Patent
15: Perforated Cards, Metal Finish and Other Oddities
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by Ken Lodge
There are some unusual designs in playing cards, even the shape of the card.
A Royal Game
A Royal Game featuring Queen Victoria’s children and extended family, published by A. Collier, London, c.1896.
A. Dougherty’s Triplicate Recreation
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by Adam Wintle
A recreated of the original 1876, No. 18, Triplicate deck by A. Dougherty by Michael Scott in 2014.
Cartomancy, Oracle and Divination Cards
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by Simon Wintle
Playing cards are used for fortune-telling, predicting the future or even as a psychological adjunct to folk medicine and therapy. Turning another card illumines the moment and new clarity emerges.
Globe Card Company
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by Simon Wintle
“Globe Playing Cards” patented on Oct. 6, 1874 by I. N. Richardson.
Ivorette
Dougherty was at the forefront of innovation, adding Best Bowers and then Jokers, rounded corners and various types of indices, or indicators, to his cards.
Kimberley 1892
William Kimberley applied for a patent in respect of his improved playing cards in February 1892 and his application was fully accepted that year.
Leather Card Case Patent Application
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by Matt Probert
In 1932, a patent was granted to Colin Hart and George Franklin for a leather case in the form of a book cover for playing cards.
Lecardo
‘Lecardo’ playing cards, dominos & word building game invented by Stanley Kermode, United Kingdom, c. 1939.
Pneumatic Playing Cards
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by Simon Wintle
The surface of the cards was slightly grooved by being rolled on prepared plates, so that there were little pockets of air between each card, which prevented them sticking together.
Printing of Playing Cards: Letterpress
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by Simon Wintle
Some notes on the manufacture of playing cards taken from Thomas De la Rue's patent, 1831.
Rainbow
Rainbow card game and colour mixing guide printed by Goodall & Sons for Robert Johnson, c.1920.
Russell’s Regulars
Willis W. Russell’s “Regulars” were first issued in c.1906, a brand aimed at the armed forces, in tribute to men of the “regular army”. It was patented with ‘Long Distance Pips’ with shading in the hearts and spades.
Samuel Hart, 1846-1871
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by Simon Wintle
Samuel Hart was a prolific manufacturer of playing cards who commenced business sometime around 1845 in Philadelphia. He had previously worked for L.I. Cohen.
Tally-Ho
The earliest Ace of Spades had the Centre Street address and the Jolly Joker was used until the “Tally-Ho” Joker was introduced in the early 1900s. The brand has seen only minor variations over the years.
