Original Civil War Playing cards, by Samuel Hart & Co. (SOLD)

This is another neat piece being offered, it is a poker hand of original Civil War playing cards – a straight flush. They came out of a set of Samuel Hart & Co. playing cards. Hart was a prolific manufacturer of playing cards who started his business in Philadelphia in 1846. From 1849 Hart also had offices in New York City. Hart playing cards can be dated by the backs of the cards, the simple design, as with these, are circa 1860.

Civil War soldiers had little to do with their down time, so playing cards was the most common game played by the soldiers. In my book "The Civil War Soldier - His Personal Items", I go into more detail about their favorite pastimes (see pictures).

There is evidence of period use, and these cards show careful wear and some expected minor soiling There are no folds, chips, tears or other of the expected conditions that befell period playing cards. A full deck of period playing cards can run up to $1000.00, that is if you can find them. These cards display well and come in the glass top display case. There is also a copied image of a Hart stamp and advertisement in the case. A great addition to any Civil War collection.