Army & Navy No.303
Over the years eight different Aces of Spades were used with this brand and the Joker was also modified several times.
Russell, Morgan & Co produced both “Army” and “Navy” decks as part of their original range in 1881. In order to reduce costs of maintaining two separate brands they were subsequently merged into “Army & Navy #303” in c.1884. The Russell, Morgan and Co. became the United States Playing Card Company in 1894 and over the years eight different Aces of Spades were used with this brand and the Joker was also modified several times. The brand was eventually phased out in 1931.
Right: detail from the Joker→
Above: “Army & Navy #303” brand playing cards published by the United States Playing Card Co., Cincinnati, in c.1900. This version has a Navy style Joker and a plain Ace of Spades with the subtitle "Russell & Morgan Factories" at the bottom. These particular court card designs were the basis of those used by Waddington's in the 1930s. Images courtesy Rod Starling.
REFERENCES
Dawson, Tom & Judy: The Hochman Encyclopedia of American Playing Cards, U.S. Games Systems Inc., 2000
All images on this page are from the collection of Rod Starling, author of "The Art and Pleasures of 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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