Royal Playing Cards, 1890s
Royal Playing Cards, 1890s
A special pack showing historical European figures manufactured by The New York Consolidated Card Company in the mid-1890s.
Above: magnificently illuminated "Royal Playing Cards" published in the mid-1890s by The New York Consolidated Card Company to commemorate the Triple Alliance of Germany, Austria and Russia (subsequently replaced by Italy). The suits depict personages from Germany (clubs), Austria (diamonds), Italy (hearts) and Russia (spades).
This Ace of Spades and the Gold Medal Joker were first issued c.1880 and subsequently used in "Squeezer" decks.
By Simon Wintle
Member since February 01, 1996
I am the founder of The World of Playing Cards (est. 1996), a website dedicated to the history, artistry and cultural significance of playing cards and tarot. Over the years I have researched various areas of the subject, acquired and traded collections and contributed as a committee member of the IPCS and graphics editor of The Playing-Card journal. Having lived in Chile, England, Wales, and now Spain, these experiences have shaped my work and passion for playing cards. Amongst my achievements is producing a limited-edition replica of a 17th-century English pack using woodblocks and stencils—a labour of love. Today, the World of Playing Cards is a global collaborative project, with my son Adam serving as the technical driving force behind its development. His innovative efforts have helped shape the site into the thriving hub it is today. You are warmly invited to become a contributor and share your enthusiasm.
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