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Texan 1889's

early american playing card

Texan Decks were first printed in 1889 by Russel, Morgan & Co. in Cincinnati. All the elements of the English standard are present including many of the features we take for granted today, such as round corners and diametrically set corner side indices. The pattern here strikes an elegant balance and an attractive array of English court cards. The brand went out of print for more than 80 years but was more recently revived by the United States Playing Card Co. Texan 1889's are now published on high quality linen embossed paper, slightly tinted to give them that 'antique' look. The deck slides and handles well and is held in respectable esteem by card enthusiasts and sleight of hand professionals.

The back side of this deck has a classic design. Definitely worth a LOOK »


Further Reading

Regional Patterns of 18th Century France
The English Pattern
Gallery of Early Standard Playing Cards



L I N K S

International Playing Card Society Decline of the English Court Card.
PlainBacks.com: Extensive gallery of early standard playing cards. Famous American and English makers. Plain Backs is a celebration of the English Court Card as a cultural design icon.





Early Standards

Texan No. 45's
Russel & Morgan 1886
Samuel Hart 1870
A. Dougherty 1865
De La Rue 1834
L. Hewson 1680
Pierre Maréchal 1567

History of Cards

History of Cards »
A Brief History
Theories of Origin
French Regional Patterns
Rouen Pattern
English Pattern
Origin of French Suits

Card Masters of the
19th Centrury

Thomas de la Rue
Lewis I. Cohen
Lawrence & Cohen
Samuel Hart
Andrew Dougherty
Ferdinand Piatnik

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