Advertisement For "Bicycle" Playing Cards

The United States Printing Company, Russell & Morgan Factories, Cincinnati, Ohio

Publication: The United States Printing Company, Russell & Morgan Factories, nd (ca 1891), Webster City, Iowa, nd (ca 1891)

3-1/2" x 2-1/2." The front of the card shows a very colorful picture of the King of Spades riding a bicycle and pointing to a trademark sign for Bicycle cards. He's wearing a backpack stating "Bicycle Cards" There are 2 holes in each wheel; one holds a paper wheel that turns and the other shows the numbers 1 - 10. On the reverse side of the card "Bicycle" Playing Cards are briefly described and promoted. Also stated is "Compliments of The Webster City Grocery Co., Webster City, Iowa." The United States Playing Card Company was founded in 1867 as Russell, Morgan & Co., a printing company. The company began printing four brands of playing cards in 1881: Tigers, Sportsman's, Army and Navy, and Congress. They began printing Bicycle cards, which would become their most popular line, in 1885. Business boomed and in 1891 Russell, Morgan, & Co. changed its name to the United States Printing Company. The playing card business was successful enough that it was spun off as a separate business in 1894, as The United States Playing Card Company. Light soiling and rubbing to rear and with light crease running along the bottom edge. Appears to have been professionally repaired. A very nice piece of early promotional material .

Inventory Number: 41828