Subject: Card Manufacturers

Deck of 52 playing cards manufactured by Jno. J. Levy in New York, circa 1860s. The Ace of Spades features the address 177 & 179 Grand Street, New York. The card backs are printed in four colors and depict tulips. The deck is described as being in nice condition and handsomely preserved. This deck is part of the Hochman collection (NY16). In 1854, Lewis I. Cohen retired, leaving the card manufactory to his son, Solomon L. Cohen, and nephew, John M. Lawrence, who formed "Lawrence and Cohen." 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.

Deck of playing cards manufactured by Huestis & Levy, circa 1854-1855. Each card measures 3 5/8" x 2 5/8" and is in very good condition with minimal edge wear. Accompanying the deck is a printed advertisement from an unbound volume of "The Illustrated American Biography" by A.D. Jones, published by J. Milton Emerson and Co., 29 Gold Street, New York, in 1854 or 1855. The advertisement depicts the Huestis & Levy factory/storefront at 177 & 179 Grand Street, New York. The playing cards and advertisement provide insights into the card manufacturing business of John J. Levy, nephew of Lewis I. Cohen, a prominent figure in early American card making. Information included details about the later formation of the New York Consolidated Card Company in 1871.