Chicago Worlds Fair Souvenir Playing Cards, 1893

Item — Box: 2, item: 5

Scope and Contents

Unsealed. Very worn case. Original date in paperwork listed as 1896 but these had to have been created for the Worlds Fair in Chicago that only took place in 1893. Research confirmed this.

Dimensions: 2.5" x 3.5"

Quantity: 52

Original inventory number: 22

Dates

Creation: 1893

Conditions Governing Access

Advanced notice required for access.

Biographical / Historical

The Chicago Worlds Fair of 1893 was referred to as "The Columbian Exposition" as it was meant to celebrate the 400 years since Columbus discovered America. The portrait on the back of the case of Columbus and the illustration of his ships on the back of the cards alude to this. Winters Art Lithographing Co. also created a number of advertising decks around this time for brewing companies and distilleries based on this Worlds Fair deck, but with slight modifications to suit the advertising purposes.

Full Extent

From the Collection: 2 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

From the Collection: English

Additional Description

Physical Description

Case is a worn red, falling apart. A portrait of Christopher Columbus is on the reverse side. The backs of the cards have a printing of the three ships Columbus sailed. Each card has an illustration of an exhibit at the fair and the court cards additionally have portraits illustrated in the corners.