| Show IN PLAYING CARDS twelve pack are aed the united state annually the number ot playing cards used in the united states Is something wonderful there being as many as sold throughout the country last year remarked a large manufacturer the other day these cards were made in some thirty five factories fourteen of which are cocat ed in new york the latter city Is the second if not the greatest card center in the world the rivalry be tween it and london Is very close london produces about 4 packs and new york about 3 packs annually the cards made in the unit ed states especially in new york are the handsomest the most durable and convenient conven tent known in the trade the european makers are satisfied with old styles and methods the average pack of cards in london paris madrid vienna and berlin is very much the same today as it was in the beginning of the last century those made in this country show slight improvement from year to year american manu were the first to introduce the rounded corners and the squeezer and also the elaborately designed card backs and the elastic satin glaze which makes new cards so handsome and increases their durability the material used for making the best cards Is the finest linen paper while tor the cheapest grades wood pulp Is used all the cards are printed and cut on rapid running machines and costly printing ink dye and gold and silver leaf are used to color and dec orate the faces and backs of the goods playing cards range in price from 10 cents to 1 and more per pack the american market Is a curious one very few people care to buy the cheap est kind of cards it is the 25 and 50 cent qualities which sell the best there Is a limited but constant de anand for very handsome cards especially when they are intended as a present or a holiday gift there is a heavy tax or tariff on cards in every european country which prevents our invading their markets otherwise I 1 think we could undersell them at least 50 per cent in this country the prod act is a large source of revenue to the government as there is a tax of 2 cents collected on every pack sold I 1 here |
