Bicycle No.808 - page 2
The famous 'Bicycle' playing cards were first introduced by Russell & Morgan Printing Co in 1885. They were hugely successful and became the most well-known brand in the world.
Bicycle No.808
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The famous 'Bicycle' playing cards were first introduced by Russell & Morgan Printing Co in 1885. They were hugely successful and became the most well-known brand in the world.
Above: deck of 'Bicycle No.808' playing cards with the Racer back design, c.1928, and with the last type of standard Bicycle Ace of Spades, which is still in use today, albeit with minor modifications. The ace of hearts in this example has the Argentinean importation tax stamp and the name of the importing agents Palmer & Cia overprinted. see more►
Above: detail from uncut sheet of 'Bicycle No.808' playing cards (printed in 1999), showing the familiar Ace of Spades and Joker which are still in use today and famous around the world.
The Bicycle Playing Cards official website contains a lot of interesting information, including company history and a downloadable catalogue. See also: Bicycle Seconds • Congress No.606 • Jumbo Bridge No.88 • U.S.A.
Further References:
Bicycle Playing Cards for Collectors►
Dawson, Tom & Judy: The Hochman Encyclopedia of American Playing Cards, U.S. Games Systems Inc., 2000.
Hargrave, Catherine Perry: A History of Playing Cards and a Bibliography of Cards and Gaming, Dover Publications, New York, 1966.
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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