Romeo and Juliet
Unbranded ‘Romeo and Juliet’ backs by Russell Playing Card Company, c.1911.
The original Willis W. Russell playing card business fell into financial difficulties. It ceased operations in 1911 and was sold at public auction. The business was salvaged by Mr Benjamin Rosenthal who merged the former Willis W. Russell and Kalamazoo Playing Card Companies into Russell Playing Card Company. The cards shown here appear to be from that time of transition.
Images courtesy Paul Cotner.
Many former Kalamazoo brands were transferred to Russell Playing Card Co, and packeged either in Kalamazoo boxes or in ‘books’ as seen here. Before introducing the Russell ace of spades to these former Kalamazoo brands, the new company issued several un-named aces, although the joker has the 'R' indexes already. Where there was no name on the ace, the joker often identified the brand. In this case we see two steamboats sailing past the Statue of Liberty along with the Romeo & Juliet back design which had already been used by Kalamazoo in the Smart Set 400 brand►
Reference
Dawson, Tom & Judy: The Hochman Encyclopedia of American Playing Cards, U.S. Games Systems Inc., 2000
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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