California Midwinter Exposition World's Fair Playing Cards

GRAHAM, CHARLES S. [ARTIST]

Publication: The Winters Art Litho Co, 1894, San Francisco, CA & Chicago, IL

A collection of fifty-three 2.5" x 3.5" playing cards with color chromolithograph images on rectos, seals of California, Oregon & Washington, and the California International Midwinter Exposition on versos (1 duplicate Washington Pavilion "King" playing card, in lieu of Walking Bear Joker). Original sleeved playing card box produced by Novelty Paper Box Works in Chicago, blue printed lozenge seals front & back. An excellent 53 card deck of these remarkable 1894 California International Midwinter Fair souvenir playing cards with an enamel finish, featuring memorable chromolithographs by Graham and other artists of the sights & scenes at the Exposition, as well as views in San Francisco’s Chinatown, Alcatraz, Yosemite, California University Berkeley, and California Missions. Also included are views of Snoqualmie Falls, Mount Baker, Mount Rainier, Oregon State Capitol building, and more. Graham (1852-1911) was a noted illustrator for Harper’s Magazine from 1880 to 1892, with his drawings gracing nearly every issue, a noted painter of theatre backdrops in Chicago, topographer for the Northern Pacific, and later Director of Color for the 1893 Columbian Exposition, and the 1894 Midwinter Fair. Minor edgewear and rubbing to card box. All playing cards in NF condition.