Crown Point Series
The Universal Playing Card Co., Crown Point Series,
“Crown Point” refers to Alf Cooke's printing works in Leeds (UK), Crown Point Works, which is now a listed building.
The Universal Playing Card Co's court card designs, although following traditional lines, are slightly idiosyncratic, particularly the heads and body positions. Earlier cards have narrow indices and margins and were produced in three or four colours. Over the years the printing plates were retouched or redrawn, providing minute clues for dating packs.
Click here to see Ace of Spades (enlarged). A Contact Bridge Scoring Card was introduced in 1935.
Above: one of Universal Playing Card Co Ltd's early brands, featuring the black & white Joker plus an extra advertising card promoting perfect dealing owing to the fabric finish.
Above: two further editions of Crown Point Series playing cards by Universal Playing Card Co. In the top row there is no shading on the inner part of the ace of spades, c.1930. The bottom row is slightly later and the company name is now 'Ltd', c.1935. Images courtesy Matt Probert.
Club De Luxe
Above: early edition of “Club De Luxe” brand with number 601. Courtesy Matt Probert.
Above: Club De Luxe Playing cards, c.1935. The same motif of a hand holding cards is used on the box, similar to the earlier examples shown above. In this case the Joker is coloured and has been redrawn.
Lodge, Ken: The Standard English Pattern (second revised and enlarged edition), Bungay, Suffolk, 2010
By Simon Wintle
Spain • Member since February 01, 1996
I am the founder of The World of Playing Cards (est. 1996), a website dedicated to the history, artistry and cultural significance of playing cards and tarot. Over the years I have researched various areas of the subject, acquired and traded collections and contributed as a committee member of the IPCS and graphics editor of The Playing-Card journal. Having lived in Chile, England, Wales, and now Spain, these experiences have shaped my work and passion for playing cards. Amongst my achievements is producing a limited-edition replica of a 17th-century English pack using woodblocks and stencils—a labour of love. Today, the World of Playing Cards is a global collaborative project, with my son Adam serving as the technical driving force behind its development. His innovative efforts have helped shape the site into the thriving hub it is today. You are warmly invited to become a contributor and share your enthusiasm.
Activity for Crown Point Series
Sign in to comment or save this article.
Related Articles
Conjuring Decks
Conjuring Decks by Universal Playing Card Co (Alf Cooke) and others...
Zodiac Club
‘Zodiac Club Playing Cards’ for Pepys, c.1965-75.
British Playing Cards
British Playing Cards Ltd was the predecessor of Universal P.C.Co. and involved Alf Cooke of Leeds a...
Suicide King
The King of Hearts, holding a sword behind his head, is sometimes nicknamed the “Suicide King”. He c...
Pictorial
Pictorial Playing Cards - De Luxe - Fabric Finish - manufactured by Alf Cooke Limited (Universal Pla...
New Bond
The New Bond Fabric Finish Playing Cards, made by the Universal Playing Card Co. Ltd.
Hardy
The Hardy family of playing card manufacturers began with Henry Hardy (1784-89) and continued throug...
The Joker Card
The 'Joker' is believed to have been invented by American Euchre players who, when modifying the rul...
De La Rue
De La Rue introduced letter-press printing into playing card production and his patent was granted i...
Alf Cooke’s Playing Cards
Alf Cooke was an important producer of playing cards and card games in the UK during the period 1920...
Romanian playing cards by Alf Cooke
Romanian playing cards, manufactured and exported by the Universal Playing Card Co., Leeds, in the 1...
L. G. Sloan, Ltd
'Thames Side' Playing Cards manufactured by The Universal Playing Card Co., Ltd for L. G. Sloan, Ltd...
Icelandic Chess playing cards
Innovative "Icelandic Chess" pack, designed by Tryggvi Magnússon and manufactured by Alf Cooke Ltd (...
Danbrit
Danbrit playing cards by Alf Cooke, 1930s
Playing cards in Wales - Welsh playing cards
Whereas the distinctiveness of Wales is an important resource contributing to the rich texture of va...
James English & Co.
Victorian Playing Cards manufactured by James English & Co., London, c.1875
Waddington’s Playing Cards
John Waddington Limited was a leading producer of playing cards and card games in the UK during the ...
History of English Playing Cards & Games
The History of English Playing Cards dates probably from the mid 15th century
Thomson-Leng Tarot
The Thomson-Leng Tarot Cards were issued by the publishers of women's magazines during the 1930s. Th...
Hunt, c.1800
Standard English pattern playing cards manufactured by Hunt, c.1800.
Most Popular
Our top articles from the past 60 days
