The Bee Squeezers Erdnaseum deck commemorates the most enduring mystery in card magic: the true identity of S.W. Erdnase, author of the 1902 masterpiece The Expert at the Card Table. Produced for the inaugural Erdnaseum conference in Helena, Montana (August 2011), this limited edition explores the compelling theory that Erdnase was actually W.E. Sanders, a mining engineer and magician from Helena.
Why "Squeezers"? A History of Innovation
The "Squeezers" name on this deck is a nod to a revolutionary innovation in playing card history. Before the late 19th century, playing cards had no numbers in the corners; players had to spread their hands wide to count the pips. The New York Consolidated Card Company (NYCCC) introduced "Squeezers"—cards with indices in the corners—allowing gamblers to "squeeze" their cards into a tight, private fan to see their hand at a glance.
This deck replicates that golden era of gambling history. It features the Bee Worm Back design (historically associated with the Squeezers No. 35 brand), which was the professional standard during the very era Erdnase wrote his book.
Design & Craftsmanship
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Historic Box Reproduction: The tuck box is an exact facsimile of the early 1900s "Bee Squeezers" packaging, capturing the authentic aesthetic of the turn of the century.
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Ambigram Back Design: The classic Worm Back pattern features a subtle, ingenious ambigram by renowned artist Scott Kim. It reads "S.W. Erdnase" in one direction and "W.E. Sanders" when rotated 180 degrees—a brilliant visual tribute to the identity mystery.
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Period-Accurate Faces: The card faces are based on circa 1902 designs, offering the exact look Erdnase himself would have studied.
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Premium Quality: Printed by USPCC on Bee Casino Stock with a Cambric Finish, these cards are traditionally cut for superior handling, faro shuffles, and gambling sleights.
Collector's Note
This deck is more than a tool; it is a piece of historical scholarship. It celebrates the deep connection between gambling culture, magic history, and the relentless pursuit of the truth behind the man who wrote the Bible of card magic.
