Bicycle No.808 - page 2
The famous 'Bicycle' playing cards were first introduced by Russell & Morgan Printing Co in 1885. They were hugely successful and became the most well-known brand in the world.
Bicycle No.808
page 1 / page 2
The famous 'Bicycle' playing cards were first introduced by Russell & Morgan Printing Co in 1885. They were hugely successful and became the most well-known brand in the world.
Above: deck of 'Bicycle No.808' playing cards with the Racer back design, c.1928, and with the last type of standard Bicycle Ace of Spades, which is still in use today, albeit with minor modifications. The ace of hearts in this example has the Argentinean importation tax stamp and the name of the importing agents Palmer & Cia overprinted. see more►
Above: detail from uncut sheet of 'Bicycle No.808' playing cards (printed in 1999), showing the familiar Ace of Spades and Joker which are still in use today and famous around the world.
The Bicycle Playing Cards official website contains a lot of interesting information, including company history and a downloadable catalogue. See also: Bicycle Seconds • Congress No.606 • Jumbo Bridge No.88 • U.S.A.
Further References:
Bicycle Playing Cards for Collectors►
Dawson, Tom & Judy: The Hochman Encyclopedia of American Playing Cards, U.S. Games Systems Inc., 2000.
Hargrave, Catherine Perry: A History of Playing Cards and a Bibliography of Cards and Gaming, Dover Publications, New York, 1966.
By Simon Wintle
Spain • Member since February 01, 1996 • Contact
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.
Related Articles
Red Hat Society playing cards
Society that encourages women in their quest to get the most out of life.
Hesslers Four-Colour “No Revoke” Deck
Hesslers Maiden Back Four-Colour “No Revoke” Deck, with enhanced visibility and a traditional look. ...
Bicycle Flight playing cards
Bicycle Flight ‘Airplane’ and ‘Airship’ playing cards, homage to aviation, 2014.
Bicycle Tragic Royalty
Modified courts rendered tragic and somewhat scary.
Timothy Curtis Art
Timothy Curtis Art custom Bicycle playing cards, 2018.
Hesslers Rider Back Playing Cards
Hesslers Rider Back Playing Cards with two different coloured backs, 2019.
Bicycle Playing Cards, 1st edition
1st edition of famous Bicycle Playing Cards printed by Russell & Morgan Printing Co., Cincinnati, 18...
Bicycle Heritage
Bicycle Heritage playing cards by the United States Playing Card Company, 2012
Hesslers Enhanced
Matt Hessler’s “Enhanced” four-colour playing cards, 2015.
The Lumberjacks
2nd edition of Lumberjacks designed by Vadim Smolenskiy and manufactured by U.S.P.C.C.
No.500 Playing Cards
No.500 Playing Cards published by U.S.P.C.C., c.1910
Tourists
Imagery of slightly eccentric tourists sightseeing in Egypt, or perhaps in the Alps, appears on the ...
Capitol No.188
“Capitol No.188” was first introduced during the Russell & Morgan Printing Company era in c.1886 and...
Cabinet No.707
Russell & Morgan's “Cabinet No.707” brand was first introduced in 1888.
Steamboat No.999
Owing to the romantic appeal of gambling on the Mississippi river many manufacturers added “Steamboa...
Bicicleta num.810
The United States Playing Card Co. issued Spanish versions of their flagship brand.
Congress No.606
Congress Playing Cards were first produced by the Russell & Morgan Company in 1881 as the finest and...
Bicycle Seconds
Bicycle 808 Seconds playing cards manufactured by The United States Playing Card Co, Cincinnati and ...
Bicycle No.808
The famous Bicycle playing cards were first introduced by Russell & Morgan Printing Co in 1885. More...
The United States Playing Card Company
Over the years the pressures of competition and other market forces have led to many smaller manufac...
Most Popular
Our top articles from the past 60 days
