The Original "Frankendeck"
In 1904, The United States Playing Card Company's Congress line of cards created a unique deck featuring 53 cards of different back designs available during that time. They used a new stock number, 666, and named it "Multi". These decks were produced through the mid-1910s and they are one of (if not) the most elusive and desirable of the Congress brand.
Advertisement from Dec. 13, 1904
"A. Crusius of the United States Playing Card Company was in town (Boston) during the past week. Mr. Crusius was showing the trade for the first time an entirely new edition of Congress cards being the Congress Initial backs consisting of all the letters in the alphabet. This series is printed in rich colors and gold pronounced the greatest hit of the season sales are very gratifying. Also, an innovation which will be known as No 666 Multi. Each pack is composed of fifty two cards and joker, no two backs being alike, all illuminated picture and club backs. These will particularly appeal to solitaire players and souvenir collectors. Mr. Crusius was accompanied by D. W. Timberlake who is looking after the retail trade in the interest of the jobbers."
(Sale price was 60¢, which is about $19.50 today)
Pictured below are Multi decks owned by Kevan Seaney, Matt Schacht, and Colin Brady.
In 1904, The United States Playing Card Company's Congress line of cards created a unique deck featuring 53 cards of different back designs available during that time. They used a new stock number, 666, and named it "Multi". These decks were produced through the mid-1910s and they are one of (if not) the most elusive and desirable of the Congress brand.
Advertisement from Dec. 13, 1904
"A. Crusius of the United States Playing Card Company was in town (Boston) during the past week. Mr. Crusius was showing the trade for the first time an entirely new edition of Congress cards being the Congress Initial backs consisting of all the letters in the alphabet. This series is printed in rich colors and gold pronounced the greatest hit of the season sales are very gratifying. Also, an innovation which will be known as No 666 Multi. Each pack is composed of fifty two cards and joker, no two backs being alike, all illuminated picture and club backs. These will particularly appeal to solitaire players and souvenir collectors. Mr. Crusius was accompanied by D. W. Timberlake who is looking after the retail trade in the interest of the jobbers."
(Sale price was 60¢, which is about $19.50 today)
Pictured below are Multi decks owned by Kevan Seaney, Matt Schacht, and Colin Brady.