Description
Pedal back in time with the Bicycle Archive Series #3 - Wheel No. 1 1887 Playing Cards—an authentic reproduction of a legendary design featuring the iconic high-wheel Penny Farthing bicycle, celebrating one of Bicycle's earliest and most visually striking back designs.
The Wheel No. 1 Heritage:
Introduced in 1887, the Wheel No. 1 design represented a unique moment in Bicycle's history—it was one of the earliest designs to celebrate the bicycle craze that was sweeping America during the 1880s. The design features a prominent high-wheel Penny Farthing bicycle (also called a "velocipede"), the iconic bicycle style that dominated the era before pneumatic tires and chain-drive systems were perfected.
The Wheel No. 1 remained in continuous production for an impressive 20 years (1887-1907), making it one of Bicycle's longest-running designs during its early period. The design's longevity speaks to its visual appeal and the popularity of bicycling culture at the time. Interestingly, when this design was discontinued, it was replaced by the nearly identical Wheel No. 2, which featured a symmetrical four-winged wheel instead of the three-winged design. The design is most common in red and blue, but vintage examples in green and brown are considered rare and highly collectible.
Key Features & Specifications:
- Authentic 1887 Reproduction - Meticulously recreated from historical archives to capture the aesthetic and character of the original 1887 Wheel No. 1 design
- High-Wheel Penny Farthing Bicycle Design - The back features a prominent high-wheel Penny Farthing bicycle (the iconic "velocipede" style) with appropriate oil lamps in the corners, surrounded by ornamental borders and leaf designs
- Three-Winged Wheel Motif - The center features the three-winged wheel design representing the League of American Wheelmen (L.A.W.), a significant cycling organization of the era
- Partially Asymmetrical Design - Unlike many Bicycle backs, this design is one-way (not perfectly mirrored), which adds to its historical authenticity and visual interest
- Available Color Options - Reproduced in red (most common modern release), with rare vintage examples existing in blue, green, and brown. This is the red version
- Vintage-Styled Court Cards - Face cards feature period-appropriate aesthetics that honor the 1887 era while maintaining modern playability
- Custom Ace of Spades - Features "Bicycle No. 808" branding with vintage styling including "Wheel No. 1 Back 1887" designation and "Trademark" marking reflecting the original 1887 issue
- Vintage-Style Numbered Cards - All numbered cards feature slightly older-looking suit designs and pips, capturing the printing aesthetics of the 1880s
- Standard Jokers - Includes both black/white and colored joker variations featuring period-appropriate imagery
- 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
- 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 "Archive Series" designation and "Wheel No. 1 Back 1887" branding
- Eco-Friendly Production - Printed on 100% recyclable FSC-certified paper using sustainable materials
- 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
- Limited Production Run - Produced in limited quantities (approximately 2,000 decks) making it a more exclusive collectible within the Archive Series
Historical Significance:
The Wheel No. 1 is a fascinating piece of cycling history. It captures the exact moment when the bicycle was revolutionizing society and culture, and Bicycle playing cards were celebrating this phenomenon on the card backs themselves. The design's 20-year production run and its near-identical replacement (Wheel No. 2) demonstrate how significant this design was to the brand.
Perfect For:
- Cycling enthusiasts and bicycle history collectors
- Card historians interested in the intersection of playing cards and popular culture
- Bicycle brand collectors building comprehensive Archive Series collections
- Magic performers and cardistry artists who appreciate historically significant designs
- Players seeking authentic reproductions of designs that shaped card gaming history
- Gift-givers looking for cards with genuine historical and cultural significance
Why the Archive Series Wheel No. 1 Matters:
The Wheel No. 1 represents a pivotal moment when Bicycle cards celebrated and capitalized on the bicycle craze of the 1880s. This deck serves as a historical document of both playing card design and the transportation revolution of the era.