Note; If you have not read the Servetus and Septimius page yet you should do so first.
1883 - 1889
Card Fabrique (Middletown)
Card Fabrique (Middletown)
UPDATE NOVEMBER 2023
It has now been discovered that some of the court cards used by Card Fabrique are designs like Russell and Morgan's used between 1881 and 1888. Since I have not seen court cards from all of the Card Fabrique brands I cannot say that this was their only Court Card design. But, it does appear again in American Playing Cards of Kalamazoo. They received printing plates from Globe Playing Card which had used plates from Card Fabrique. (Once again, notice the symbol on the hilt of the sword)
It has now been discovered that some of the court cards used by Card Fabrique are designs like Russell and Morgan's used between 1881 and 1888. Since I have not seen court cards from all of the Card Fabrique brands I cannot say that this was their only Court Card design. But, it does appear again in American Playing Cards of Kalamazoo. They received printing plates from Globe Playing Card which had used plates from Card Fabrique. (Once again, notice the symbol on the hilt of the sword)
Card Fabrique Russell & Morgan American Playing Card
(Hochman L16) ROYAL FLUSH Card Fabrique Co., Middletown, c1875. This deck has an unusual looking Ace of Spades printed in deep blue. This is the Ace held in the hand of the Jokers in L17 and L18. It is also feasible to assume that a similar Ace of Spades was used for a Globe Playing Card Co. deck.
The year is incorrect. Lion Beer / The Windisch-Muhlhauser Brewing Co. only operated between 1882 and 1919.
The year is incorrect. Lion Beer / The Windisch-Muhlhauser Brewing Co. only operated between 1882 and 1919.
(Hochman L17) EUCHRE, Card Fabrique Co., Middletown, c1880.
This beautifully engraved Ace of Spades was used in this special Euchre deck as well as their regular 52 card decks of this period. These decks came with a game register, usually having the same picture as the card back. The Joker is the same as that shown with the next listing.
The production year would be 1883 or later.
This beautifully engraved Ace of Spades was used in this special Euchre deck as well as their regular 52 card decks of this period. These decks came with a game register, usually having the same picture as the card back. The Joker is the same as that shown with the next listing.
The production year would be 1883 or later.
(Hochman L17a) BOUDOIRS, Card Fabrique Co., Middletown, c1880. A beautiful deck with substantial use of gold on the courts, back and game register, which utilised the same Ace and Joker as L17. The picture on the back matches the register and the box has a picture of the Joker stamped in gold on a blue background.
The production year would be 1883 or later.
The production year would be 1883 or later.
(Hochman L18) UNION CLUB CARD CO., Middletown, c1880. The same Ace of Spades as L16, with a different Company name. The tiny print on the Joker (see L17) still reads “Card Fabrique Co., Factory, Middletown”.
The production year would be 1883 or later.
The production year would be 1883 or later.
(Hochman L18a) B. P. GRIMAUD, France, c1890. We have included this deck by the well-known French manufacturer as the Ace of Spades is the same as the last two listings, except for the four corner indices. Do this Ace and the use of a French word like “Fabrique” indicate a connection between Grimaud and the Longley’s? Perhaps the Longley’s obtained know-how from Grimaud or perhaps Grimaud had lent money to or invested in the Longley’s ventures? This deck, while stamped on the Ace of Clubs with the French tax stamp, was found in the United States and may well have been produced for use in America. The courts are very much in the American style.
This card will be discussed more on the "Remaining Questions Page"
This card will be discussed more on the "Remaining Questions Page"
Cards Not Listed In The Hochman That Are Listed In An 1886 Card Fabrique Price List
(Was the numbering just continuing from Paper Fabrique?)
#4 Steamboat
#10 Lion (Steamboat Quality) Appears to be the same as L16 Lion Beer
#15 Traveler’s (Steamboat Quality)
(No 16 or 17 ?)
#19 4-11-44 (Gilded)
#20 Highlanders (Enameled)
(No #25 ??)
#30 Sportingman’s (Linen)
#35 Imperials
#40 Elks (Linen)
#45 Ideals
#60 Extra Elks (Gilded)
#70 Extra Boudoir (Gilded)
#80 Progressive Euchre or Besique
#90 Extra Progressive Euchre or Besique
(Was the numbering just continuing from Paper Fabrique?)
#4 Steamboat
#10 Lion (Steamboat Quality) Appears to be the same as L16 Lion Beer
#15 Traveler’s (Steamboat Quality)
(No 16 or 17 ?)
#19 4-11-44 (Gilded)
#20 Highlanders (Enameled)
(No #25 ??)
#30 Sportingman’s (Linen)
#35 Imperials
#40 Elks (Linen)
#45 Ideals
#60 Extra Elks (Gilded)
#70 Extra Boudoir (Gilded)
#80 Progressive Euchre or Besique
#90 Extra Progressive Euchre or Besique
Here are a couple decks that had to be sitting around for sale for a few years. This red stamp was placed on decks that were still sitting on a store shelf in August 1894 when the new playing card tax took effect. Ones still at the factory would have a blue stamp.
Not Listed
Dr. Harter’s Wild Cherry Bitters
Milton George Harter was a medical physician. He would graduate from several medical and surgical schools. This firm was established in St. Louis around 1868 by Milton G. and Samuel K. Harter and Thomas W Boyer, all originally from Ohio. Dr. Harter would go in business with Robert S. Drake from St. Louis in 1873. Together they would build a factory to produce his medicines. In 1885 they marketed Dr. Harter's Wild Cherry Bitters. This Bitters would become very popular.