IMPORTED PLAYING CARDS
Find out all about our first ever project, Imported Playing Cards.
History
Our first deck of playing cards, designed and illustrated in 2022, took inspiration from tobacco packaging and duty stamps from the early to mid 1900s. The project was ongoing for much of the year before being launched on Kickstarter in December. With no following or customer base, no reputation, and very little knowledge of how Kickstarter worked, the campaign did not reach its funding target...
story
We then re-launched the campaign in early 2023, this time with a very small following from the first campaign and some professional photography from the fantastic Chris Moyer aka chambertincards (whose photographs can be seen throughout our website). This campaign did much better, but still failed to successfully fund, for several reasons. Looking back now, we still didn't really have any idea what we were doing! But we had a product we believed in, that we had created with passion and hours and hours of hard work. We were determined to bring it to life...
release
We self-produced our first deck of playing cards and brought it to market in 2023, choosing to print with Legends Playing Card Co. after extensive research and play-testing with various premium manufacturers. The deck was a sleeper hit with several personalities in the playing card world publicly professing their appreciation and love for the classic style and hand-drawn finishing evident in Imported Playing Cards.
award nomination
Imported Playing Cards was nominated in the Deck Of The Year (DOTY) awards for 2023 in the Rookie Of The Year category for new creators.
theme
Imported Playing Cards is a premium quality vintage deck of playing cards paying homage to the golden age of playing card manufacturing and export, the early to mid 1900s, when decks of cards were printed by the million right here in England by makers like De La Rue and Goodall, and sent all over the world. When entering countries in Europe and South America, decks were opened by customs officials and stamped on the playing cards with the seal of Mercury to indicate duty-paid status. These stamps can be seen on our deck on the Aces.
SHOP IMPORTED PLAYING CARDS
A. Haines Playing Cards
Imported Playing Cards (Original Green)
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Let customers speak for us
from 51 reviewsI really like these cards. They have a nice, substantial feel, shuffle and deal easily. They come in a nice box—which is rare these days. Luv the court cards. Luv the proportions.
My only gripe, I wish the purple backs were a little deeper color. Not a real complaint as I would buy them again. All around— very nice! My compliments to A. Haines. A great set.
I’m a big fan (card fan) of what Alex is doing, beautiful cards and a great service. I think I have all his decks now, through kickstarter and patron, looking forward to what the future holds, I highly recommend signing up for all his projects. Cards, service, packaging are all top class. I had reason to reach out to Alex for a favour and he is a total gent. Superb 👌🏻
Love the detail, I find in this crazy world that a story played out of 3decks of cards is the coolest thing since sliced bread.LOVE THE MINI DECK
T
So cool! Seller is very responsive.
perfect
These cards came carefully packed in multiple layers of bubble wrap. Once opened it was clear that there was just as much, if not more love and care that went into the creation of these cards. They feel just like actual paper, but holds their shape extremely well even after countless shuffles. The designs of every court cards are beautiful and unique, not to mention the smooth vibrant colors on both the face and back of the cards. I’m very pleased with these cards!
Superb!!!...Love the design ....esp the Jokers...
genuinely the best poker cards. i am a poker dealer and everything is perfect. of the material is perfect but the font is premium.
Superb quality, keep their shape on the shuffle and look smart
A fabulous boxed set of two decks which arrived sound and safe in good time! Box quality is high and deck feel is silky. Thanks for the brilliant service leading up to Christmas
I recently ordered some cards that did not arrive in the post as expected. I was able to fully explain the situation in which I felt listened to and provided with assurances that the issue would be looked into.
Alex maintained excellent communication throughout and the issue was resolved. Turns out the discrepancy was with Royal Mail and I now have my cards, which are in perfect condition.
I will definitely buy from Haines cards again :)
Very high quality. Such a unique and fun design on the cards.Highly recommend.
Very very nice coin! And made of real heavy steel! Not something made of a lightweight alloy.
These are really great cards! I initially bought three setups because the overall design was so nice. But impressed by the high quality of the cards, I ordered more. The plastic is very high quality, and the textured surface is quite thick, giving them a really nice feel when handling them.
Great quality cards -- beautiful and very easy to shuffle.
What customers think about the store
This store specializes in premium playing cards featuring beautiful, unique designs with vintage-inspired artwork. Customers consistently praise the exceptional quality, smooth handling, and attention to detail. The store offers responsive customer service, fa... This store specializes in premium playing cards featuring beautiful, unique designs with vintage-inspired artwork. Customers consistently praise the exceptional quality, smooth handling, and attention to detail. The store offers responsive customer service, fast shipping, and careful packaging. Products include poker decks, collector sets, and decorative items, all crafted with high-quality materials.
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