Experience a legend reborn with Arrco Playing Cards, a faithful reprint of one of the most iconic and beloved deck designs in American playing card history. Originally produced by the Arrco Playing Card Company of Chicago from 1927 until its acquisition by USPCC in 1987, Arrco cards earned a devoted following among magicians, card players, and collectors for their exceptional handling, superior card stock, and elegant design.
The story of Arrco begins in 1927 when Theodore Regensteiner—inventor of the four-color lithograph press—founded the Arrow Playing Card Company in Chicago as a subsidiary of his esteemed Regensteiner Corporation printing firm. Arrow gained national prominence at Chicago's "Century of Progress" World's Fair in 1933-34, unveiling its new identity as "Arrco" with a promotional deck that became a marketing sensation. Located on Mather Street (now W. Lexington St.) on Chicago's Near West Side, Arrco quickly built a loyal following thanks to high-quality card stock and elegant graphics in signature red and blue.
The company's true breakthrough came in 1941 with the introduction of "Plastic Coated Duratone Cards"—an innovation featuring a special coating that made cards cleanable with a damp cloth. This revolutionary finish was so popular that the U.S. government placed massive orders for military service members during World War II, cementing Arrco's reputation for quality and durability. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Arrco remained a formidable competitor to USPCC's Bicycle brand, beloved by magicians who praised the cards' performance and distinctive court card designs.
In 1987, the Regensteiner family sold Arrco to the United States Playing Card Company, and production continued until the brand was discontinued in 2011. After years of collector demand, limited reprints were produced in 2011 and 2018 (limited to 2,500 of each color), with the most recent reprint released in 2025.
This modern reproduction faithfully recreates the classic Arrco look while incorporating contemporary USPCC manufacturing standards. The intricate back design—far more detailed and complex than most standard decks—features the mirrored symmetry preferred by card handlers and the generous white border that made Arrco instantly recognizable. The court cards maintain the traditional yet distinctive Arrco faces, with more sophisticated patterns than standard Bicycle courts and cleverly incorporating tiny suit pips on the characters' clothing. Even the pip shapes differ slightly from typical USPCC decks, maintaining the authentic Arrco character.
Premium Features:
- Available in classic Red and Blue
- Printed by USPCC in USA
- Thin Crushed Retail stock for exceptional handling
- Embossed air-cushion finish (Magic Finish)
- Traditional cut for smooth faros and easier handling
- Standard Arrco face designs with distinctive court cards
- 2 Jokers featuring iconic "Plastic Coated" text (though these modern reprints have USPCC's Magic Finish)
- 2 Gaff cards per deck
- USPCC tuck seals
- Tuck case tab reveal for magical potential
- Modified tuck case to meet current USPCC legal requirements
The Ace of Spades features an oversized pip incorporating all four suit symbols—a subtle nod to the company's original name, Arrow. The two Jokers depict a cheerful jester, one of the most emblematic American joker designs that became synonymous with the Arrco brand.
Perfect For:
- Magicians seeking a true worker's deck with exceptional handling
- Cardists who appreciate smooth edges and effortless fanning
- Collectors of vintage American playing card brands
- Players who value traditional designs with superior performance
- Anyone seeking cards with over 90 years of proven history
As magician Paul Lelekis noted, "I even prefer these court cards over the standard Bicycle rider-back courts! The observant will also notice that the shape of the pips in the ARRCO deck is slightly different than those of a typical Bicycle rider-back deck". With smooth edges straight out of the box and that legendary thin, crushed feel that made originals so beloved, these reprints deliver the authentic Arrco experience to a new generation.
Whether you're a magician who's heard the legends about original Arrco cards, a collector preserving playing card history, or simply someone who appreciates superior card handling and classic American design, these reprints offer an opportunity to experience one of the most celebrated deck designs ever produced. This is more than nostalgia—it's a working deck built on nearly a century of proven performance.
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