Description
Own a piece of playing card history with the Bicycle Archive Series #2 - Rider Back 1887 Playing Cards—an authentic reproduction of the legendary design that has defined Bicycle cards for over 135 years and remains the most recognizable and beloved back design in the world.
The Legendary Rider Back Heritage:
Introduced in 1887, the iconic Rider Back design featuring Cupid riding a bicycle surrounded by hearts, curves, and ornamental flourishes became THE defining image for Bicycle playing cards. Since its introduction in 1887, the Rider Back has remained in continuous production and represents the gold standard of playing card design worldwide.
The Rider Back is more than just a design—it's a cultural institution. From professional magicians and competitive poker players to casual game enthusiasts, the Rider Back is universally recognized as the quintessential American playing card design. This Archive Series reproduction captures the authentic aesthetic of the original 1887 design, allowing modern collectors and players to experience the cards that shaped over a century of gaming heritage.
Key Features & Specifications:
- Authentic 1887 Reproduction - Meticulously recreated from the original 1887 design archives to capture the historical essence and aesthetic of the cards that launched Bicycle's dominance in the card market
- The Iconic Rider Back Design - Two-way mirrored back featuring Cupid on a bicycle with hearts, floral flourishes, curved ornamental elements, and the characteristic Victorian-era design language that defined the era
- Available Color Options - Originally released in red and brown, with modern variants available (red being the most common, brown for vintage aesthetic). This is the brown version.
- Vintage-Styled Court Cards - Face cards feature period-appropriate aesthetics that honor the 1887 era while maintaining modern functionality for play
- Custom Ace of Spades - Features "Bicycle No. 808" branding with "Trade Mark" designation and vintage styling reflecting the original 1887 issue
- Thicker Index Numbers - Number cards feature slightly thicker pips in the corners compared to modern standard Rider Backs, capturing the original production techniques
- Double-Backer Gaff Card - Included as a bonus feature for magic and performance use
- Premium Air-Cushion Finish - Manufactured on Bicycle's signature embossed air-cushion stock that provides smooth shuffling, superior handling, and exceptional durability that has made Bicycle the choice of professionals for 135+ years
- Standard Poker Size - Traditional 2.5" x 3.5" dimensions ensure compatibility with all standard card games, magic routines, and display
- Sculpted & Embossed Tuck Case - Features three-dimensional embossing and sculpted highlights with the "Archive Series" designation and "Rider Back 1887" branding, creating premium tactile presentation
- Eco-Friendly Production - Printed on 100% recyclable FSC-certified paper using sustainable materials and environmentally responsible manufacturing practices
- Made in the USA - Manufactured by USPCC (United States Playing Card Company) to premium standards
- Complete Deck - Includes 52 premium cards, 2 jokers (standard black/white and colored versions), 1 double-back gaff card, and informational cards
Historical Significance:
The Rider Back design is the most successful and longest-running playing card back design in history. This Archive Series reproduction honors that legacy while making the authentic 1887 version accessible to collectors and enthusiasts. For anyone serious about card history, magic heritage, or Bicycle collecting, the Rider Back 1887 is an essential deck.
Perfect For:
- Magic performers and cardistry artists who understand the iconic status of Rider Back cards
- Card history scholars and collectors preserving playing card heritage
- Players seeking authentic reproductions of designs that shaped card gaming
- Bicycle brand collectors building comprehensive Archive Series collections
- Gift-givers looking for cards with genuine historical and cultural significance
- Anyone who appreciates that the Rider Back is synonymous with "playing cards" itself
Why the Archive Series Rider Back Matters:
While Bicycle still produces modern Rider Back cards, the Archive Series reproduction captures the authenticity and character of the original 1887 design. This deck represents not just a back design, but the moment Bicycle established itself as America's premier playing card brand—a position it has never relinquished.