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Offered here is a fascinating group of 24 antique American playing cards attributed to Samuel Hart & Co., circa 1860, from the Civil War-era period of American card manufacture.The attribution is based primarily on the highly distinctive blue-and-white reverse pattern of dense dots and small starburst/rosette motifs, which closely matches documented Samuel Hart & Co. decks from around 1860. The simple unindexed numeral faces, square corners, pip style, card proportions, and overall manufacture are also consistent with Hart production of the period.The cards measure approximately 2½ x 3½ inches, closely corresponding to known Samuel Hart playing cards from the mid-19th century.The surviving group consists of:* Diamonds: 2, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10* Spades: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10* Hearts: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10* Clubs: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10Interestingly, 23 of the 24 cards form an almost complete run of 5 through 10 in all four suits, with only the 6 of Diamonds absent. The additional card is the 2 of Diamonds. This appears to represent a surviving selected portion of what was originally a conventional full deck rather than a purpose-made 24-card pack.The cards feature:* Square corners* No corner indices* Large traditional French-suit pips* Plain early American numeral-card design* Blue-and-white starburst patterned backs* Approximate Civil War-era manufactureBased on comparison with documented examples, these are believed to date to approximately 1860–1865 and are most likely the product of Samuel Hart & Co., New York. Because the identifying Ace of Spades and original wrapper are not present, the precise Hart variety cannot be established with absolute certainty, so the maker attribution should be considered very strong but not definitive.Condition is consistent with genuine mid-19th-century playing cards. There is expected age toning, minor edge and corner wear, and scattered surface wear. Please examine all photographs carefully for exact condition. The cards remain visually attractive, with strong red and black pips and an especially appealing early patterned reverse.A substantial surviving group from one of the most important early American playing-card manufacturers, particularly desirable because the distinctive backs allow a much stronger attribution than is usually possible with loose antique numeral cards.
