Description
Celebrate Victorian-era excellence with the Bicycle Archive Series #4 - Acorn Back 1891 Playing Cards—an authentic reproduction of one of the earliest designs produced by the United States Playing Card Company, featuring intricate acorn and leaf motifs that exemplify the ornamental design sensibility of the 1890s.
The Acorn Back Heritage:
Originally produced in 1891, the Acorn Back represents one of the very first playing card designs created by the newly formed United States Playing Card Company (USPCC), making it one of the most historically significant designs in American card history. The design showcases the elaborate, nature-inspired aesthetic that dominated Victorian-era graphics, with acorns and intricately detailed leaves arranged in a symmetrical, mirrored pattern.
The Acorn Back design remained in production for several years before being discontinued, making authentic vintage examples scarce and highly valued by collectors. The design was resurrected as part of Bicycle's Heritage Series and Archive Series, allowing modern collectors and enthusiasts to experience one of the oldest surviving USPCC back designs. The Acorn Back has appeared in various color iterations over the decades, but is most commonly seen in brown and blue—each colorway bringing out different aspects of the intricate Victorian design.
Key Features & Specifications:
- Authentic 1891 Reproduction - Meticulously recreated from original historical archives to capture the aesthetic and character of the 1891 Acorn Back design
- Intricate Acorn and Leaf Motif - The back features ornamental acorn designs surrounded by intricately detailed leaves and botanical elements arranged in a two-way symmetrical, mirrored pattern
- Victorian-Era Ornamentation - The design exemplifies the elaborate, nature-inspired aesthetic of the 1890s, with small bicycle details integrated around the border
- Available Color Options - Reproduced in both blue (Archive Series) and brown (Heritage Series), with each colorway highlighting different aspects of the intricate design. This is the blue version
- Fully Mirrored Design - Two-way symmetrical layout allows the design to be read and appreciated from any angle
- Vintage-Styled Court Cards - Face cards feature period-appropriate aesthetics that honor the 1891 era while maintaining modern playability
- Custom Ace of Spades - Features "Bicycle No. 808" branding with vintage styling including "Acorn Back 1891" designation, "Trade Mark" marking, and "United States Playing Card Company" imprint reflecting the original 1891 issue
- Vintage-Style Numbered Cards - All numbered cards feature slightly older-looking suit designs and pips, capturing the printing aesthetics of the 1890s
- Standard Jokers - Includes both black/white and colored joker variations
- 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 "Acorn Back 1891" branding, with embossed acorn imagery
- 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 Acorn Back is one of the oldest surviving USPCC designs and represents a pivotal era in American playing card manufacturing—when the USPCC was establishing itself as the dominant force in the industry. The design's ornate Victorian aesthetic makes it a window into 1890s graphic design sensibilities.
Perfect For:
- Card historians and playing card collectors interested in early USPCC designs
- Victorian-era enthusiasts interested in design and aesthetic history
- 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 early American card manufacturing
- Gift-givers looking for cards with genuine historical and cultural significance
Why the Archive Series Acorn Back Matters:
By making the Acorn Back available again after more than a century, Bicycle honors the company's origins while making this historically important design accessible to modern collectors. The Acorn Back represents a critical moment when USPCC was establishing itself as the premier American playing card manufacturer.