Description
Experience classic American card quality with Hoyle Trump Model No. 1800 Playing Cards in Blue—a vintage poker deck featuring the distinctive Trump brand ornate spade design with "According to Hoyle" branding and plastic coating for long-lasting durability.
The Trump Brand & Hoyle Heritage:
Trump was a mid-century playing card brand manufactured by Hoyle Products, part of the Brown & Bigelow family of card brands that included Stancraft, Stardust, and Kent. The Trump brand name—which has no relation to any modern political figure—was simply a classic card term referring to a card of the suit chosen to rank above the others in trick-taking card games.
The brand became particularly notable in card magic circles when legendary magician Ed Marlo (1913-1991), considered one of the greatest card magicians of the 20th century, used Trump cards extensively for his close-up magic performances and card manipulation routines. Marlo's preference for Trump cards gave the brand credibility among serious card handlers and magicians who appreciated the plastic coating and handling characteristics.
Hoyle Products & Brown & Bigelow Legacy:
Hoyle, established as a playing card brand in 1927 by Brown & Bigelow, became synonymous with card game rules and quality card manufacturing. The phrase "According to Hoyle"—prominently featured on Trump cards—originated from Edmund Hoyle (1672-1769), the English lawyer and writer who became the world's foremost authority on card game rules.
Brown & Bigelow's Hoyle division produced numerous sub-brands and product lines throughout the mid-20th century, with Trump being one of their most recognizable offerings for the mass retail market.
Key Features & Specifications:
- Trump® Brand - Features the registered Trump trademark with bold, serif lettering surrounded by ornamental flourishes in patriotic red, white, and blue colors
- Ornate Spade Design - The tuck box displays an elaborate ornamental spade symbol with intricate Victorian-style detailing that became the Trump brand's signature visual identity
- "According to Hoyle" Branding - Prominent red badge on the side clearly marks these as "ACCORDING TO HOYLE" with the distinctive Hoyle logo, connecting them to centuries of card game tradition
- Model No. 1800 - Clearly marked "MODEL NO. 1800" on the end flap, identifying this specific product line within the Trump brand family
- Plastic Coated Playing Cards - Marked "Plastic Coated Playing Cards" on both sides of the box, indicating enhanced durability and moisture resistance for extended play life
- Blue Colorway - Classic blue deck featuring a rich navy blue color scheme with white and red accents creating a patriotic aesthetic
- Ornamental Geometric Back Design - Cards feature an intricate geometric and floral pattern with ornate borders, multiple decorative frames, and symmetrical design elements in blue and white
- "MADE IN USA" with Three Stars - Proudly displays "MADE IN USA" designation with three red stars, emphasizing American manufacturing heritage
- "IN THE USA GUARANTEED" Seal - Features the circular "IN THE USA™ GUARANTEED" quality seal on the card back, ensuring American production standards
- Standard Poker Size - Traditional poker dimensions (2.5" x 3.5") ensuring compatibility with all standard card games
- Plastic Coating - Enhanced with plastic coating that provides smooth handling, durability, and resistance to wear during repeated use
- Complete 52-Card Deck - Standard deck with traditional court cards, numbered cards, plus jokers
- Vintage 1960s-1990s Era - Based on the design aesthetic, "According to Hoyle" branding style, and plastic coating technology, these decks date from approximately the 1960s through 1990s, before USPCC's 2001 acquisition of Hoyle
The Ed Marlo Connection:
Legendary card magician Ed Marlo's preference for Trump cards gave the brand special significance in the magic community. Marlo, who revolutionized card magic with hundreds of innovative techniques and sleights, found Trump cards' plastic coating and handling characteristics ideal for close-up performance and intricate card manipulation.
Perfect For:
- Vintage Hoyle and Brown & Bigelow card collectors
- Card magic enthusiasts interested in Ed Marlo's legacy and performance history
- Players who appreciate mid-century American card manufacturing
- Those seeking durable, plastic-coated vintage cards for actual gameplay
- Collectors building comprehensive Brown & Bigelow brand collections
- Anyone interested in Hoyle brand heritage and the "According to Hoyle" tradition
Why Trump Model No. 1800 Stands Out:
Trump cards represent an underappreciated chapter in American card manufacturing—when Hoyle/Brown & Bigelow produced quality cards that competed with USPCC brands through innovative features like plastic coating and distinctive designs. The brand's association with Ed Marlo and the magic community, combined with the classic "According to Hoyle" credibility, created cards that were both functional and collectible. These decks capture mid-century American card culture when Hoyle was an independent manufacturer with its own identity and standards.