Bernhardt/Bernard Dreyfuss was born March 17, 1850 in Mannheim, Germany, into a merchant class family. When he was about 11 his father died. After losing their patriarch the family made a decision to go to America. They arrived in New York City about 1862 and settled in what is now Midtown Manhattan. Bernard, the baby of the family, helped his older brothers, Ludwig and Albert, in their new fancy goods business. Fancy goods were non-essential goods such as novelties, accessories, or notions. By 1870 the brothers added an import business and Albert returned to Mannheim to open a branch there.
Mannheim, Germany
About 1874 Bernard now opens his own business at 559 Pearl Street selling mirrors and glassware. In 1877 he becomes a naturalized citizen of the United States. The man that signed his papers was another merchant named Adolph Riegelman. Mr. Riegelman was also Bernard's landlord and represented the Bavarian Looking Glass Company from Mannheim that Bernard sold in his store.
By 1877 Bernard has taken on a partner, Samuel Sachs, and moved to 75 Duane Street. They are now in the business of perforated cardboard, mottoes, book marks and chromolithography.
Perforated paper was also called perforated cardboard or punched paper. Before 1870, only smaller sheets of finer count paper (18 - 24 holes per inch) was widely available. This small size paper was used mostly for stitching bookmarks. Ladies magazines during the 1850’s - 1880’s often carried projects for pinkeeps, boxes, and other fancywork projects stitched on paper. American mottoes were designed specifically for a new larger count paper (14 -16 holes per inch) which first appeared in the United States during the 1870’s. Sheets in this size paper were available in these standard sizes; 8.5” x 21”, 8.5” x 10.5”, and 16.5” x 21”, Motto designs were popular from 1875 - 1885. Mottoes were intended to be easy to stitch.
The designs were printed on the paper. The stitcher worked over the printed design using wools, cottons, and silks. Typically the background paper was left unstitched. The earliest mottoes did not come with a color key, so the outcome was left to the resources and talents of the stitcher. Later designs were stamped similar to today’s cross stitch, with symbols etc. These designs were mass produced. During the height of their popularity a stitcher could purchase all the parts needed, including a thread set and a standard frame. The difference in design styles indicates that there were several different motto designers and paper manufacturers, although the details have yet to be completely documented. Many perforated paper motto designs were widely available for purchase in various stores and by mail order through magazines.
The designs were printed on the paper. The stitcher worked over the printed design using wools, cottons, and silks. Typically the background paper was left unstitched. The earliest mottoes did not come with a color key, so the outcome was left to the resources and talents of the stitcher. Later designs were stamped similar to today’s cross stitch, with symbols etc. These designs were mass produced. During the height of their popularity a stitcher could purchase all the parts needed, including a thread set and a standard frame. The difference in design styles indicates that there were several different motto designers and paper manufacturers, although the details have yet to be completely documented. Many perforated paper motto designs were widely available for purchase in various stores and by mail order through magazines.
Dreyfuss & Sach's Popular Motto
Patent 90.477.
PROCESSES OF FINISHING CARDBOARD FOR. PERFORATING
B. Dreyfuss and S. Sachs, New York. N. Y. [Filed Mar. 10, 1877.]
To all whom it may concern:
Be it known that we, BERNARD DREYFUSS and SAMUEL SACHS, of the city, county, and State of New York, have invented a new and Improved Process for Finishing Silver Card Board for Perforating Purposes, of which the following is a specification: _
Our invention relates to a process for finishing card-board ; and it consists in coating a suitable quality of card-board with a mixture of powdered metallic zinc, glue, starch, and wax.
The process is particularly designed for the preparation of cardboard to be afterward perforate.
Patent 90.477.
