Playing cards, as we know them, have been around for about 700 years. Scholars have tracked their presence from the East to the West to the New World and from the elaborately designed hand-drawn amusement of the rich to the commonplace pastime of the masses once printing presses made them available to everyone. A deck of playing cards is among the most recognizable items in the world and has been for at least a century. This makes playing cards rich in history and every bit as collectible as coins or postage stamps. "The New Collectors' Guide" gives a taste of what collecting playing cards is about and, it is hoped, serves as encouragement to those who have probably never even considered the hobby. "The New Collectors' Guide" scratches the surface of playing card collecting with descriptions and the current values of over 150 different decks. Happy collecting!
Though the New Collector's Guide to Collecting Playing Cards spans three volumes, it is intended to be a single reference work.
Volume I introduces the new collector to card collecting, explains some of the terminology involved, how to assess a deck of cards, and how to correctly describe its condition. A sampling of casino decks, limited edition decks, advertising decks, and non-standard standard decks are presented.
Volume II offers up some popular pinup decks and a few of the thousands of standard decks, and introduces the Worshipful Company of Makers of Playing Cards.
Volume III presents a few notable examples of humor decks, scenic decks, and souvenir decks.
