Introducing a precisely digitally hand-recreated reproduction of the first published complete transformation playing card deck in the world! The blue "Joan of Arc" deck is the first in a series of six famous decks we plan to release.

The very first transformation deck issued by Cotta is from 1805. This deck is probably the most famous of all six, and is incredibly scarce. Original illustrations were fiddling artworks done by hand, on copper plates that were manually engraved with stipple and etching, and the cards were printed on linen period stock that was 97 mm x 69 mm in size, with blank card backs and squared corners at that time. Only the court cards were hand-colored, while the number cards used red stencils.

Cotta’s transformation cards were very successful and became a role model for later transformation decks from other publishers. And since the card backs were blank, individual cards were sometimes used by the nobility as visit cards and for leaving messages, so these playing cards often became multi-purpose items.

The images on the court cards are characters inspired by Schiller's play "Die Jungfrau von Orleans" ("Joan of Arc").

The central figure of Joan of Arc is depicted as the Queen of Spades, the Maid of Orleans who inspired the French army to victory, but was later burned at the stake.

The court cards were designated with the words "Valet", "Dame", and "Roi", which are the French terms corresponding to the Jack, Queen, and King.

In the first deck, beside Joan of Arc depicted as the Queen of Spades, other individuals closely associated with Joan include Etienne de Vignolles or La Hire (Jack of Hearts), who helped Joan to victory in the battle of Patay in 1429; and Raymond (Jack of Diamonds), a peasant who was Joan's page.

Key political leaders who figured prominently in the events surrounding Joan's life are also represented, including King Charles VII (King of Hearts), the French monarch who relied on Joan's help to reach the Rhiems, the traditional place of coronation; Charles' mother Isabeau (Queen of Hearts), who was in league with Charles' enemy; Charles' mistress Agnes Sorel (Queen of Diamonds); Charles' opponent Philippe the Good (King of Diamonds), an ally of England; and the king of Naples, René d'Anjou (King of Clubs), who lost the kingdom after defeat in battle. General Talbot (King of Spades) was the English commander of the outpost of Orleans at Saint Loup, who was wounded in battle, captured, and was part of a prisoner exchange.

Both Joan's "sister" Louison (Queen of Clubs) and Montgomery (Jack of Clubs) are fictional creations of Schiller, while the fictional Lionel (Jack of Spades) is the character who holds up Joan's sword in a location revealed by the voices that she supposedly heard telling her to help.

Features:

Printed by USPCC on Classic Stock

Poker Size

Embossed Finish

52 Cards + 2 Extra Jokers + 2 Extra Collectible Cards

Metallic Ink On Box & Full Bleed Backs

Custom Tuck Seal

Puzzle Image on all Tuck Spines of the Series

Digitally Hand-Recreated and Designed by Azured Ox

Produced By Will Roya

KickStarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/playingcarddecks/cottas-almanac-1-transformation-playing-cards-reproduction

The style and appearance of these cards are based on the traditional German-suited playing cards that have been used in parts of Europe for hundreds of years, and are still used today. However, the Commoners cards are drawn with the typical international standard (French) suits ... so keen observers of my previous work will spot that this is in a similar spirit to my Viceroys and Pike and Clover cards. Much of the artwork is also inspired by my local landscape and surroundings in Cumbria in the north of England

kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/737088756/commoners-playing-cards

Memento Mori NXS (Nexus) represents the convergence of life, art, and triumph. It exists as a reminder to seize every precious moment that we are gifted, to live every breath to its fullest, and to leave a lasting legacy to endure the ages. Memento Mori NXS brings back acclaimed artist Adrian Valenzuela, art designer behind the original Memento Mori. With Memento Mori NXS, he takes low-poly designs to a whole new level by infusing abstract shapes with realism of light and shadow. The result is a beautifully modern design reminiscent of classical impressionism, yet grounded with purpose and inspiration. Chris Ramsay, internet legend, designed his own cards, and this is what he created. Memento Mori is Latin for “remember you will die” and this philosophy is reflected in the amazing design of these cards. Featuring two isometric human skulls. Rather than being morbid, it’s more about how transient life and your pursuits are on this Earth. Our time is fleeting, and should be used wisely.

With a design likened to a Frank Miller comic. Dark, sexy and full of appeal... these are Legacy Shadow Masters v2. Our best-selling deck of the last decade has been commanded into the light with an all-new tuck box. The classic Bicycle Rider-back design fades into complete darkness. Only slightly revealing its intentions. Undressed, the cards are thoroughly rejuvenated in design and feel; thin & luxurious Masters stock, making them a favorite among working magicians, gamblers & cheats. Darkness is your ally. Order Legacy Shadow Masters v2 Today. Includes a double back gaff card. No foiling, no embossing - just the essence and substance of our best-selling deck of all time.

The Origine range is ideal for players who want to acquire quality card games in the purest French tradition.

Introduced through Wal-Mart. Full Deck Scan: https://cardscans.piwigo.com/index?/category/397-bicycle_webbed

WARNING! Please keep your eyes and hands inside the vehicle at all times. Enjoy the ride.

Little Deck Of Horrors is a celebration of the nostalgically scary “Ghost Train” with faces haunted by ghouls, goblins and ghosts. For those brave enough to “admit one”, Horrors becomes a whimsical ride through time, visiting the evil characters of our childhood.

The deck captures the glow of neon fairground lights, as they dart sharply across the back design, completed with a kaleidoscope of skulls. The cards themselves have been carefully tested for optimum durability and are printed on Cartamundi’s now famous B9 finish and stock. Some myths ARE real, so if you’ve never tried it, you’re missing out.

If you can ever put the deck down, it goes kicking and screaming into a side-loading tuck case. Trapped momentarily in a smooth gloss coffin until its next outing.

Take the ride… if you dare.

Side tuck open.

Full deck scan by macstrat @ https://cardscans.piwigo.com/index?/category/16-the_little_deck_of_horrors

Full deck scan by macstrat @ https://www.flickr.com/photos/167981955@N07/albums/72157702590523571

V1 has a custom foil seal and tuck embossing.

Ellusionist July 2019 Mystery deck. The Blue Bicycle 1900s Deck looks like it’s been weathered and abused, exposed to the elements, left to experience every second for over a hundred years. But these cards are an illusion in themselves, because they may look very old, but they handle superbly. You have to keep telling yourself, this is a new deck of cards. The faultless follow-up to the ever-popular 1800s deck, the 1900s deck is full of secrets and history. Full Deck Scan: https://cardscans.piwigo.com/index?/category/234-bicycle_series_1900 Note: Cards are the same between red and blue versions

The John Derian playing cards are based on an early 19th century deck from England. This is a standard deck including two jokers.

Features a double backer with a black/white color on one side unlike other versions.

Prepare to go Koi Crazy with Collectable Playing Cards brand new deck The Bicycle Koi Playing Cards! These cards were Inspired by the beautifully colored fish mostly found in Asian cultured ponds and gardens around the world. The word Koi is a symbol of love and affection and are known as the the friend of the sea. Give these fishes a home and instantly feel the peace and serenity.

Andrew Dougherty’s famous Tally-Ho brand started in 1885 and is still printed today. The original deck had the Ace of Spades with the Centre Street address and a Jolly Joker card. The Tally-Ho Joker was introduced 20 years later in the early 1900s. Due to the British origins of the phrase “tally-ho” which is associated with a fox hunt, later versions included a fox hunting Joker. The original deck had a unique back and several versions were then used before settling on the familiar circle and fan backs.