Wonderful acquisition, Sarahjoy! If i was you, i only open the deck for reading once in a while ( very important case) because this deck is so precious, if you insisting using it, i prefer you get another Dondorf version to use as reading.
Well, this is my third Dondorf pattern -- but none are cheap/easily replaceable enough to be daily readers!
I have a few precious/HTF decks that I like to use but worry about getting damaged, so I have taken them to a local printer to have copies made. That way I have a usable deck for reading with but the original stays safe.
Might be worth considering for your Carreras?
Hmmm. Definitely an idea worth considering.
You can get protective sleeves for individual cards from gaming sites. Then use the cards in their sleeves. Or make copies. If you want to protect your originals. It's up to you.
I've been considering getting sleeves for this deck. I couldn't use the cards while in sleeves, though -- they're so oddly sized, and honestly, I like the tactile feel of a deck. Using sleeves would lose that. I know you have a lot of older/rare decks -- do you use them? how often?
Use them. I held on to mine for special occasions and then the dog tugged them off the shelf in the little vintage leather case and chewed them up!
Naughty puppy! Time to teach the "Leave it!" command.
I admit, I
want to use them. I don't think they're as special/rare as, say, a Pam A deck, where I'd feel obligated to preserve them in the best condition possible. On the other hand, if the other decks out there are under attack by sweet dogs . . .
If you don't use them - what are they for ? Just don't have coffee on the same table when you do
Excellent point, and I don't drink coffee, so I'm safe! (Ok, I'll keep the other beverages off the table, too!)
Be quite careful with them. I have a set that were made in 2 pieces with the fronts & backs pressed together. A couple of my cards have come apart and needed to be glued back together.
Well, that's terrifying! I'll be careful.
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Ok, I think I'll order acid-free sleeves for storage and consider having a replica printed. They won't be part of my daily rotation, but I'll use em. I wasn't expecting to get these, so I wasn't expecting to have to make this decision. It's weird -- this deck is both one of the cheaper decks I've bought, and also the oldest/most delicate/most special/etc. that I own.
It really is delightful. The print quality, while period-appropriate, feels charmingly rough. The combination of metallic gold ink and "Pick up instructions at your local tobacconist" on the backs amuses me every time I look at them.