I recently puchased one of Paul Harris' "Close-up Principles" volumes at a used book store. As I was leafing through the book at home I found a signed playing card between some of the pages. It is a bridge-sized card that appears to be a commemorative for Dai vernon's birthday. On the back is a blue toned version of the famous picture of a young Dai Vernon looking down at the Ace of Diamonds (the same shot that appeared on the cover of "The Professor and the Cardshark") The following fine print appears in the borders surrounding the picture "HAPPY 88TH BIRTHDAY - JUNE 11 1982" " "DAVID FREDERICK WINGFIELD VERNER" "HAPPY 88TH BIRTHDAY - JUNE 11 1982" "DAI VERNON - THE PROFESSOR". The card itself is an ace of diamonds and has a small hole in the center diamond as if it were used for a card stab trick. The inscription reads "Best of luck to RON" and the signatur (Dai Vernon) is circled. The word RON is done in fancy capitals.

My questions are:

1 - Is anyone familiar with this commemorative card? Were many produced or was it a one time deal?

2 - Was Dai Vernon a prolific signer?

3 - Are Vernon signatures of value or should I be happy with a momento of one of my magical heroes?

Thanks,

- Jud Bond

(2) From what I've seen (in terms of the number of signed items available for sale on the market), yes.

(3) In my opinion, the monetary value of his signature by itself is rather nominal to a collector. Value is added by the rarity of the particular item signed.

I don't know how rare an item the card you describe is.

Wow very cool, can you post a pic of it for us.