Hermès - Paris, by A. M. Cassandre

[Romeril]

This beautiful FIRST EDITION double deck set Belongs to PipChick, I was lucky enough to intercept it on its journey to its new home with her. I wish it was mine! I made an Instagram post of it and thought that it also deserved a thread here! They are promotional playing cards created for Hermès - Paris, by A. M. Cassandre.

Cassandre was a Ukrainian-French painter, commercial poster artist, and typeface designer. He also designed the well-known Yves Saint-Laurent logo. These cards are from the original 1948 edition of playing cards designed by Cassandre for Hermès-Paris and made by Draeger Frères, also of Paris.

The cards were sold as a double deck set with each deck in its own tuck case and both tuck cases housed in a larger plain brown box with Hermes name and address on it. The tuck boxes are printed, front and back, with the back design of the cards. PipChick, do you have anything else to add about this gorgeous set?

[Magic Tapp]

Speaking or whom, we have not seen the addressee or this deck here lately. I wonder what happened?

[Romeril]

[Romeril]

[Räpylätassu]

What a deck. Truly just a gorgeous example of what kind of custom decks were made in Europe back in the day. This is the first edition of this deck, Amy told me and Matt really in detail the differences between the first and second edition, she really knows her stuff when it comes to this deck.

There is also a modern reprint of this deck, made in 2018 and my brother ordered me a set from Japan for my upcoming birthday later this month! I'll be uploading pics of that one when I get it, the cost was around 80-90 bucks if I remeber correctly.

Speaking or whom, we have not seen the addressee or this deck here lately. I wonder what happened?

We talk daily with her, she will be coming back sometime

[Bradius]

Awesome find. Congrats PipChick. Thanks for sharing photos.

[Adonael]

The only design I like from the various Hermes cards, truly gorgeous. My other half is a big fan of Hermes and I'm sure would appreciate a set of the reprints one day in the future, my collection surely wouldn't benefit at all *wink wink* lol.

[Jock1971]

This is the first edition of this deck, Amy told me and Matt really in detail the differences between the first and second edition

I can fill in for Amy and tell you the differences of the editions.
Firstly, The suit symbol next to the indices are full in the first edition and have been "cut" on the second edition

1st Edition.jpg

2nd Edition.jpg

Second, as you can see from the pictures the indices are different in each edition

Third, The name "HERMES, PARIS" appears under the design on the Ace of Clubs on the second edition

and last there is a completely different Jack of Diamonds on the second edition from the first.

[Eric Lee]

Speaking or whom, we have not seen the addressee or this deck here lately. I wonder what happened?

We talk daily with her, she will be coming back sometime

She's active currently on IG. I did see her on UC last month under the Users Online feature at the bottom. Hard to believe I actually miss her puns!

[jerichoholic]

Who prints these decks, Grimaud?

[Romeril]

Who prints these decks, Grimaud?

Printed by by Draeger Frères, also of Paris

[montenzi]

This deck was printed in 1948. Seventy years later, people are still buying Fontain cards — such a waste of money.

I like everything in this deck - style, colors, composition, art. @PipChick,

[Romeril]

This deck was printed in 1948. Seventy years later, people are still buying Fontain cards — such a waste of money.

I like everything in this deck - style, colors, composition, art. @PipChick,

I couldn't agree more with everything you said here!

[Mike Ratledge]

Who prints these decks, Grimaud?

Printed by by Draeger Frères, also of Paris

The first few years were, but later it was BP Grimaud. Awesome deck, Amy!

[Merlebird]

Thanks for the rundown on the distinctions between editions, Jace. Is there a comparison pic somewhere of the 1E JoD versus the 2E? What was the reason for the change?

I've been looking to find one of these, sold as a single deck but with the inner paper tuck, for a while, but the price has usually been more than I've wanted to shell out for it. Maybe Roope will post about one in the eBay finds thread sooner or later.

[Jock1971]

Is there a comparison pic somewhere of the 1E JoD versus the 2E? What was the reason for the change?

The second edition was done in 1950, but i don't know the reason for the change.

1st Edition.jpg

2nd Edition.jpg

The first few years were, but later it was BP Grimaud

The Grimaud set were reprints of the second edition cards

[Mike Ratledge]

Is there a comparison pic somewhere of the 1E JoD versus the 2E? What was the reason for the change?

The second edition was done in 1950, but i don't know the reason for the change.

1st Edition.jpg

2nd Edition.jpg

The first few years were, but later it was BP Grimaud

The Grimaud set were reprints of the second edition cards

Probably to repair the breaking of the one eyed Jack's pair? Just a guess... Other than the direction he is facing - nothing else except the index pip and font changes.

[Harvonsgard]

This deck was printed in 1948. Seventy years later, people are still buying Fontain cards — such a waste of money.

One can‘t even visit a vintage deck thread without them being mentioned, kind of ironic .

[sinjin7]

These were my first grail decks. I first saw them on Decknique in a cardistry video and was completely blown away and I knew I had to have the set. The first set I got had both decks opened but the cards were still in decent shape. I got another set that was almost brand new - the blue deck was still sealed and the red deck was opened, but the cards were pristine. I got lucky and was able to get he set for just $80 because the seller mis-spelled the title of the auction, so I didn't have any competition for the set. I've got over 1200 decks in my collection and these are still my favorite decks.

[Räpylätassu]

I got my 2018 version:





The box is really nice, it has a high quality feel to it. It was wrapped with a cloth string when I got it.



The cards are way bigger than normal poker sized decks! Here's a comparison between this and a poker sized card.











The 2018 version is made to look like the 1st edition of this deck. The design is spectacular as everybody already knew. Both decks have a silver gilding. Both decks come with 2 Jokers, this 2018 version does not have those extra cards with writting on them.

I can really recommend on getting these! Sure the vintage ones are nicer but also way more rare and expensive. The best price I could find on ebay IS THIS ONE for 94,90 USD + Free Shipping. There are also cheaper ones on ebay but they come with a shipping cost, which makes this listing the cheapest available option currently.

This 2018 version appears to be made exclusively for the Japanese market.

[Harvonsgard]

I thought I might share the NOC version of this deck.

Hermes Grimaud.jpg (76.71 KiB) Viewed 5170 times

[brownsl]

I have a weakness for these decks and have bought quite a few. None of the older ones. All mine are newer versions.

[Harvonsgard]

Mind sharing pictures and/or infos? Would love to see the different backs. I was roaming around yesterday and still don't know how many reprints of them exists. My current state of info are the four versions shown in this thread.

[brownsl]

Here are my Hermes decks. I have one more set on its way. The long deck with ivory colored cards is a tarot deck. I really like the jumbo deck, I was able to get it for a very good price.

All the decks are silver or gold gilded.

I have a weakness for these decks and keep adding to my collection.

[Harvonsgard]

Thank you for sharing. Great collection of them. The top left one with the OG back design but only done in red/white, white/red intrigues me very much and the maxi is such a nice oddity.

[Räpylätassu]

1st edition original set for 200 USD or make an offer. Note: The red deck is still sealed!

Shipping from California.

[Harvonsgard]

Dunno if the price is good and the box is in - for my taste - horrible condition but maybe someone is interested; plus seller has make offers activated.

https://www.ebay.de/itm/153903426638