COLLECTING: Playing cards

Q: I have two decks of playing cards that feature scenes of Florida from the 1920s. How much do you think the set is worth? — Matarazzo, Daytona Beach, Fla.

A: I suspect your cards were distributed by the railroad lines during the Florida boom of the 1920s. Phil Bollhagen has one of the largest collections of railroad playing cards in the country, and he could certainly authenticate the set that you have and determine if it has any value. His address is 7940 West Leroy Ave., Greenfield, WI 53220.

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Q: I have quite a diverse postcard collection, including some in color, approximately two dozen “fold out” folios, and an assortment of early scenes from Alaska. Can you direct me to a collector or club so I can market them? — Wyona, Ormond Beach, Fla.

A: Two of the better clubs that attract national members are The Tucson Postcard Exchange Club, c/o Joan Gentry, president, 820 Via Lucitas, Tucson, AZ 85718; and Deltiologists of America, Dr. James Lewis Lowe, director, P.O. Box 8, Norwood, PA 19074. There’s also Barr’s Post Card News, a weekly publication that is a favorite with collectors. The address and telephone number are 1800 W. D Street, Vinton, IA 52349, and 319-472-4713.