Texas Hold'em Poker Card Guard
Decorative art and gaming accessory; spinning card weights • Anonymous; likely mass-produced by a novelty gaming accessory manufacturer in China
Style & Movement
Contemporary Commercial Pop Art/Americana Gaming Culture
Medium & Technique
Zamac or steel alloy with gold-tone plating, kiln-fired enamel coloring, and a clear epoxy resin dome finish
Creation Period
Early 21st Century (Circa 2005-2015)
Dimensions & Format
Standard card guard dimensions; approximately 2 inches (50mm) diameter; Tondo (circular) format
Subject Description
The central spinning disc features the text 'TEXAS HOLD'EM POKER' over a graphic of playing cards. The outer ring is inscribed with the phrases 'THE GAME' and 'OF CHOICE,' interspersed with card suit symbols (hearts, diamonds, clubs, spades) against a yellow background.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good; shows signs of minor surface wear and use in a gaming environment
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $25.00 USD
Auction Estimate
$5.00 - $15.00 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired via a gaming specialty retailer or as a promotional gift; no specific collector marks visible
Art Historical Significance
Represents the peak of the mid-2000s global poker 'boom.' Card guards are functional artifacts used by players to protect their hole cards from accidental folding and reflect the personalization of the poker table during the televised era of the sport.
Notable Features
Features a dual-axis spinning center mechanism allowing the inner disc to rotate independently of the outer ring; 'domed' 3D aesthetic created by heavy epoxy application.
Condition Issues
Surface scratches on the epoxy dome, minor edge wear to the gold-tone plating, and slight friction in the spinning bearing mechanism.
Conservation Recommendations
Clean with a microfiber cloth to prevent further scratching of the resin; store in a dry environment to prevent oxidation of the metal alloy base.