Historical Deck Prices

Collected articles on the the history and culture of playing cards.
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Honeybee
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Historical Deck Prices

Unread post by Honeybee »

This is from American Stationer - August 23rd, 1894
which I have copied from Paper Empires Vol I by Jason McKinstry

We often complain about prices on here
The $8, $25 and $36 referred to here in 1894 would be for how many decks?
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Re: Historical Deck Prices

Unread post by kevork »

Honeybee wrote: Sat Jun 22, 2024 12:46 am This is from American Stationer - August 23rd, 1894
which I have copied from Paper Empires Vol I by Jason McKinstry

We often complain about prices on here
The $8, $25 and $36 referred to here in 1894 would be for how many decks?
Depending on the era, probably a gross? So 144 decks.

I'm making a complete guess here.
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Re: Historical Deck Prices

Unread post by Honeybee »

I think you are probably on the money kev as reading the next page of Paper Empires (Jason McKinstry) there is an 1895 article: 'Twenty Million Packs of Cards' which states
Wholesale prices 2c up to 75c a pack
Retail prices 5c up to $1.50 a pack
So that suggests the prices in the previous article were at least a gross/144

As I am copying his material it is only fair that I mention that the shorter digital pdf edition of the book can be purchased for a mere C$7

https://worldofpaperempires.com/shop/ol ... popularity
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