UC Featured Collector for August/September - Sharpie

[Mike Ratledge]

After a month-long delay because of a family/personal problem, Sharpie is just about ready to get on with being our UC Featured Collector here for the moths of August and September, being delayed a full month plus a few days already, he'll be the Featured Collector through the end of September in order to give him plenty of time to cover all of his collection and plenty of time to answer questions as well.

As usual, I sent him our familiar Q&A session to get us started, and after a full month of delays, here we go:

Q: When did you begin collecting playing cards?
A: My grandmother is a master card player, although she'd never admit it. So from the time I could talk, she would play cards with me and I loved it. But it wasn't until many years later that I began to appreciate their design. I was on an Air France flight, back in the days when they still gave away free playing cards, and asked for a deck (I might have been 10 or 12). I was shocked to see, not the usual assortment of pips and court cards, but a completely different approach. Each face card was much more detailed in a completely different style of dress and identified with a unique name. David, Solomon, etc... (But in French). The concept of a completely unique way of representing cards that I had only really seen one style of, fired up my collectors gene and the rest is history.

Q: How many decks are in your collection?
A: Haven't counted. But I'd wager at least a couple thousand, and that's not including extras that I have to trade.

Q: What types of decks do you collect?
A: Most kinds. Usually newer ones, but it all depends on the style and execution. A well conceived design, with a polished, detailed execution will have me buying at least 1 deck.

Q: What is your favorite deck of the ones you have, and why?
A: Ooo, that's tough. It's been a long time since I've looked at my entire collection. Most are in storage. I do love the Monarchs and Medallions for their back designs. JAQKs are great for overall design, theme and execution, but recently the Origins deck has blown me away.

Q: What deck that you do not have would you most like to have?
A: I think the new Card Launcher debut looks pretty sweet.

Q: What would you like to see in the design of a new deck?
A: Something different...as usual.

Q: Do you have any thoughts on the future of playing cards?
A: As far as deck designs, I see no end. I think the readily available tools that allow for some stunning design work is the reason we have been seeing more and more quality work.

Q: How do you feel about kickstarter/crowd funding platforms?
A: I love them. Sure, they can be abused just like anything. But if you're looking for cool designs, you can't always trust the established card companies to deliver. Gotta support the independent guy who needs help to produce an amazing deck.

Q: Do you have any words of wisdom for new and budding collectors?
A: Only collect what you  would love to have in your collection, not just for their value. If you find yourself gathering a lot of decks just because you think they will be worth more, you probably won't be a happy collector.

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And there you have our introduction for Sharpie and his UC Featured Collector two-month period here on UnitedCardists.com, I'd like everyone to join me in welcoming (back?) Sharpie, and him as our Featured Collector from now through the end of September, as well.

With that I open the floor for questions, and soon (I hope pretty soon!) Sharpie will start showing off his collection!

[Eoghann]

So great to have you back Sharps!

[MagikFingerz]

Yay, Sharpie's back!

Looking forward to seeing that collection


PS. My condolences (if that's appropriate).

[volantangel]

Woohoo ! Sharpies back in town !

[Sher]

Welcome back, Sharpie!

[Sharpie]

Aww, you guys.

[Sharpie]

Just boxing up some of recent acquisitions.

[Eoghann]

OOh, pretty!

I'm curious as to which are the ones in the baggies, the ones in between Magic Con and Steampunk Pirates, and the ornate ones above the federal 52s?

[PrincessTrouble]

Very nice, Sharpie. Where did you get the cardboard boxes? Looks like a perfect fit for decks.

Eoghann, looks like Aloys decks between Magic Con and Steampunk Priates. Maybe Totem?

[Eoghann]

Oo you're right! Just looked it up, that's definitely Totem. Thanks!

[vasta41]

Awesome collection, sharpie! Worth the wait Glad to have you back.

[Sharpie]

Here's the rest. I'll try to crack them open for quick shots to post.
The boxes I got so long ago, I forgot where. They were intended for baseball cards, so if you look at places that sell that type of storage you should find something.

[Sher]

OOh, pretty!

I'm curious as to which are the ones in the baggies, the ones in between Magic Con and Steampunk Pirates, and the ornate ones above the federal 52s?

I think the ones in baggies are Fire and Brimstone by Molax Productions: http://molaxproductions.com/store/limit ... olax-chopa" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

There is more information about it on this thread: http://unitedcardists.com/viewtopic.php ... 326#p33326" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[montecarlojoe]

You can get similar boxes on amazon I think - intended for things like Pokemon, Magic, Baseball cards and the like.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/5000-Count-Card ... rd+storage
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Card-House-Stor ... rd+storage
http://www.amazon.co.uk/660-Count-Card- ... rd+storage

[Sharpie]

Ok, here they are. I'm sorry that I can't take them all out to photograph. My house isn't that big.
This way presents a challenge. But if there's anything that someone would like to see in more detail, let me know.

I'll post a few more odds and ends later on. In the mean time, enjoy!

[Sharpie]

Well that was nice, and welcome to October.
Thanks everyone for your interest in my paltry collection.
Special thanks to the man himself, Mr. Mike Ratledge for his patience during my absences.

As always, I'm here to help with whatever.
Message me about anything and I'll get back to you when I can.

S

[dazzleguts]

Paltry?!


Could I please see the decks in that last box?
That looks like the Beauties of the Theatre deck by FG, and a Cavallini facsimile of the Giocosa deck next to it. I need to know what that No. 1401 deck is, what the Atari deck looks like, and where you found the single deck Piatniks....it's easier if you just show all of them.

Sorry I was out of town when you posted these and am only seeing them now. I will die of curiousity. (damn we need a dead smilie)

[Sharpie]

Erm, ok. Your enthusiasm is scary.

Give me bit to pull everything out of that box and snap a few pix.
We just got back from a long trip and I'm still playing catch up.

Edit: ...and "catch up" is not a card game.

[dazzleguts]

Scary
A little exaggeration there. Didn't mean to scare you, but I was afraid you wouldn't show the cards since your term in office has ended. My curiousity is hellish to live with at times.

Thank you Sharpie.
(very composed, not jumping up and down in the middle of the room at all)

[sprouts1115]

Tell you a secret. I gave Sharpie a 52+J deck for cost from the convention. I consider him a friend, but I think he is slipping deeper into the dark side with poster art. But that is another story. His best advise for me so far is "Your Jokers are to good for the deck". And I agree and I would love to make them into posters to promote Vivian's career. http://haggardhare.com

[piratebear81]

impressive collection!!

[Sharpie]

And it keeps GROWING!! I can't stop it!

[RSLancastr]

Here's where I get my boxes:

http://www.bcwsupplies.com/3200-card-st ... x-full-lid

[Eoghann]

Here's where I get my boxes:

http://www.bcwsupplies.com/3200-card-st ... x-full-lid

Yeah those guys are great, I get my slider boxes from them. Nice to see you back, Robert!