Subject: American Playing Cards

Four-page circular/catalogue from H.J. Jeroliman & Co., successors to Lewis I. Cohen, dated July 1, 1848. Located at 134 William Street, New York. Lists Lewis Cohen Playing Cards. This document conflicts with existing histories of Lewis Cohen, as it indicates a sale of his establishment in 1848, whereas other sources state he retired in 1854. The catalogue highlights the scarcity of early American playing card catalogues.

Deck of playing cards published by Samuel Hart & Co. in Philadelphia in 1846. Each card features a tongue-twister and a lithograph illustration featuring the character Punch. The cards are printed by T. Sinclair's Lith, Philadelphia, and represent an early example of American playing cards and color lithography. The deck includes an extra card depicting Professor Punch and two children. The game was entered according to Act of Congress in 1846 by Sam'l Hart & Co. in the Clerk's office of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. The cards are printed on one side, the other side plain white. The corners are slightly rounded. The paper is coated heavy stock and measures 2 3/8 by 3 7/16 inches (8.7 cm).

Partial deck of playing cards produced by Huestis & Levy, containing 41 cards, including a joker and an eagle, but lacking indexes. The firm's brief existence (approximately 1853-1855) makes this incomplete set a rare find. Accompanying the cards is a printed advertisement from an unbound volume of "The Illustrated American Biography" (J. Milton Emerson and Co., New York, 1854-1855), measuring approximately 8"x10.5", depicting the Huestis & Levy factory/storefront at 177 & 179 Grand Street, New York. This advertisement provides context to the playing card set and the short-lived partnership of John J. Levy and Huestis. John J. Levy was the nephew of Lewis I. Cohen, a founder of one of the early American card-making families. After leaving his uncle's employ, Levy partnered with Huestis. In 1854, Lewis I. Cohen retired, and his son and nephew formed Lawrence and Cohen. On December 5th, 1871, Lawrence and Cohen, along with Samuel Hart and Isaac Levy, formed the New York Consolidated Card Company.

Deck of 52 playing cards manufactured by the New York Consolidated Card Company, including a rare 'Best Bower' card, a precursor to the joker. The cards are from a Mogul's deck featuring double heads. The cards show light aging but are in good condition; the original paper wrapper is included but shows signs of damage. The cards date between 1871 (founding of Consolidated Card Co.) and 1874 (John Levy's last ace issued).

A deck of 52 playing cards and a bezique counter dial, manufactured circa 1860 in Philadelphia by Samuel Hart & Co. The deck is part of a larger history of playing card manufacturing in the United States, notably the innovations of Lewis I. Cohen and the formation of the New York Consolidated Card Company. The included description references a text, likely "Philadelphia and its manufactures", which describes the extensive operations of Samuel Hart & Co. in 1857, highlighting their use of machinery and high production volume of playing cards.

A full deck of playing cards, circa 1885, housed in a leather snap case. The ace of spades bears the markings "CONSOLIDATED CARD COMPANY...SAMUEL HART & CO....NEW YORK." The cards are associated with Samuel Hart & Co., which merged in 1871 to form the Consolidated Card Company. Samuel Hart was a nephew of Lawrence Cohen, an inventor credited with developing the four-color printing process in the early 1800s, a significant advancement in the playing card industry.

A nearly complete deck of playing cards (32 cards plus one blank card) manufactured by Lawrence and Cohen at 184 Williams Street, New York, circa 1860. This is a rare Keno deck, with each suit starting with an Ace and proceeding to Seven through King, without numbered cards. The cards represent a brief period after the death of Lewis I. Cohen in 1860, when the company was managed by his son Solomon L. Cohen and nephew John M. Lawrence, before the name changed to Lawrence & Cohen in 1864. The Ace of Spades displays the company name and address. Lewis I. Cohen, born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania in 1800, was a pioneer in American pencil and steel pen manufacturing, and introduced mechanized color printing to playing card production in 1835. He published his first deck in 1832. In 1854, he retired, leaving the business to Solomon and John, who continued the "Stars and Eagle" brand. On December 5th, 1871, Lawrence and Cohen, along with Samuel Hart and Isaac Levy of "Samuel Hart & Co." (Philadelphia) and John J. Levy, formed the New York Consolidated Card Company.

A complete deck of 52 playing cards manufactured by Samuel Hart & Co. in New York, New York, circa 1860. The Ace of Spades indicates manufacture by Samuel Hart & Co., New York. The verso pattern differs from a similar deck (12.1314).

A full deck of playing cards contained within a leather case, accompanied by counters. The Ace of Spades bears the markings "CONSOLIDATED CARD COMPANY...SAMUEL HART & CO....NEW YORK." The New York Consolidated Card Company was formed in 1871 through the merger of three firms: Lawrence & Cohen (est. 1832), Samuel Hart & Co. (est. circa 1849), and John J. Levy. This deck of cards is circa 1885.