Posted 14 years ago
ChetylB.52
(1 item)
I picked up this deck of the Authors Card Game at a yard sale for 25¢. There was no box and there are no distinguishing marks or dates anywhere on them. My research found it was invented by a young lady in Massachusetts during the mid-19th century & was later produced by the Parker game company but nowhere did I find an image that compared. The other 2 images were mixed in. I'm assmuming it was from another deck of the same game. I could find some kind of close to them but not quite. I know these cards are at least vintage but think they may even be antique. Any help identifying their approximate age will be greatly appreciated! Thanks, Cheryl
I wish I could help you id that particular set of Author cards. I have 2 sets myself, one called "All Fair Authors-A Card Game" which was produced by EE Fairchild Corp Rochester, NY. They are similar in style to yours in several respects-the portraits are similar, they are in ovals with a box of text below, many of the same authors are included, however the backs are quite different,being green with a picture of a writing plume and the word Authors in white text. It almost appears that the version you posted is an earlier version of the one I have. The second Authors deck I have is called "Authors of the 40 Best Children's Books" put out by Russell Manufacturing out of Leicester, Ma. It seems like there were many different sets of these put out by many different companies.
The Ivanhoe card comes from a Whitman set from the 50's
http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.123925976.jpg
Sorry couldn't be of more help-thanks for sharing!
Thanks so much for your input. I searched all over the internet but haven't "stumbled on" (going to use thar search engine next) precisely the same set but quite a few very similar. I've seen a bunch if different versions but Wikipedia gave me the history. The company that made yours was in Massachusetts & that's where the game was first created. When were your cards produced? Oh, also I found in my meandering many "versions" of the same like children's authors, poets, composers, etc. I never knew that so...I've learned something new. Thanx again!
Oh, by the way, I couldn't get the picture to load but with that one deck were 2 additional cards (I mentioned in my original post) but they are identical to yours! Small world. Same logo/picture on the upper left corner. I can try but can't figure how to post a link in a comment & try again to upload the pics so you can see.
You have a fine deck there, i have the original 1880 deck and the box, this card game came with part A and part B when it was produced in 1880, the problem was that people would throw away part B and just keep part A for what ever reason, so part B is hard to find, my 1880 deck game has both parts and the box, and it would sell today for about 400 to 450