PROCESSES OF FINISHING CARDBOARD FOR. PERFORATING
B. Dreyfuss and S. Sachs, New York. N. Y. [Filed Mar. 10, 1877.]
To all whom it may concern:
Be it known that we, BERNARD DREYFUSS and SAMUEL SACHS, of the city, county, and State of New York, have invented a new and Improved Process for Finishing Silver Card Board for Perforating Purposes, of which the following is a specification: _
Our invention relates to a process for finishing card-board ; and it consists in coating a suitable quality of card-board with a mixture of powdered metallic zinc, glue, starch, and wax.
The process is particularly designed for the preparation of cardboard to be afterward perforate.
The American Stationer
1879 February 20
Dreyfuss & Sachs are sending out some new chromo mottoes in medallion and panel styles. Among the books which have created quite a sensation of late, are Henry James' two little brochures, "Daisy Miller" (the sale of which has been so large that the little volume is now out of print, but a new edition will soon be ready), and the new volume, a companion to the above, "An International Episode," which is meeting with a like success.
1879 February 20
Dreyfuss & Sachs are sending out some new chromo mottoes in medallion and panel styles. Among the books which have created quite a sensation of late, are Henry James' two little brochures, "Daisy Miller" (the sale of which has been so large that the little volume is now out of print, but a new edition will soon be ready), and the new volume, a companion to the above, "An International Episode," which is meeting with a like success.
In March 1879 Bernard marries Rosa Silberman, the daughter of millionaire Jacob Silberman. Mr. Silberman was a large fringe and silk manufacturer and owner of the Albert Nail Company. He had recently made Bernard secretary of his nail company.
In September 1882 Bernard starts to dabble in the world of playing cards. He files a patent for the use of playing cards as advertising devices. The backs would advertise a certain product and then be used in the design of the pips. Weather it was ever produced is unknown.
In September 1882 Bernard starts to dabble in the world of playing cards. He files a patent for the use of playing cards as advertising devices. The backs would advertise a certain product and then be used in the design of the pips. Weather it was ever produced is unknown.
By 1883 Sachs breaks away and started a drygoods business. Bernard stays on Duane street and starts the Union Playing Card Company. He incoporates with $9,000 or a quarter million in 2020 money. The New York City Business Directory states his factory was at 39 Worth street two blocks away.
1. Albert & Ludwigs Fancy Goods store.
2. Bernard's Mirrors & Glasswares first store.
3. Bernard's second location.
4. Dreyfuss & Sach's store and later the Union Card Company.
5. Union Card Company factory.
2. Bernard's Mirrors & Glasswares first store.
3. Bernard's second location.
4. Dreyfuss & Sach's store and later the Union Card Company.
5. Union Card Company factory.
Bernard's first, or earliest cards, got him in big trouble with the New York Consolidated Card Company (NYCC). In 1864 NYCC had patented #35 Squeezers but it had run out in 1881. Dreyfuss put out a deck, which one is unclear, in early 1886 that had the words "Hart's Patent Squeezers manufactured by the New York Consolidated Card Co." on the wrapper and one card. NYCC contended "That it was a material misrepresentation which would ordinarily affect the conduct of buyers of these cards, limiting and restraining their dealings in them as a patented commodity."
No one owned the patent but NYCC maintained that using the word "patent", when one did not exist, was also illegal. Dreyfuss's lawyers maintained they were just giving NYCC credit for the Squeezer design. NYCC lost and it appears that Union Playing Card quit doing this. I could not find any other information that this practice continued.
No one owned the patent but NYCC maintained that using the word "patent", when one did not exist, was also illegal. Dreyfuss's lawyers maintained they were just giving NYCC credit for the Squeezer design. NYCC lost and it appears that Union Playing Card quit doing this. I could not find any other information that this practice continued.
The Encyclopedia of American Playing Cards, aka The Hochman, gives us some more information about Union Playing Cards. The "circa 1885" date listed is probably closer to 1887/88 when the Travelers came out. As you can also see only two decks have Hochman listing numbers.
The following information is from an insert card found with a deck of Union PCC “Pointers”, circa 1885.
