Ohio vs Kentucky. 1:0
Playing cards produced by the old United States Playing Card Company factory in Ohio are being sought after by many magicians and cardists, who know sense in good quality decks.
Why?
The answer is hidden in USPCC factory relocation from Ohio state (Cincinnati city) to a neighbouring Kentucky (Erlanger city) in the end of 2009. This controversial decision was made by the new owner - Jarden Corporation (the deal in 2004 cost $232,000,000). Not only the factory changed its location, the old press where all the decks were printed, has been sold back to its manufacturer under the condition that it won't be used to produce playing cards anymore. As a result Erlanger factory obtained a new press.
Initially, Erlanger factory has been producing very bad cards. User reviews reveal that budget Bicycle Rider Back and Tally-Ho playing cards were affected the most, as the company used to save on paint, garnish and stock (sources: 1,2). Also Arrco playing cards favoured by many cardists were caught in the middle of it as well (1,2), and we have already covered this topic in our blog. Upon a request of one eBay seller, they were reprinted in four different colours (a run of 3000-5000), featured a thin stock and came from under the same terrible press, used for the first editions of Erlanger-made bikes and tally-hos.
That's why we sell exclusively old Arrcos from Ohio in our shop. One can distinguish authentic ones by a blue seal (pictured below). 'Blue seals' has actually since become a household name for the vast majority of Ohio-made decks, since all of them were covered with a blue sticker, in contrast to all the new decks featuring a black one. As a rule, blue seals are placed on extremely rare and valuable cards.
theory11, which has been tightly collaborating with USPCC for several years didn't hurry to defend the manufacturer straight away. theory11 boss Jonathan Bayme has initially recognized the flaws in the production.
'Around the time of the USPCC move to Kentucky, we did notice some quality issues that we took up with their R&D team. Over the past several weeks, I have worked alongside USPCC's research and development crew to test multiple deck prototypes - as have Bill Kalush and Richard Turner. Quality is improving and progress is being made - I am confident of that. But because they are using a new primary press in a new facility, things were not silky smooth in transition. Things are looking up, though. I am optimistic.'
theory11 CEO Jonathan Bayme, June 25, 2010
Two months later, however, the tables were turned. A petition sent to the USPCC with a demand of returning the old press by cardists didn't make any sense for the theory11 CEO.
'To be honest, I don't understand what this petition is for. They (USPCC in Erlanger, - DB) got an all new press - six months ago (since the beginning of 2010, - DB). They sold the old one. It's gone; it's not coming back. The new press is 20+ years newer than the old press. There were some glitches in implementation of it - it took time for them to get used to. It's been several months since the move, however, and quality has been on the rise. Even top card handlers like Bill Kalush (at the factory last week) have been impressed. I have no complaints on quality at the moment - I find it at or above the levels before, and it will only get better from here.'
theory11 CEO Jonathan Bayme, August 24, 2010
We, December Boys, clearly remember both extremely small faded indices on bikes and tally-hos from the new factory's first run. We held those decks in our hands: they were nowhere near the quality level of Ohio-made playing cards. Fortunately, the situation improved and popular decks like Bicycle Standard & Tally-Ho became significantly better. Some cards like Arrco reprints however, a priori could not match their predecessors.
Nowadays, there're no reasons for panic with the recent USPCC factory products. It consistently produces quality cards and the likes of theory11, Dan and Dave & ellusionist actively experiment with the stock and finish of their decks.
Many experienced card handlers, however, still keep an eye our for old 'blue seals' from Ohio - and rightfully so. Our personal observation back the fact that the decks produced by the old factory are more durable, thicker and have a lesser tendency to clumping and warping. In addition, all the decks from the old factory are scarce now and they will never be produced again. In our shop you can buy poker-sized playing cards from the old The United States Playing Card Company. Printed in Ohio, these unique playing cards are available as low as 250 UAH (less than 10 USD) per deck in very limited quantities: