Double Deck Congress 606W Playing Cards, Russell & Morgan, c.1920

Collectibles : Playing Cards U.S : Uspc "Congress 606w"

 

Double deck of Congress 606W playing cards in their original double deck box, made by United States Playing Card Co., at Russell & Morgan Factories, c.1920. The backs of one deck depict Sentinel Rock at Yosemite National Park and are so titled, while the backs of the other deck depict St. Mark's Square in London, likewise titled. The W stands for "whist," and this early narrow deck in the famous Congress 606 series was introduced in 1917. It was produced simultaneously with its wider counterpart for about 10 years until the wider deck fell out of favor and was discontinued.

The cards in both decks have been well used, but are in good condition except for a slight tear in the King of Spades of the Sentinel Rock deck (14mm, separately pictured). The box is in very good condition, with only minor signs of age and wear and a slight tear to one corner. Both decks are 52 cards, plus Joker. In addition, the St. Mark's Square deck has a backed Guarantee card, and there is an unbacked insert card with scoring for auction bridge and 500 scoring. The cards have gold gilt all around, although much of the gilt has been worn away. The cards pictured are representative of the condition of the decks as a whole.

Reference: Dawson, The Hochman Encyclopedia of American Playing Cards (2000) p.87, US6h.

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Item ID: T0000107