“These CARDS ARE ALL ROUND CORNERED and the Face Cards in Each Grade are in FIVE COLORS”
Yankee’s Notion Plaid Backs
Lion’s Superior Quality Calico Backs
Rajahs Tinted Backs High Finish
#6 Acme Enameled, Handsome Set-backs, also a Gilted deck version
Pioneer Double Enameled, Tinted Back, also a Gilted deck version
#5.5 Great Mogul, Linen, Enameled, Fancy Set-backs
#4.4 Sporting Enameled, appropriate backs
Extra Travelers (L40) Enameled, Superfine Linen, Elegant Backs
Palace Car Gilt Edges, Superfine Linen, Elegant Backs
#6.6 “Winning” Poker Enameled face, Extra Finish
#7.7 Club Enameled Face, Extra Finish
#9.9 Pointers Pure Linen, Elegant Assorted Backs
Green Room Gilt Edges, Elegant Tinted Backs
Sporting cards (L46/47) Gilt edges
Progressive Euchre and Solo Pinochle, 64 Cards
(A deeper discussion of these cards, and other possible ones, will be at the end of this story.)
The following information is from an insert card found with a deck of Union PCC “Pointers”, circa 1885.
“These CARDS ARE ALL ROUND CORNERED and the Face Cards in Each Grade are in FIVE COLORS”
Yankee’s Notion Plaid Backs
Lion’s Superior Quality Calico Backs
Rajahs Tinted Backs High Finish
#6 Acme Enameled, Handsome Set-backs, also a Gilted deck version
Pioneer Double Enameled, Tinted Back, also a Gilted deck version
#5.5 Great Mogul, Linen, Enameled, Fancy Set-backs
#4.4 Sporting Enameled, appropriate backs
Extra Travelers (L40) Enameled, Superfine Linen, Elegant Backs
Palace Car Gilt Edges, Superfine Linen, Elegant Backs
#6.6 “Winning” Poker Enameled face, Extra Finish
#7.7 Club Enameled Face, Extra Finish
#9.9 Pointers Pure Linen, Elegant Assorted Backs
Green Room Gilt Edges, Elegant Tinted Backs
Sporting cards (L46/47) Gilt edges
Progressive Euchre and Solo Pinochle, 64 Cards
(A deeper discussion of these cards, and other possible ones, will be at the end of this story.)
Bernard was not just making playing cards, he was still selling and importing items. He had a new partner now named Gustav Gomprecht. Mr. Gomprecht had a clothing business at 39 Worth street since 1878 where Bernard had started making his playing cards.
But, once again, he upset someone.
The American Stationer
1887 Feb. 10
The firm of Foster, Hilson & Co., cigar makers, 677 First avenue, New York, made a contract in June, 1885, with Bernard Dreyfuss to buy from him 1,000 statuettes of General Grant, of the style known as "The National Favorite." Dreyfuss agreed not to sell any similar statuettes to any other firm. It is claimed that he did sell to other firms and suit was brought against him for $5,000 damages ($145,000 in 2020). Dreyfuss denies breaking the agreement, and says that when he was so accused he offered to compromise by selling his accusers 1,000 statuettes of Gen. Robert E. Lee at reduced prices and that the offer was accepted.
But, once again, he upset someone.
The American Stationer
1887 Feb. 10
The firm of Foster, Hilson & Co., cigar makers, 677 First avenue, New York, made a contract in June, 1885, with Bernard Dreyfuss to buy from him 1,000 statuettes of General Grant, of the style known as "The National Favorite." Dreyfuss agreed not to sell any similar statuettes to any other firm. It is claimed that he did sell to other firms and suit was brought against him for $5,000 damages ($145,000 in 2020). Dreyfuss denies breaking the agreement, and says that when he was so accused he offered to compromise by selling his accusers 1,000 statuettes of Gen. Robert E. Lee at reduced prices and that the offer was accepted.
