Russell, Morgan & Co
The distinctive Ace of Spades features the Statue of the Goddess of Freedom, based on the bronze statue designed by Thomas Crawford (1814-1857) that, since 1863, has crowned the dome of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.
In 1881 Russell, Morgan & Company commenced playing card production by issuing a range of brands:
The distinctive Ace of Spades features the Statue of the Goddess of Freedom, based on the bronze statue designed by Thomas Crawford (1814-1857) that, since 1863, has crowned the dome of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. The Aces and Jokers usually also contained elaborate and picturesque engravings. Other new brands followed shortly, including:
In 1885 the business was renamed as “Russell & Morgan Printing Company”, as seen in the calendar page (right).
In 1891 the company name was changed yet again to “The United States Printing Co.” and then in 1894 “The United States Playing Card Company” was incorporated to hold all the playing card manufacturing operations. This sequence of events can be followed in the inscriptions on the Aces of Spades in successive editions of their playing cards.
By Rod Starling (1936-2023)
Member since January 09, 2013
Rod Starling was one of the founding members of the 52 Plus Joker card collectors club. He authored many articles for the club's quarterly newsletter, Clear the Decks. His collection encompasses both foreign and American decks. Rod also authored a book titled The Art and Pleasures of Playing Cards.
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