Thomas Crehore copy, c.1850
Thomas Crehore copy, c.1850.
Thomas Crehore copy, c.1850
Thomas Crehore (c.1798-1846) was an innovative manufacturer who invented new methods of manufacture. Crehore's factory was destroyed in a fire in 1846. His name is mis-spelt in this example because the cards were made by a different manufacturer trading under the Crehore name. The single-headed courts in this example are very similar in design to those produced by Dougherty, c.1855, and to those sold under the name of Continental Card Company, The Union Playing Card Co and N.Y. Consolidated Card Co. (Samuel Hart) and also those by Russell & Morgan Co., 1881 in its Tiger 101 brand, with and without indices.
Above: cards by Thomas Crehor. The name 'Crehor' is missing the final 'e' this is believed to be because the cards were made by a different manufacturer (probably Dougherty) trading under the Crehore name. The courts are of the typical style used by Hart and the ace of spades has the legend "American Manufacture" and 13 stars.
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.
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