The American Stationer
1887
A New Poker Set
A new poker set, which is finding great favor with the retail and jobbing stationers, is here illustrated. The boxes are in imitation olive wood, with a decoration on the outside of the cover of a hand holding a royal flush, which is equal in effect to a hand-painting. The boxes are made in two sizes, the smaller being known as No. 7981, or the "Goodenough Poker Set," and the larger as No. 1045, or the " Handy Poker Set."
The smaller boxes contain a good pack of enameled fancy-back playing-cards and 100 poker chips 1 ¼ inches in diameter in white, red and blue, while the larger contains two good packs of enameled linen playing-cards and 100 engraved poker chips of the regulation size, in old-gold, red, blue and white. Both boxes are silk lined, and their general finish and compact ness, coupled with the lowness of price, cannot fail to commend them to all lovers of this fascinating game.
Bernard Dreyfuss, 79 and 81 Duane street, is the manufacturer.
1887
A New Poker Set
A new poker set, which is finding great favor with the retail and jobbing stationers, is here illustrated. The boxes are in imitation olive wood, with a decoration on the outside of the cover of a hand holding a royal flush, which is equal in effect to a hand-painting. The boxes are made in two sizes, the smaller being known as No. 7981, or the "Goodenough Poker Set," and the larger as No. 1045, or the " Handy Poker Set."
The smaller boxes contain a good pack of enameled fancy-back playing-cards and 100 poker chips 1 ¼ inches in diameter in white, red and blue, while the larger contains two good packs of enameled linen playing-cards and 100 engraved poker chips of the regulation size, in old-gold, red, blue and white. Both boxes are silk lined, and their general finish and compact ness, coupled with the lowness of price, cannot fail to commend them to all lovers of this fascinating game.
Bernard Dreyfuss, 79 and 81 Duane street, is the manufacturer.
1889 Patent
B. DREYFUSS. CARD AND CHECK BOX
No. 407,855, Patented July 30, 1889.
A card and check box divided into separate compartments for cards and checks, and having a flexible lifting device of nearly the same width as the box fastened to one side of the check compartment and receiving the checks within the same, the flexible device being arranged to fold down upon the checks and cards to retain them, and to be raised to lift all the checks simultaneously from the compartment, the box being also provided with a separate detachable cover to close entirely over the entire face of the box with its contents.
B. DREYFUSS. CARD AND CHECK BOX
No. 407,855, Patented July 30, 1889.
A card and check box divided into separate compartments for cards and checks, and having a flexible lifting device of nearly the same width as the box fastened to one side of the check compartment and receiving the checks within the same, the flexible device being arranged to fold down upon the checks and cards to retain them, and to be raised to lift all the checks simultaneously from the compartment, the box being also provided with a separate detachable cover to close entirely over the entire face of the box with its contents.
Later in 1889 things start going wrong again for Dreyfuss. The Albert Nail Company goes bankrupt and all of the almost worthless stock is sold off. A competitor then buys up the company's property. Looking to recover Bernard seeks other ways to make money. He finds it in "Adamite". Adamite is a mineral consisting of a basic zinc arsenate that occurs in many different lively colors. Different impurities are responsible for the color types. When copper is present in Adamite, this gives a vibrant green or blue color, and when cobalt is present, it gives a pink to purple color. Some impurities such as copper prevent the Adamite from its habit of being fluorescent.
Electrical Magazine
Bernard Dreyfuss, 79-81 Duane street, New York city, is now doing a very large business in the manufacture of various styles of “adamite ” trimmings for electrical goods, and reports that he has upwards of 300 workmen employed in the production of this class of goods. He has a well equipped shop, employs skilled workmen, and uses only the most improved machinery, and thus has the facilities for turning out large or small orders with equal readiness, and is not obliged to charge extra prices for specially-shaped dies.
Electrical Magazine
Bernard Dreyfuss, 79-81 Duane street, New York city, is now doing a very large business in the manufacture of various styles of “adamite ” trimmings for electrical goods, and reports that he has upwards of 300 workmen employed in the production of this class of goods. He has a well equipped shop, employs skilled workmen, and uses only the most improved machinery, and thus has the facilities for turning out large or small orders with equal readiness, and is not obliged to charge extra prices for specially-shaped dies.
