Columbian Exposition Souvenir
Columbian Exposition Souvenir playing cards, G.W. Clark, Chicago, 1893.
Columbian Exposition Souvenir playing cards, copyrighted by G.W. Clark, Chicago, 1893. The reverse depicts the Landing of Columbus in an ornamental frame, whilst all the face cards feature coloured sketches of the fair with miniature playing cards (triplicates) in the upper-left and lower-right corners serving as indices, with the value of the card shown at the top and bottom.
Above: Columbian Exposition Souvenir playing cards, G.W. Clark, Chicago, 1893. The joker shows two medallions and the words "Columbian Souvenir Playing Cards".
The Box
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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