The University of Cincinnati Digital Press -- Art As Image

Art as Image: Prints and Promotion in Cincinnati, Ohio
CHAPTER FIVE
Promotional Playing Cards:
From Sultan to Salesman, 1300-1900

RONALD DECKER
Curator, Playing Card Museum
The U.S. Playing Card Company

Abstract: This paper offers a survey of the history of playing cards, The United States Playing Card Company of Cincinnati, and a discussion of promotional aspects of their products.

**Images:**
Fig. 5.1	Numerical cards	view image
Fig. 5.2	Spanish suited cards	view image
Fig. 5.3	French suited cards	view image
Fig. 5.4	Continental playing cards	view image
Fig. 5.5	Court card of "Border Index" deck	view image
Fig. 5.6	Printing block for Rider Back Bicycle Cards	view image
Fig. 5.7	Promotional calendar illustrating Russell and Morgan Printing Company Building	view image
Fig. 5.8	Promotional calendar with illustration of Thomas Crawford's Statue of Freedom atop U.S. Capitol Dome	view image
Fig. 5.9	Chicago Columbian Exposition cards	view image
Fig. 5.10	California Souvenir playing cards	view image
Fig. 5.11	Assortment of souvenir playing cards	view image
Fig. 5.12	Princeton University playing cards	view image
Fig. 5.13	Tobacco advertising cards	view image
Fig. 5.14	Monarch Bicycle advertising deck	view image
Fig. 5.15	Spanish American War deck produced for Anheuser-Busch	view image