Herpetology 101 Poker Deck
Herpetology 101 Poker Deck
A lovingly curated poker deck of 54 vintage reptile and amphibian illustrations. Each suit features various snakes, frogs, turtles, and lizards found throughout the US as illustrated/cataloged by pioneering naturalist John Edwards Holbrook, M.D. circa 1842.
Every card is scientifically labeled, features custom type and pips, and is printed on E27 eco-herbage card stock—a renewable resource that accents the beauty and mission of conservation and stewardship of the earth and her creatures. The deck has a highly playable matte finish, and is packaged in a die cut, metallic ink-stamped, two-toned, hand-assembled tuck box.
Note: These tuck boxes and decks are my initial prototypes! I’m selling them off because I’ve learned all I can, and made print adjustments for future decks. The cards themselves are still shrink-wrapped, unopened, and in perfect condition.
The Science of Creeping Animals
This deck was created with the fantastic reptile and amphibian illustrations of John Edwards Holbrook, M.D. (and others) circa 1842. He provided the first comprehensive illustrated account of North American amphibians and reptiles across two editions of his North American Herpetology—A Description of the Reptiles Inhabiting the United States. The first edition is in four volumes (1836–1840) and is very rare because Holbrook attempted to destroy all copies in a bonfire in his backyard over unfavorable criticism of the colored plates. Because of its rarity, the first edition has been digitized and made freely available by the Biodiversity Heritage Library.
Herpetology 101 uses a unique E27 eco-herbage sustainable card stock with a smooth matte finish. The stock is a renewable resource made from herbaceous grasses and other leafy plants used for pasturage. The fibrous paper lends a beautiful natural color and a vintage, earthy feel to the deck—the perfect accompaniment for the subjects found within.
The tuck boxes are hand crafted from heavy black card stock adhered to a vibrant interior matte paper, die cut, stamped with metallic gold ink, and meticulously folded and glued by my skilled (but sore) fingers. The die cut on the back of the box reveals the center eye seen on each card. Every box displays handwritten notes evoking museum documentation or classification markings.
I only made a handful as prototypes, but hope to have a full production run in the future. As such, some text is a little small, the boxes are beefy, the two-tone paper may come unglued (or not… I glued it again), and other things one might expect from a test product.
Deck Features
This is a prototype deck—some adjustments will be made before a production run happens
E27 eco-herbage card stock from MPC
MPC game card finish for exceptional handling
54 vintage illustrations of reptiles and amphibians including snakes, turtles, lizards, and frogs
Custom numbers, pips, and typography
Handmade and assembled by my skilled hands; 89% of the time, they’re perfect every time
International Orders
We can ship outside of the US but contact us ahead of time with your address so we can find the best shipping rate and let you know before ordering. We always double check with the post office out of an abundance of caution when mailing outside the US. Various customs fees and VAT taxes make shipping… difficult. At a minimum it will cost $15 USD, but usually no more than $30 USD. Keep in mind some countries don’t allow playing cards through customs 🃏🤷♀️ either. It’s a whole bunch of stuff.