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
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.
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