In late 1890 Bernard jumps into the celluloid dice business. A Mr. C. L. Gribbe had obtained the rights to sell these dice from the original designers Robert A. Bacon and George W. Caldwell (These gentlemen will be covered is a future story about celluloid cards). As soon as Mr. Gribbe's rights to sell them ran out Bernard started selling the celluloid poker dice with his poker chips. Mr. Gribbe claimed he had a verbal deal to extend his contract and threatened legal action. It did not happen.
Apparently his businesses were not actually doing well after all ..
The Newsman
August 1891
Deputy-sheriff Murphy recently received two executions against Bernard Dreyfus, manufacturer of fancy goods and playing cards at No. 300 Monroe street, New York; one for $2,617 ($75,000+) in favor of Leopold Ullman (Printer), and the other for $1,622 ($47,000) in favor of Edwin C. Philbrick (Broker), both confessed judgments for promissory notes. Mr. Dreyfus has been in business for eighteen years, and a few years ago claimed to be worth $100,000 (Almost $3 million) He was also the proprietor of the Union Playing Card Company, and largely interested in the Albert Nail Company. He was for many years located at Nos. 79 and 81 Duane street, and removed from there last February. He also made poker chips, brush backs, &c.
The American Stationer
Sept. 17,1891
The trustees for the bankrupt stock of Bernard Dreyfuss, 250 Canal street, New York, are offering the same for sale. The stock consists of playing cards, poker chips, dice, dominoes, pipes and a large assortment of kindred goods. The playing card plant and plant for perforating are also to be sold. Bargains to cash buyers can be had in this sale.
The Newsman
August 1891
Deputy-sheriff Murphy recently received two executions against Bernard Dreyfus, manufacturer of fancy goods and playing cards at No. 300 Monroe street, New York; one for $2,617 ($75,000+) in favor of Leopold Ullman (Printer), and the other for $1,622 ($47,000) in favor of Edwin C. Philbrick (Broker), both confessed judgments for promissory notes. Mr. Dreyfus has been in business for eighteen years, and a few years ago claimed to be worth $100,000 (Almost $3 million) He was also the proprietor of the Union Playing Card Company, and largely interested in the Albert Nail Company. He was for many years located at Nos. 79 and 81 Duane street, and removed from there last February. He also made poker chips, brush backs, &c.
The American Stationer
Sept. 17,1891
The trustees for the bankrupt stock of Bernard Dreyfuss, 250 Canal street, New York, are offering the same for sale. The stock consists of playing cards, poker chips, dice, dominoes, pipes and a large assortment of kindred goods. The playing card plant and plant for perforating are also to be sold. Bargains to cash buyers can be had in this sale.
His partner, Gustav Gomprecht, goes back into the family business and becomes a butcher.
Never a quitter Dreyfuss patents a dental cement in 1893. It contained pulverized spent lime, pulverized carbon, silica, iron oxide, alumina, lime, magnesia, slaked rock lime and sand. It doesn't seem to have caught on.
Keeping money coming in Bernard goes to work as a treasurer and secretary for a printing company near his old business location on Pearl Street. Then in 1899 he changes careers again and becomes President of the Liebig Malt Company. At this time in New York City the area of Amsterdam Avenue between 126th and 128th Streets was a large brewing area. The company had assets of over $750,000 in today's money.
Keeping money coming in Bernard goes to work as a treasurer and secretary for a printing company near his old business location on Pearl Street. Then in 1899 he changes careers again and becomes President of the Liebig Malt Company. At this time in New York City the area of Amsterdam Avenue between 126th and 128th Streets was a large brewing area. The company had assets of over $750,000 in today's money.
