The graphics are all the same, but the colour combinations are different. /rebates/2fip2fBicycle-Playing-Cards-Poker-Size-12-Pack-6-Blue-6-Red2f782622983&. Images courtesy Rod Starling.Ībove: six of the different Monarch back designs. We don't know why the four jacks contain Asses perhaps to be interpreted as Jackass, which, in America at least, denotes a fool. The four queens feature the famous actress Lillian Russell (1860–1922). Morrison was a noted photographer, perhaps focusing on sport and theatre related subjects. Morrison” around the bottom of each oval. The four queens have the inscription “Copyright 1895 by W. They may have triggered the idea for the Stage No.65 theatre stars deck published in the following year.Ībove: the extremely rare “Monarch Bicycle” advertising playing cards manufactured by U.S.P.C.C. Interestingly, the format of the court card designs in this deck appears to have been used in other advertising decks. Who worked for Russell & Morgan until 1886. Right: 'Murray's Patent Finger Recess' referred to on the box flap refers to Samuel J. The four Aces, and also the box, contain bicycle wheels.
The four Kings depict Tom Cooper (1874–1906), an 1890s champion bicycle racer and early auto racing ‘speed king’ who unfortunately died in an auto accident. The company advertised itself as “The Monarch King of all Cycles” with a lion's head motif inside a bicycle wheel.
Monarch Bicycle playing cards are an early example of non-standard designs used for advertising.
