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th4mo wrote:I received my single deck Saturday. As everyone else has already said... they look fantastic! Nice job Lotrek!

Unfortunately, I do have one issue: my deck contains 2 Queens of clubs, and no Jack of clubs! Anyone else have an issue like this?

No KoH in mine

Ooops!

I will immediately send replacement cards to all who have such an issue. As I said, the decks were manually composed card by card and eventually I didn't avoid some mistakes.
Please anyone who has a missing card, send me a pm with name, address, etc.

So has anyone been rubbing on their cards?

My pair arrived today in Australia and look to be correct (as well as gorgeous). I tried rubbing mine but couldn't detect any residue.

Picked up my decks from the Post Office today. Simply magnificent cards, Lotrek! I can't wait for the other ones that I assume are supposed to be even snazzier than see. I've been shuffling and playing solitaire for about 1/2 an hour now and haven't noticed anything on my hands as yet. Another winner, sir!

BTW - didn't receive any single digit serial numbers, but I did get a pair in the 50's, 2 in the 300s and my favorite, #599. I've only opened 1 deck thus far and it was complete, right down to the 3 jokers.

chach wrote:I've only opened 1 deck thus far and it was complete, right down to the 3 jokers.

3 jokers?? This is a joke right?

I never seen a package with 1,000 stamps on it. I got my decks yesterday. Only opened one and all the cards were in it including 2 jokers, a red and black one. Not as smooth, I couldn't fan the deck but not a deal at all. Shuffle and bridges well, I've played multiple games and the cards were fine. Be aware of the 8s and 9s..... I don't care about the numbered decks but the ink/marker was kinda rubbed off. I got some in the 30s and 40s. It would be awkward if we were to sell or giveaway a sealed deck and cards missing though. Overall I'm pleased. I hope Imperial will be printed right soon.

Got my deck yesterday. Looks awesome!!! Thank you. One thing though... Can you tell me why my deck was not a numbered deck?

sms69x wrote:

chach wrote:I've only opened 1 deck thus far and it was complete, right down to the 3 jokers.

3 jokers?? This is a joke right?

Yes, I was joking. Guess I shoulda put instead of

Still nothing here

pstaehlin wrote:Got my deck yesterday. Looks awesome!!! Thank you. One thing though... Can you tell me why my deck was not a numbered deck?

You mean, no number at all or not readable? It should be on the bottom side of the deck...

Wanted to pass on my commendations on this deck, Lotrek. The court cards are primo!

Theres a reason why lotreks decks are so sought after !

Wow, Kai! What a photo!

Lotrek wrote:Wow, Kai! What a photo!

Thanks buddy !

The rest of the photos are here viewtopic.php?f=45&p=103731&sid=f2630e3 ... 99#p103692

Got my 2 decks. God they are gorgeous! #65 and 100, found on bottom of gold edge.

Excellent picture volantangel showing the deep embossing.

Looking for some advice, my friends.

I do not intend to resell my decks, but I must also allow for the possibility that someday, I may change my mind on that matter. As a general rule, I only open one of my purchased decks, and let the rest reside in the "collection." I opened one of my Sacred decks, and it has all of the cards and is in good shape. I'm wondering, though, since some have reported missing a card here and there, whether I should open up my remaining decks to see if any cards are missing, or leave them sealed? Presumably, these would be worth more if I left them sealed, even given the possibility of one or two missing or extra cards. On the other hand, the cellophane seems like it's prone to shrinking and splitting, regardless, and may not last more than a few years.

So... open to verify the contents, or leave sealed? What are your thoughts?

That said, the printing quality of the cards are awesome, the artwork superb. I have not shuffled or played with the deck I've opened yet, but yeah, this particular finish/varnish does seem to be nowhere near as slippery as one might normally prefer.

Looking forward to getting my other Icons soon!

rousselle wrote:Looking for some advice, my friends.

I do not intend to resell my decks, but I must also allow for the possibility that someday, I may change my mind on that matter. As a general rule, I only open one of my purchased decks, and let the rest reside in the "collection." I opened one of my Sacred decks, and it has all of the cards and is in good shape. I'm wondering, though, since some have reported missing a card here and there, whether I should open up my remaining decks to see if any cards are missing, or leave them sealed? Presumably, these would be worth more if I left them sealed, even given the possibility of one or two missing or extra cards. On the other hand, the cellophane seems like it's prone to shrinking and splitting, regardless, and may not last more than a few years.