Advertisements stated.."The Liebig Malt Extract is a concentrated fluid extract of malt, agreeable to the taste and entirely free from alcohol. It is readily retained on the stomach, when other restoratives, such as cod-liver oil, are promptly rejected, and it contains none but wholesome and nourishing ingredients."
In 1906 Liebig Malt Extract was taken over by the conglomerate American Agriculture and Bernard is unemployed again. He then falls back to his merchant business ways and opens a store selling wall paper. Five years later on April 16, 1911 Bernard suddenly dies.
THE HOCHMAN LISTINGS WITH NEW COMMENTS
Entries from the Hochman.....
The Union Playing Card Company of 79 & 81 Duane Street, in New York, was another of those firms with many names. Cards that can be definitely identified as theirs have been found under the Empire Card Co., the Eureka Playing Cards Company and the Universal Playing Card Co. They produced a varied line and made cards from about 1875 until at least the mid-1890’ s.
Union had not started until 1883 and closed in 1891. Apparently, though someone was selling their leftover cards for a number of years.
UPDATE NOVEMBER 2023
During an ongoing study of court cards I discovered that Union Court cards are a version of Andrew Dougherty's designs of the 1850s.
The Union Playing Card Company of 79 & 81 Duane Street, in New York, was another of those firms with many names. Cards that can be definitely identified as theirs have been found under the Empire Card Co., the Eureka Playing Cards Company and the Universal Playing Card Co. They produced a varied line and made cards from about 1875 until at least the mid-1890’ s.
Union had not started until 1883 and closed in 1891. Apparently, though someone was selling their leftover cards for a number of years.
UPDATE NOVEMBER 2023
During an ongoing study of court cards I discovered that Union Court cards are a version of Andrew Dougherty's designs of the 1850s.
Andrew Dougherty design on the top and Union Playing Card on the bottom
The symbol on sword hilt of the Union King of Hearts was only used by them.
The symbol on sword hilt of the Union King of Hearts was only used by them.
L40 THE TRAVELLER’S COMPANION
The Union Playing Card Co., New York, 1886. In addition to the regular deck of 52 cards and Joker, this package contained 2 rolls of small poker chips for play on trains, etc.
The correct date we now know is 1887.
L41 UNION PLAYING CARD CO.
New York, c1875. A regular 52 card deck with an interesting early Joker. Note the initials U. P. C. Co. in the center of the Ace. Also pictured is a very interesting back, Lillian Russell, found in a deck with this Ace. FIRST DECK WITH A PERSON ON THE CARD BACK??
The more correct date would be c. 1885. Lillian Russell’s picture matches publicity photos she was doing at the time. Besides, Union Card had not even started in 1875.
The Union Playing Card Co., New York, 1886. In addition to the regular deck of 52 cards and Joker, this package contained 2 rolls of small poker chips for play on trains, etc.
The correct date we now know is 1887.
L41 UNION PLAYING CARD CO.
New York, c1875. A regular 52 card deck with an interesting early Joker. Note the initials U. P. C. Co. in the center of the Ace. Also pictured is a very interesting back, Lillian Russell, found in a deck with this Ace. FIRST DECK WITH A PERSON ON THE CARD BACK??
The more correct date would be c. 1885. Lillian Russell’s picture matches publicity photos she was doing at the time. Besides, Union Card had not even started in 1875.
Publicity Photo Card Back
L42 SQUARED PHARO, The Union Playing Card Company, New York, c1880. A deck made for the Pharo players who preferred the traditional square cornered cards with single-ended courts.
The more correct date would probably be c. 1885. But it was not mentioned in the 1887 ad in which only rounded corner cards were.
L43 UNION PLAYING CARD CO. (formerly MSW125) New York, c1880. A different Ace of Spades, but the U. P. C. Co. initials are still prominent. Pictured are three different Jokers we have seen used with this Ace of Spades. The deck with the Heathen Chinee Joker came in a wrapper with the brand name Yankee’s Notion. Two other brands using this Ace, with the second Joker, were Stag and Travelers.
