Frame Size (H x L): 6” x 8.5”
Flag Size (H x L): 3” x 5.5”

Offered is an eighteen-star advertising trade card in the form of a flag, dating to 1885.

THE OBVERSE
It is made of paper and its obverse includes the following overprint:

BUY THE
UNITED * STATES
PLAYING CARDS
MANUFACTURED BY THE RUSSELL & MORGAN PRINTING CO., CINCINNATI, O.
over

The Russel & Morgan Company was founded in 1867 by A.O. Russell and Robert J. Morgan, upon their purchase of the printing section of the Cincinnati Enquirer. In 1880, the Company purchased equipment to begin printing playing cards. By 1881, it was producing 1600 packs per day via a team of 20 employees. In 1894, the playing card business became so large that it was separated off into its own and called the United States Playing Card Company. It is still in existence today and is the largest playing card manufacturer in the world.

The canton of the flag includes a large center star and 17 stars bursting away from it. The inside of the center star includes “U.S.” printed in red. Typically, 18 stars is representative of Louisiana statehood. However, in the case of this flag, the count of 18 stars is likely just a function of what would fit in the canton as part of a starburst pattern.

The combination of the overprint across the stripes and the canton, the folksy subject matter, and the interesting star pattern makes for a tremendous combination of desirable features on a single flag.

THE REVERSE
The reverse of the trade card includes the following verbiage:

U.S. PLAYING CARDS.
PRICE LIST.
No. 9.—Oct. 1, 1885.
No. | Per Gross.
101. TIGERS…$7.50
Assorted Plaid, Star and Calico Backs.
155. TOURIST’S…13.50
Neat Set Pattern Backs.
188. CAPITOL…24.00
Enameled. Fancy Backs.
188.X CAPITOL…39.00
Gilt Edges. Enameled. Fancy Backs.
202. SPORTSMAN’S…36.00
Enameled, high finish. Assor’d Backs.
202.X SPORTSMAN’S…54.00
Gilt Edges. Enameled, high finish.
Assorted Backs.
303. ARMY AND NAVY…48.00
All Linen. Ass’d Fancy Backs. Double
Enam’d, highest finish. Cloth Boxes.
Superfine Poker Cards
404. CONGRESS…66.00
Finest Double Enameled. Gilt Backs.
Cloth Boxes
505. EXTRA ARMY AND NAVY…72.00
Gilt Edges. All Linen. Double Enam-
eled. Cloth Boxes.
606. EXTRA CONGRESS…90.00
Gilt Edges. Finest Double Enameled.
Cloth Boxes stamped in gold.
707. CABINET, FOR Progressive Euchre,…33.00
Double Enameled. Original Assorted
Backs. Cloth Boxes.
707.X CABINET, for Progr’ve Euchre…48.00
Gilt Edges. Cloth Boxes Stamped in
gold.
808. BICYCLE…18.00
White Enameled. Bicycle Backs.
Order by the above Numbers.
JAS. E. DAVIS & CO
DETROIT, MICH.

Conservation Process: This flag is positioned on a cotton rag board and behind Optium Museum Acrylic.

Frame: The antique frame has a crackled, painted surface. It dates to approximately 1880 and compliments the flag.

Condition Report: This flag is in excellent condition.

Collectability Level: The Good – Perfect for Beginning Collectors and Gifts
Date of Origin: 1885
Number of Stars: 18