Was this a good buy? $30 for a sealed vintage kem deck (1 Viewer)

[cranberry]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/166327697025

Not sure if the bending in the cards is warping, but I bought it because it was cheaper than the new ones, and I heard the vintage ones are better anyways. The listing says they're from 1998, any thoughts?

 

[NotRealNameNoSir]

Where on them do they say 1998? They look like ones I bought recently. Might be a good deal but nothing monumental; some of these get opened and are warped, others last for very long times.

Good luck, let us know.

 

[Colquhoun]

Where on them do they say 1998? They look like ones I bought recently. Might be a good deal but nothing monumental; some of these get opened and are warped, others last for very long times.

Good luck, let us know.

Yeah I guess it’s impossible for the buyer to confirm the age without unwrapping and looking at the code on the .
Maybe the seller remembers exactly when they were purchased? Hmmm…
Anyway, if they are flat, it’s a fine deal, just store them with something on top to keep them flat, in a cool, dry place.

Another topic…1998 is vintage? Lol…I feel old. I have t-shirts older than that.

 

[ChipTalker]

was thinking same that these are not 1998, I believe the good factory was in Brazil maybe? these say made in USA which I think means after they were aquired by USPC.. IMO they went way downhill after that which was 2004 according to wiki.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unite...ctured,card production, which continues today.

 

[cranberry]

got ‘em in the mail today. They definitely look aged judging from the side of the deck but not sure if these are really from 1998 as the seller claimed. Also the jokers are pixelated (not sure if that’s bad). The code on the ace and info card is 2422, couldn’t find any info on that online, would appreciate if anyone has any knowledge

@NotRealNameNoSir

 

[Colquhoun]

Hmmm… I think 2422 is the 24th week of 2022?

 

[NotRealNameNoSir]

got ‘em in the mail today. They definitely look aged judging from the side of the deck but not sure if these are really from 1998 as the seller claimed. Also the jokers are pixelated (not sure if that’s bad). The code on the ace and info card is 2422, couldn’t find any info on that online, would appreciate if anyone has any knowledge

@NotRealNameNoSir

Woah, whats the texture on the side of those? I think the same as @Colquhoun ,everything Ive seen code wise has the last two digits being the year. Dont know about weeks.

Pixelated jokers are one of their specialties lol, cant stand them. Nose picking 16 bit character.

 

[NotRealNameNoSir]

Ace of Spades says USPC Company, that happened in early 2000s right?

 

[moose]

Ripoff. Definitely not vintage. Clearly are USPC made modern cards, not original KEMS.

Also not bridge, they are poker size.

Standard eBay scam, say whatever they want in the description and then provide accurate photos so they can tell you they shipped what was pictured and buyer beware.

 

[NotRealNameNoSir]

Sorry bud, everything pointing to @moose being right. Still could be fun cards but no history to them.

 

[moose]

USPC purchased KEM Cards in 2004. After a two-year hiatus, USPC restarted KEM card production, which continues today

 

[ktran]

got ‘em in the mail today. They definitely look aged judging from the side of the deck but not sure if these are really from 1998 as the seller claimed. Also the jokers are pixelated (not sure if that’s bad). The code on the ace and info card is 2422, couldn’t find any info on that online, would appreciate if anyone has any knowledge

@NotRealNameNoSir

Judging by the original pictures on eBay, the side edges don't match up. The side of the cards looks fine in the pictures. Looks like false advertising with the picture and shipped out another setup.

Seller is 98% rating too so it probably not accidental as eBay is good at protecting ratings.

 

[TheBigTater]

Hmmm… I think 2422 is the 24th week of 2022?

Prior to 2004 KEM's dating code was MMYY.

I believe the above is correct, after 2004 when USPCC took over the code is WWYY.

1998 is a copright date. Older KEMS have copyright date of 1935 & 1947

 

[Colquhoun]

For the edges, here are a couple of comparisons, although my older iPhone doesn’t have good macro.
2011 WSOP KEMs:

2011 KEMs:

They’re definitely raggedy, but not as much as OP, although I can’t get real closeups