No.500 Playing Cards
No.500 Playing Cards published by U.S.P.C.C., c.1910
No. 500 Playing Cards
The brand was originally patented in 1896 by U.S.P.C.C. but published by the National Card Co as “Full House Poker Cards #555” as a 60-card deck plus a Joker, including the regular 52 cards plus 11 & 12 pip cards. The Joker features Brownies as were popularized at the time by Palmer Cox, a writer of children's stories. The brand was carried through into the U.S.P.C.C. range and re-named “500” and the deck was increased to 62 cards with the addition of two 13 pip cards.
Over the years there were variations in the design and lettering on the box, Ace of Spades and Joker. This set includes an extra card called “Avondale Schedule for 500” which is dated 1906.
Above: No.500 Playing Cards published by U.S.P.C.C., c.1910. This edition has swastike back design, symbol of good luck. Images courtesy Greg Alonzo.
REFERENCES
Dawson, Tom & Judy: The Hochman Encyclopedia of American Playing Cards, U.S. Games Systems Inc., 2000
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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