United States Playing Card Company
Formerly Russell, Morgan & Co.Since 1885, the Bicycle brand has been manufactured by the United States Printing Company. The company has played a significant role in military history.
Bicycle cards do a beautiful job and amaze a lot of people who have been in the business a long time.
David Copperfield, Magician
Bicycle Cards
Bicycle decks served as more than just playing cards throughout American history. During World War II, Bicycle secretly worked with the U. S. government to send card decks to American prisoners of war in German camps. When these cards were moistened, they peeled apart to reveal a map with precise escape routes. These secret cards helped countless prisoners escape and return home.
During the Vietnam War, the Ace of Spades served a special purpose. The Viet Cong were very superstitious of it. The French, who had previously occupied Vietnam, said in fortunetelling that spades predicted death and suffering. Spade cards were deliberately scattered by American soldiers during raids. The very sight of the card was said to cause many Viet Cong to flee.