The more correct date would be c. 1885-1888
The more correct date would probably be c. 1885. But it was not mentioned in the 1887 ad in which only rounded corner cards were.
L43 UNION PLAYING CARD CO. (formerly MSW125) New York, c1880. A different Ace of Spades, but the U. P. C. Co. initials are still prominent. Pictured are three different Jokers we have seen used with this Ace of Spades. The deck with the Heathen Chinee Joker came in a wrapper with the brand name Yankee’s Notion. Two other brands using this Ace, with the second Joker, were Stag and Travelers.
The more correct date would be c. 1885-1888
L43a CONCORDANT CARDS, Concordant PCC, New York, c1885. The similarity of this Joker leads us to suspect that this otherwise unknown company was somehow related. The name only appeared on the box.
L43b GRAPHIC CARDS, Graphic Playing Card Co., New York c1885. A deck with the same Ace of Spades and Joker as L43a was found in a box with the Graphic name.
The ace of spades, in these two decks do match, but are not similar to other Union aces. Apparently the only proof of a connnection is their name on the box.
L43b GRAPHIC CARDS, Graphic Playing Card Co., New York c1885. A deck with the same Ace of Spades and Joker as L43a was found in a box with the Graphic name.
The ace of spades, in these two decks do match, but are not similar to other Union aces. Apparently the only proof of a connnection is their name on the box.
L44 BERNARD DREYFUSS, SOLE PROPR., The Union Playing Card Company, New York, c1880. The same Ace as L43 with the words Bernard Dreyfuss, Sole Propr. added. Who was Mr. Dreyfuss? We do not know but one could speculate that he was the original owner who eventually sold out to the Longley’s. Alternatively he might have been a front for them with the eastern trade. In any event, based on the rarity of decks with his name, we can assume that Union did not make this deck for a very long period. This deck came with the Best Bower Joker shown with L43.
Bernard Dreyfuss started using “Sole Proprietor” in his advertising right after his split with Sachs and his beginning of Union playing Cards in 1883.
As far as the Longley connection I do not believe so. Between 1883 and 1887 Servetus Longley was trying to hold on to Card Fabrique in Middletown, Ohio. In 1886 Card Fabrique lost a lot of money (Over $3 million plus today) in a lawsuit with of John L Stanage.
That said, in April 1884, in The American Stationer’s Question & Answer section, the “L. Brothers & Co.” wants to know who is making cheap playing cards in New York City. The answer was “Lesser is a maker of cheap playing cards at 211 Centre”. This was David Lesser, the maker of the U. S. Card Company. (Lesser’s story, and an in depth look at the Longley’s, will be coming soon.)
Bernard Dreyfuss started using “Sole Proprietor” in his advertising right after his split with Sachs and his beginning of Union playing Cards in 1883.
As far as the Longley connection I do not believe so. Between 1883 and 1887 Servetus Longley was trying to hold on to Card Fabrique in Middletown, Ohio. In 1886 Card Fabrique lost a lot of money (Over $3 million plus today) in a lawsuit with of John L Stanage.
That said, in April 1884, in The American Stationer’s Question & Answer section, the “L. Brothers & Co.” wants to know who is making cheap playing cards in New York City. The answer was “Lesser is a maker of cheap playing cards at 211 Centre”. This was David Lesser, the maker of the U. S. Card Company. (Lesser’s story, and an in depth look at the Longley’s, will be coming soon.)
L45 THE EMPIRE CARD CO. New York, c1880. A very similar Ace of Spades to that of L44 fronting an identical deck. Although the overall design of the Ace is completely changed, one has little doubt that it was made by the same firm, especially as it has the same Best Bower Joker as L43.
Circa date should be later.
L46 SPORTING CARDS, The Union Playing Card Co., New York, c1885. No doubt made to compete with the U. S. P. C.’s Sportsman brand, this deck has a sporting Ace and back plus a humorous Joker.
