Because of the long space missions inside spacecraft cabins with 100% oxygen atmosphere. Flammable materials such as playing cards could potentially be hazardous in this pure oxygen environment, thus the need for a new non-flammable playing card.
With help form the Scheuffeln Paper Co of West Germany, USPC produced several hundred decks of playing cards, printed on fireproof paper. These decks featured our iconic Rider Back design with the NASA emblem for the astronaut's recreational activities that was needed for their extended journeys into space.
On special commission, The United States Playing Card Company produced several hundred NASA decks on fireproof paper so astronauts could play cards in zero-gravity environments with something that couldn’t catch fire. You gotta play something during downtime on long space missions, right? Development of fireproof paper for playing cards began in the 1960s, but the series was discontinued after the Apollo 1 fire caused a re-evaluation of the high-pressure oxygen atmosphere in spacecraft cabins.
A cellulosic material, developed by the Scheufelen Paper Company of Germany and processed primarily as a paper, carbonizes in the presence of a flame but does not propagate the flame. This nonflammable characteristic is evident in both air and oxygen-enriched atmospheres. This paper lends itself well to printing and, with some minor exceptions, has physical properties that are comparable to conventional paper.
This paper can be processed into a continuous roll of 0.5-inch-thick foam, similar to papier-mache. When placed on a ceiling, for example, the foam has both the appearance and function of conventional acoustic tile and offers the additional advantage of nonflammability.
In addition to the paper, a process called Laminite which treats cellulose-base fiberboard with ammonium aluminum sulfate has been evolved.
The resultant material is minimally flammable in oxygen and nonflammable in air. It can be formed wet, coated, cemented, and Joined like a composite; yet it is lightweight and inexpensive.
I was just speaking with someone who has a little less than half a deck. Based on our conversation, and what he paid for what he has, a complete deck, if one were to exist, would be in the many many thousands of USDs.
"As much as I want to, I can't swallow $150 for one card."
I felt the same. I believe he wants to hold these for an auction. He thought years ago they would fetch $100-$300/single. Interesting example of what "rare" really means.
All I‘m thinking about is how many of those cards/decks have been burned by folks owning singles or a deck just out of curiosity? I know I would if I had more than a single.
Harvonsgard wrote: ↑Fri Apr 19, 2024 5:32 am
All I‘m thinking about is how many of those cards/decks have been burned by folks owning singles or a deck just out of curiosity? I know I would if I had more than a single.
Honeybee wrote: ↑Thu Sep 26, 2024 9:59 pm
acetofive, you have a new avatar
Temporary - to celebrate Fall. It's a pumpkin, "Dragon in a Magnolia Tree." I try to carve a bunch each year for Halloween. I'll add a pic in a minute...
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@playingcardophile
