Subject: Playing Card Manufacturers

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.

A complete deck of 52 playing cards manufactured by Samuel Hart & Co. in New York, New York, circa 1860. The cards are in mint condition and retain their original wrapping paper. The Ace of Spades features the manufacturer's mark: "Manufactured by Samuel Hart & Co. New York."

Heavy, fire- and thief-proof strongbox manufactured by Samuel Hart & Co., inventors. The box's top reads: "Anti Consuming Metal, Fire & Thief Proof Safe. Samuel Hart & Co. Inventor, Phila & New York." It measures 10 x 6.5 inches and is 4 inches tall; it weighs approximately 13-16 pounds. The strongbox dates to circa 1860 and lacks a key. Samuel Hart (1819-1871) was a legendary American playing card manufacturer known for innovations that became standard features of American playing cards. This strongbox provides a tangible link to his significant contributions to the playing card industry and the broader material culture of 19th-century America. The box's design and construction reflect the technological advancements and security concerns of the era.

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 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).

Deck of playing cards manufactured by Lawrence, Cohen & Co. in New York City, circa 1860. The cards are contained in a box with a counter and lack numerical markings. Lawrence, Cohen & Co. operated from 1860-1864, succeeding the firm of Lewis I. Cohen, one of the earliest playing card manufacturers in the United States. Lewis I. Cohen (1800- ), a stationer, was also the first American to make lead pencils and sell steel pens. He began manufacturing playing cards in 1832, and in 1835 registered a color-printing machine capable of printing four colors at once. He retired in 1854, leaving the business to his son Solomon L. Cohen and nephew John M. Lawrence, who continued the brand with the Stars and Eagle design, expanding their market share. In 1871, Lawrence and Cohen transformed the business into a stock company, incorporating Samuel Hart, Isaac Levy, and John J. Levy as partners to form the New York Consolidated Card Company.