September, 2016

Front of deck

Ukiyo-e is Japanese art of woodblock printing which was popular from the 17th through the 19th centuries. This deck of playing cards is marked Angel Ukiyoe Playing cards, UK-1000, made in Japan. It is a poker sized, 56 card deck; 52 standard cards, two jokers, and two extra unsuited cards. Each card has a full-color artwork reprinted from famous ukiyo-e prints, with the artist’s name. Each card is different and the deck is packaged in a yellow-gold plastic box inserted into the original cardboard retail box. The cards are unused and cards, and packaging, are in excellent condition.  Read more »

This deck of Junior Playing Cards are a deck of mini paper cards. This is a standard 52 card deck printed in color with two standard jokers (one black and white, one in color). They are made in China (No. 9803) and measure just under 1″ x 1.5″. The cards are in very good condition, but the outer box was flattened at one point.

Front of deck with face card example

Back of deck with Ace of Spade showing

Front of deck

Kennedy Kards were published in 1963 by Humor House. This bridge sized deck has the standard 52 cards with one joker card (the joker is the Democratic Party donkey). The face cards are members of the Kennedy family as well as other officials. JFK is the Jack of Hearts, Jackie Kennedy is the Queen of Hearts, and Bobby Kennedy, the King of Diamonds. An informational card is included which proclaims, “Long live the King, Queen and Jack.” Lyndon Johnson was the Jack of Clubs, and within the year he would be president.

I have two decks of these. My first deck was won on an eBay auction and came with three Robert Kennedy for President buttons. The deck is open, and while the outer box is dirty and slightly warn the cards are in very good condition. I also have a second deck still sealed (pictured), but the plastic is yellowed, dried out, and cracking off. The package is in perfect condition underneath.

Joker, information card, and Ace of Spades

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