Some insights into the Pinstripes 😉
Hey Everyone! It's been a couple weeks since I made a blog post. I've been working on the Kickstarter project, but now we are halfway through and things are going well!! This time, I would like to talk about Playing Card Seals - what are they? why are they used? - and share some insights into the Pinstripe Playing Card Seals 😀
The seal itself is pretty self explanatory. It is used to seal the deck of playing cards. A more interesting question is Why??
The seal has its roots in taxation. For a very long time, there was a tax on playing cards which manufacturers had to pay. The production and distribution of playing cards was controlled by governments, much like alcohol and cigarettes today (go figure! 😆) Playing cards were marked and stamped with a seal of approval. Typically, each government had their own stamp. If you are a history buff, then here is a really cool website where you can see some examples of early seals and stamps! http://www.endebrock.de/pc-taxes.html
As we entered the modern world (and due to the mass counterfeiting of playing cards), the tax on cards was lifted. However, since all of the manufacturers were already sealing their playing cards, they continued to do so. Instead of taxation, it became more of a maker's mark. A chance for these companies to create their own unique seal. Here is a modern example of a playing card seal by USPCC.
On a side note (and if you are a trivia buff) each manufacturer was also further required to stamp their Ace of Spades. So that the cards could be regulated and controlled by the number of Aces of Spades that existed. This was proof that taxes and duties were paid even after the box was opened and discarded. Once the taxes were lifted, the tax stamp designs were preserved, which is why the A♠ is always more intricately designed than its counterparts!!
As playing card enthusiasts, we like to carry on the traditions of old. This is why I designed a seal for Pinstripe Playing cards! It contains the title, and the RSM logo as a seal of approval! 😁 They are also numbered from 1-1000, since there is limited availability.
This seal will be on each deck of Pinstripe Playing Cards if we reach our Stretch Goal target. There is extra cost involved for the bells and whistles, which is why it will be unlocked if we reach 150% funding of the project. I am really looking forward to see if we make it.
Check out the action shot of the seals in the photo below, as well as the project with the link!
Until next time!!
☮♥RSM
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