So... open to verify the contents, or leave sealed? What are your thoughts?

That said, the printing quality of the cards are awesome, the artwork superb. I have not shuffled or played with the deck I've opened yet, but yeah, this particular finish/varnish does seem to be nowhere near as slippery as one might normally prefer.

Looking forward to getting my other Icons soon!

I have this same thought. It's great that the deck has no seal on it. I would notify buyers that the deck had no seal on it and that it was checked to make sure all cards were in there. People buy used decks if they're in very good to great condition. Cellophane will not prevent decks from getting scratched or bang up if someone worried about not opening or using their decks. Buy a damn carat case then!

I was unaware cellophane decomposition could be a problem...? I had the same thoughts about opening my deck (I got three but two are for family) . I still like to keep mine mint even if there is a chance of a duplicate card.

rousselle wrote:Looking for some advice, my friends.

I do not intend to resell my decks, but I must also allow for the possibility that someday, I may change my mind on that matter. As a general rule, I only open one of my purchased decks, and let the rest reside in the "collection." I opened one of my Sacred decks, and it has all of the cards and is in good shape. I'm wondering, though, since some have reported missing a card here and there, whether I should open up my remaining decks to see if any cards are missing, or leave them sealed? Presumably, these would be worth more if I left them sealed, even given the possibility of one or two missing or extra cards. On the other hand, the cellophane seems like it's prone to shrinking and splitting, regardless, and may not last more than a few years.

So... open to verify the contents, or leave sealed? What are your thoughts?

That said, the printing quality of the cards are awesome, the artwork superb. I have not shuffled or played with the deck I've opened yet, but yeah, this particular finish/varnish does seem to be nowhere near as slippery as one might normally prefer.

Looking forward to getting my other Icons soon!

Exactly same question I have.

I have come to the conclusion that although I love seals, I hate seals! I mean, while I love them artistically at the same time they cause problems. I prefer to use other ways of keeping my home made decks closed. The paper band used in Venexiana Gold and (soon) in ICONS Imperial is a good idea I think and I'll move towards this direction.
Another problem I had is that the cello wrapping I could find isn't what I would ideally want. I didn't find anyone who does it on demand. They all do it in house for their own products (perfumes, cosmetics, cigarettes) and they wouldn't change their measures just to wrap a few decks.
So, if you add that my decks are hand made and mistakes like missing cards (extra cards are not a problem ) may occur, I think I won't have my future decks in cello unless I'm 1.000.000% sure that all cards are there and unless I find a cello wrapping that is up to my requirements.
With an open deck, anyone can carefully take the cards out and check if everything is right.

I don't think that the cello is that important, mint condition of the cards is much more important I believe and if I were to resell the deck I would open to check.

I understand that cello protects the decks better than nothing but it also "protects" the cards from looking at them...

Ah, BTW...

I just came home from re-re-re-re printing ICONS Imperial. Absolutely in love with the result! I also sourced a special gold metallic ink with an incredible shine. Have a look to get an idea:

Lotrek wrote:I prefer to use other ways of keeping my home made decks closed.The paper band used in Venexiana Gold and (soon) in ICONS Imperial is a good idea I think and I'll move towards this direction.
Another problem I had is that the cello wrapping I could find isn't what I would ideally want. I didn't find anyone who does it on demand.
With an open deck, anyone can carefully take the cards out and check if everything is right.
I don't think that the cello is that important, mint condition of the cards is much more important I believe and if I were to resell the deck I would open to check.
I understand that cello protects the decks better than nothing but it also "protects" the cards from looking at them...

Just want to add that I prefer deck seals and celo; things that help to ensure near-mint decks. When I get a deck I don't want someone else to have handled the cards, especially a deck I am not going to open myself as part of my collection. If I want to appreciate the cards I will get a second deck. Or like these, will seriously kick myself for not getting a second one and feel a little empty inside.

Yibedaaah !
That does look special ....
And Lotrek juggling, keeping it all in the air.
ehehe ....
Much and many thankings, yes ....

Good god those colors couldn't look better...

That looks insane!
I hope you have done a final print-run dance!!

The verdict is not to open a sealed deck. If a buyer never opens it, great. If they do, they'll be SOL if not all cards are there. The buyer can't blame the seller since they were not tampered with.

It's not easy to capture all the greatness of this deck!

How is the foiling coming along? I'd love to see some pictures of the progress