Comparing Vintage Waite Smith Decks, 1960-1970

The Rider Waite Smith tarot was first published in 1909, but it gained widespread popularity during the tarot publishing craze of the 1960's and 1970's. Here I compare editions from three publishers: University Books, U.S. Games, and the first recolored RWS from Frank Albano of Tarot Productions.
1:28 Publication history
7:30 Card stock and current market prices
14:00 Major arcana
19:10 Suit of Wands
22:27 Suit of Cups
25:26 Suit of Swords
29:16 Suit of Pentacles
Music is Midwinter by Airtone.

[@arlenewitt248]

People are now asking $100+ for the University Books deck, based on other decks for sale on eBay, but they are really not selling (unless mint, which most aren’t) If you’re patient you can find them for about $50 in fairly decent condition (not mint). I just picked up yellow box blushing fool for $40, plus shipping off eBay. It was not mint (ratty box), but the cards were in good shape. I thought I was going to cry, because I never thought I’d own one as I refuse to pay exorbitant prices since I buy for myself and not for resale or speculative investment. You are right about the Blushing Fool deck not shuffling very well. This really surprised me given all the hype on KZbin about. Great video, thanks!

[@WaterChildTarot]

Thanks for watching! And yes the later editions of the University Books deck can go for a lot less than I paid. My first was a Carol Publishing copy with really blown-out colors for $40. Then I bought a UBooks version in a tuck box for $80 - not bad. (I've since sold and traded these.) The same quality for a UBooks non-first-edition now would probably go for around $125 from what I've seen on eBay.

[@nancyhart576]

Interesting comparison. Particularly the color differences. Thank you!

[@georgastrophel5811]

Frankie Albano's source for colouring his version of the RWS comes from Paul Foster Case's instructions on the Tarot colour code. He must was (or is) a member of the Builders Of The Adytum. Check out the rainbow over the angel's head on the Temperance card. This is an idea of PFC.

[@WaterChildTarot]

Thank you! I had never heard anyone mention this before, but that makes complete sense. I know that BOTA are another group where one is supposed to draw and color their own deck. I guess Frank decided his version was so good he wanted to make it available to everyone.

[@AstariaSen]

Wow I found this so interesting especially ially because so much emphasis is on color choices of original deck.

[@toadstooltarot]

Thanks. I noticed several months ago, that the Blushing Fool has a 'green thumb'. Well, not exactly green, but I call it that because he's holding a flower and the pigment is faded on that thumb. I'd say it's as much of a green thumb as the blush is a blush. I consider it more of a speckled rash.

[@toadstooltarot]

I'm happy to have the Blushing Fool. The cards have a different feel to them, but I tend not to use the deck because the cards don't glide well when shuffling overhand.

[@WaterChildTarot]

Thanks for watching Robin. My vintage US Games is so worn the cards feel more like leather than paper. I’d love to compare it with a less used deck, if the chance ever arises.