L47 SPORTING CARDS, Empire Card Co., New York, c1885. Again a deck so similar, it is easily recognized as being by the same manufacturer.
L48 EUREKA PLAYING CARDS, The Union Playing Card Company, New York, c1895. A new Ace of Spades with the Heathen Chinee Joker used in some versions of L43.
L48a EUREKA PLAYING CARDS, c1895. Another version with the maker’s name left off, no doubt due to the very poor quality of this deck. The known copy is missing the Joker but it was likely a version of the Heathen Chinee.
We now know that Union Card went under in 1891.
L49 EUREKA PLAYING CARDS, The Eureka Playing Card Co., Chicago, St. Louis, Detroit, c1895 with a “Here I am again” Joker. Likely the Eureka name worked well as this version indicated a new company was set up under this name. Interestingly, this deck is known with a “Sporting” back like L46.
The deck is definitely a Eureka Playing Card design and the Sporting card back would also mean Union Playing Card. This deck appears to be by someone that bought up the leftovers when Dreyfuss went bankrupt. The ace claims Eureka has offices in Chicago, St. Louis and Detroit which are all in the Midwest. At this time The Longley brothers are out of the business and W. H. Longley is now in Kalamazoo so I do not think they are involved.
Their are two other known “Eureka” cards out there at this time. One is the well known Eureka Fire Hose brand and the other, lesser known, is Eureka Packing brand. Neither have any resemblance to the above deck or offices in those locations. More research is needed.
Circa date should be later.
L46 SPORTING CARDS, The Union Playing Card Co., New York, c1885. No doubt made to compete with the U. S. P. C.’s Sportsman brand, this deck has a sporting Ace and back plus a humorous Joker.
L47 SPORTING CARDS, Empire Card Co., New York, c1885. Again a deck so similar, it is easily recognized as being by the same manufacturer.
L48 EUREKA PLAYING CARDS, The Union Playing Card Company, New York, c1895. A new Ace of Spades with the Heathen Chinee Joker used in some versions of L43.
L48a EUREKA PLAYING CARDS, c1895. Another version with the maker’s name left off, no doubt due to the very poor quality of this deck. The known copy is missing the Joker but it was likely a version of the Heathen Chinee.
We now know that Union Card went under in 1891.
L49 EUREKA PLAYING CARDS, The Eureka Playing Card Co., Chicago, St. Louis, Detroit, c1895 with a “Here I am again” Joker. Likely the Eureka name worked well as this version indicated a new company was set up under this name. Interestingly, this deck is known with a “Sporting” back like L46.
The deck is definitely a Eureka Playing Card design and the Sporting card back would also mean Union Playing Card. This deck appears to be by someone that bought up the leftovers when Dreyfuss went bankrupt. The ace claims Eureka has offices in Chicago, St. Louis and Detroit which are all in the Midwest. At this time The Longley brothers are out of the business and W. H. Longley is now in Kalamazoo so I do not think they are involved.
Their are two other known “Eureka” cards out there at this time. One is the well known Eureka Fire Hose brand and the other, lesser known, is Eureka Packing brand. Neither have any resemblance to the above deck or offices in those locations. More research is needed.
Unlisted, but known cards are;
Yankee’s Notion
Yankee’s Notion
Lion’s
#6 Acme
Old Harry
Stag
Rajahs
#9.9 Pointers
Pioneer
#5.5 Palace Car
#6.6 “Winning” Poker
#7.7 Club
Green Room
Progressive Euchre and Solo Pinochle
IF ANYONE HAS PICTURES OF THESE DECKS/CARDS I WOULD APPRECIATE COPIES
#9.9 Pointers
Pioneer
#5.5 Palace Car
#6.6 “Winning” Poker
#7.7 Club
Green Room
Progressive Euchre and Solo Pinochle
IF ANYONE HAS PICTURES OF THESE DECKS/CARDS I WOULD APPRECIATE COPIES
JOKERS