The United States Playing Card Co was established in 1894. Formerly it had been known as Russell, Morgan & Co (1881-1894). Over the years the pressures of competition and other market forces have led to many smaller manufacturers being taken over by U.S.P.C.C. These include: The Standard Playing Card Co. 1892-1895; Perfection Card Co. 1892-1895; New York Consolidated Card Co, 1892-1895; Andrew Dougherty 1907; Russell Playing Card Co. 1929; Heraclio Fournier, S.A. 1986; Arrco Playing Card Company 1987; and Hoyle Products 2001.

The outcome is that the U.S.P.C.C. is now the largest manufacturer in the United States, and has inherited many brands previously owned by smaller manufacturers.

Above: advert from inside 1927 edition of U.S.P.C.C’s ‘Selected Patience Games’ booklet for various sizes of patience and miniature playing cards.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: We are grateful to Rod Starling for generously sharing knowledge and images of cards and from his collection.