Description
Experience classic American card-playing tradition with Congress Playing Cards Double Deck Set—a timeless red and blue two-deck collection featuring the legendary Cel-U-Tone finish that has made Congress the premium choice for bridge players since 1881.
Congress Heritage & The Cel-U-Tone Legacy:
Congress Playing Cards were first produced in 1881 by the Russell & Morgan Printing Company (which later became the United States Playing Card Company in 1894), establishing Congress as the finest and most expensive brand in their lineup. Originally produced with lavish gold-edged backs and artistic designs, Congress quickly became synonymous with quality, elegance, and serious card play.
The iconic Cel-U-Tone finish, first introduced in 1936, revolutionized playing card manufacturing by creating a smoother, more durable coating that improved handling and longevity. This proprietary finish became a hallmark of Congress quality and remains one of the most sought-after features among vintage card collectors.
By the 1930s through the 1970s, Congress had become THE standard for bridge players throughout the United States (and possibly the world), with double deck sets in classic red and blue becoming fixtures on card tables across America.
Key Features & Specifications:
- Classic Solid Red & Blue Double Deck Set - Includes two complete decks in the timeless red and blue colorways that have been the standard for serious card players for generations
- Legendary Cel-U-Tone Finish - Features the proprietary Cel-U-Tone coating (introduced 1936) that provides superior smoothness, durability, and handling characteristics compared to standard finishes
- Bridge Size Cards - Narrow "bridge size" dimensions (2.25" x 3.5") designed specifically for Bridge, the card game that defined Congress's golden era from the 1920s-1970s
- Complete Double Deck - Contains 2 x 52 standard playing cards plus jokers (typically 2 per deck), providing 104+ total cards for extended play or simultaneous games
- Superior Card Stock - Manufactured using high-quality materials and USPCC's exacting standards that made Congress the choice of serious players
- Standard Court Cards - Features traditional, easily recognizable court card illustrations that have remained consistent across Congress decks
- Elegant Presentation - Double deck sets typically come in attractive boxes with velvet or felt accents, drawer-style packaging, or decorative outer boxes suitable for display and gifting
- Vintage Collectibility - Congress double deck sets from the 1930s-1970s with Cel-U-Tone finish are increasingly collectible
Historical Significance:
Congress No. 606 (the gold-edged bridge size line) became one of the most collectible and beloved card brands in American history. While "wide" or poker-sized Congress decks were discontinued in 1924, the narrow bridge-sized decks continued production and dominated the bridge card market for decades.
The double deck sets from the 1930s-1970s represent a golden age of American card playing—when bridge was the social game of choice and Congress was the unquestioned standard of quality.
Perfect For:
- Bridge, Whist, Canasta, and Rummy enthusiasts who appreciate traditional bridge-sized cards
- Vintage playing card collectors seeking classic Americana
- Card players who value premium quality and traditional design
- Gift-givers looking for elegant, nostalgic card sets
- Those interested in American card game history and USPCC heritage
- Players seeking authentic vintage Congress experience with the legendary Cel-U-Tone finish
Why Congress Double Deck Sets Stand Out:
For decades, the phrase "playing cards" and "Congress" were nearly synonymous among serious bridge players. The combination of exquisite back designs, premium materials, the revolutionary Cel-U-Tone finish, and USPCC's commitment to quality created cards that were functional, beautiful, and built to last. Vintage Congress double deck sets represent a tangible connection to America's card-playing heritage and the golden age of bridge.