Antique store find

[PhilLaFond]

Saw something interesting while I was shopping at some antique stores yesterday (I'm looking for some really nice highball glasses for my father's birthday).  Nestled in the back of a display case was a set-up of KEM cards.  They were sealed and were held in a black bakelite holder that appeared to turn on an axis.  List price was $43.  I never got a really good look at them, mainly because I didn't need my wife knowing I was contemplating spending that on "more cards".  I may stop back this week to take a closer look, though I don't know for sure if the price is right.  While I do know that a sealed set-up of antique KEMs are worth some scratch, I have no idea about the value of the holder.  What may be fun to watch is to see if the price goes down.  This shop is consignment, and they lower their prices gradually if items don't sell.  I know I don't have much info here, but if anyone has an idea on a fair value for this, feel free to post. 

Phil

[kimert]

Next time, snap a shot with your phone camera

[Milo]

I'd just grab 'em.  If they're worth something, you profit.  If not, you have some great cards with an interesting story behind them . . .

Oh, and post pix if you do buy them.

[murrman]

If they're vintage and sealed then $43 isn't a bad price. Are they pinochle decks? If you don't play and don't collect then it probably isn't worth it. I've seen 3 deck canasta set-ups go for that price on ebay. You should find out if it has the KEM booklet also. That's a nice extra if you're going to resell them.

[PhilLaFond]

So here's some updated info.  I went back to the store today to take another look.  The cards were only partially sealed; couldn't tell if the remaining plastic wrapping was original or not and the clerk didn't know.  They looked like standard decks and featured fleur de lis symbols on the backs.  Since they were still in the plastic I couldn't get a look at the year of production.  The case was an original KEM bakelite case in black.  Very cool looking case - the top has KEM in elongated letters and the cards are held upright.  Without knowing the year they were produced I don't think I'm dropping $43 on them, but if they don't sell by 4/30 the price is $23.95.  That I might do.

Wish I could have gotten a pic.  Annoying clerk wouldn't let me take a photo, for some unknown reason.  "Store policy" she said.  Grrrrr.

Phil

[Wedge Rock]

$10

1954/55  for $45

From 1930's for $165

[Killa Cali]

I would just pull the trigger and get 'em now. Never know if somebody else has their eye on them.

[Blaster]

 Sounds like this pattern:



 (I still have 1 set of these 2 deck red bridge Pre-USPC Factoy sealed KEMS I'll let go for $23 Delivered USA)

[OMG_Beavers]

So just the boxes themselves could be worth over $100... that's worth the $43 if you ask me.