Samuel Hart & Co. Bezique Playing Cards: A Set of Four Decks, ca. 1865

A boxed set of four decks of 32 playing cards for the game of Bezique, manufactured by Samuel Hart & Co. around 1865. The set includes a contemporary case, rules booklet, and a paper label on the inside lid featuring two U.S. revenue stamps dated 1865. Two Saladee's Bezique Register cards with metal spinners for scorekeeping are also included. The box measures 6" x 4" x 1 1/2". The company operated out of New York (546 Broadway) and Philadelphia (416 S. 13th St.). The production of this set followed the formation of the New York Consolidated Card Company in December 1871, which involved Samuel Hart & Co. along with Lawrence and Cohen and others. Lawrence and Cohen were the successors to Lewis I. Cohen's card manufactory, established earlier.

Associated People/Businesses

• Hart, Samuel

Geography

No geographic information available.

Subjects

• Playing cards
• Card games
• Bezique

Physical Location

Arc.MS.56, Objects Box 2