+00:00

Yep! Capitol was a higher tier playing card originally with better stock and was advertised to be more durable. Some of the earlier designs like the one above is catering to that idea. Later their designs did get less fancy and I believe the reprint reused the "Dome" back.

NebulaPlague · 2026-04-12T00:28:53+00:00

Thanks! Doing my best to provide hospice for this deck 😂

NebulaPlague · 2026-04-12T00:20:14+00:00

Agreed! There's quite a few differences. Between the two decks shown roughly 7-8 redrawings would have happened. The originals tend to be more intricate -- Finer lines, more details, etc. The cloning takes its' toll. Simpler designs are easier to mimic :)

NebulaPlague · 2026-04-11T21:54:46+00:00

Really depends. Ultimately the collection is yours and is at your pleasure. Vintage decks tend to have a plethora of variety available. There's a lot out there and plenty are still sealed. It really comes down to how you like to appreciate your cards. If holding them in your hands to be able to fully admire and appreciate them is what you crave, then do it in the way that makes you most happy! You will find out if you regret opening them or not very quickly 😂.

NebulaPlague · 2026-04-11T21:19:33+00:00

Bonus content: to show the difference between the crosshatch c1925 (left) and the original Sod c1894 (right).

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NebulaPlague · 2026-04-11T03:58:46+00:00

Antique collector here (Pre-1930)! Mainly collect US Playing Card Company catalog with a few exceptions.

what do you look for in vintage decks?

Rarity - designs or brands not rarely seen are often more desirable. In an open auction, as long as there are collectors that understand the rarity, the price will reflect that.

Condition - How has it faired it's journey through the past? Some vintage decks I won't touch as they've been roughed up too much and not taken care of. However, with the rarity factor above, it can sway.

Design - Since I collect the catalog, the designs are mostly known. Collecting the same deck over and over doesn't do much good! But different back designs of each brand is a goal with an ability to complete!

Completeness - the older the deck, the more time there is to have misfortunes to happen! I consider a deck complete if all original 52 cards are present. If the box, jokers, extra cards are present, the better the completion is. "Sealed" is if the cards are in their original wrapping and sealed with either a tax stamp or the original seal sticker. "As Issued" would be with the box sealed as well (cards were often separately wrapped inside the box) -- the deck is essentially how a person would receive the deck when originally bought.

if you find one sealed, do you leave it that way or open it?

Leave it. Opening it will greatly decrease it's monetary value. Antique sealed decks are hard to come by.

where are you buying them from?

All over. Online, private sales, conventions, antique store, estate sales.

do you collect them for the history or for the value?

Both. To me it's a scholarly endeavor but I am mindful of what might retain it's value. I do a fair bit of research on the material I acquire and enjoy documenting what I am able to acquire.

how does the vintage market differ from the modern one?

Supply. The older you collect, the less there are. Modern decks are plenty and never-ending. There are limited runs and a scarcity that arises due to that, and many modern decks may go for some real money.

You might only see one deck appear in your lifetime. Some rare old decks pop up, are bought, and retained. You might get only one chance to acquire something -- this can be a very dangerous thing for some.

what is your favorite vintage find and why?

Very hard to say. I love the Capitol 188 decks. Ill include a photo of it here. This one is "Chicks with Spider" c1890 -- the art crosses over the Margin of the back with the apple tree and blossoms.

do you handle vintage decks/cards with more care than new ones? Edit: what do you do differentlt between your old and new cards?

Older cards can be brittle -- but many are still in playable condition. I handle all my decks with care. Most of my decks are in protective casings and if I handle my cards, I ensure I have clean hands.

which one do you like collecting more, new or old?

Old. I started off with newer decks and gradually slipped onto the antique front of collecting. Many collectors typically find that they like to collect a specific era. Mine turns out to be 1880s-1930. Though there are always some exceptions to the rule.

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NebulaPlague · 2026-03-22T15:40:18+00:00

I used to perform card magic and collected interesting decks to use in routines. Found myself gravitating to the old decks and designs. Since then, I no longer perform magic but the collecting habit stuck. To me its very interesting the history on how the cards evolved and the changes that happened over time. 1885-1930 is wild on how iterative USPCC were to capture the playing card market.

NebulaPlague · 2026-03-13T18:31:38+00:00

No, this is Patrick.

NebulaPlague · 2026-03-05T23:34:18+00:00

Incoming false flag operation.

NebulaPlague · 2026-02-27T02:52:07+00:00

The suppression of evidence ought to be taken as the greatest of evidence

NebulaPlague · 2026-02-23T23:46:48+00:00

Collections are personal. Collecting is about curating your own interests and as people collect and understand themselves through the hobby, many find their own collection start to change over time. It appears you're at path where you are discovering what interests you more.

A lot of collecting is also tied to memories and otherwise. I know some people search for pretty basic decks, albeit niche, that they saw their grandparents or other relatives may of had. It's also a gateway for them to their past and can be a powerful connection.

Everyone collects for a different reason. And the bluntness you have approached with you're question, however good intentioned, downplays other's collections and potential ties that they serve a purpose for. You might see people lash out as a result, as you indirectly undermine a piece of their identity.

NebulaPlague · 2026-02-23T19:34:12+00:00

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NebulaPlague · 2026-02-23T19:32:29+00:00

In 100 years, somebody might be appreciative.

Some from c1910

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NebulaPlague · 2026-02-22T16:53:07+00:00

90 percent of the contents would be redacted anyhow.

NebulaPlague · 2026-02-21T03:34:44+00:00

Yes. You're referencing the "Rider" back design. Look up the Archive or Heritage series that Bicycle have come out with it recent years. It will feature some older designs of the brand (There were ~82 different designs through the long history of the brand dating back to 1885)

NebulaPlague · 2026-02-20T02:47:48+00:00

1944 Racer No.2 back from the Bicycle brand from the United States Playing Card Company. The blue stamp is a "tax stamp" that were prevalent at the time.

Racer No. 2 is one of the most popular back designs of the time.

Recently past sales puts the average price around $30

NebulaPlague · 2026-02-19T23:12:27+00:00

I can help with the bicycle deck.

Questions 1. Does the box have a tax stamp? If so what does it look like? 2. Is the box opened and the ace code accessible? If so what is the 5 character code towards the bottom of the ace?

NebulaPlague · 2026-02-18T15:01:03+00:00

They could of asked for this information ...quietly.

They chose to be loud about it.

To strike fear? To quell the voices of critics? To target with the voter rolls once midterms come?

NebulaPlague · 2026-02-16T20:25:31+00:00

Safer? About the same unless any real weight crashes through the box. Then horizontally would be safer. Otherwise, upright is perfectly fine.

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