Welcome to the world of Childhood Treasures.....
Looking After You Card Games
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Firstly, it has to be pointed out that earlier card games were printed on a different sort of paper to the later ones. These vintage packs were often made of Rag paper which has proved to be more durable than the paper we use at present which is mostly derived from Wood pulp. Unfortunately, the modern wood pulp paper is high in acid content. This and the acid in the atmosphere causes the paper to become brown and brittle.
Apart from the air, the other major cause of damage is light, be this sunlight or even the glare of a spotlight. Colour and inks will fade if exposed to a strong light, even after a relatively short time.
To much heat will dry out your cards and make them brittle. This is an ever increasing problem in our modern central heated homes. Similarly, damp conditions can produce stains and eventually mould. So continue to check your collection if you store it in your Attic or Cellar.
Ideally, if you are going to store your collection of card games, you should wrap them in acid free tissue and put them in cardboard boxes. Even better you purchase archival boxes from specialist suppliers. Do not be tempted to store your games in old suitcases or trunks, they contain natural acids that will attack the paper.
For displaying, you can use acid free card for backing and clear archival envelopes to protect them. Avoid ordinary plastic bags as these can encourage mould.
Although you should consider using the services of a professional paper conservator if you need any repairs done, if you are tempted to try it yourself, then avoid the usual types of office and parcel tape. You should source out some archival gummed tape that can be removed if necessary, in future.
We hope to use this website to help promote our love and interest for collecting Games & toys and other collectible childhood treasures, around the world. We intend to build and make it available as a reference site for other researchers, dealers and collectors seeking accurate information on their collection.