Andrew Dougherty Excelsior Playing Cards 46/52 c1864-1870 New York Antique For Sale

Original 19th-century Andrew Dougherty “Excelsior” playing-card deck, manufactured in New York during the Beekman Street period, approximately c.1864-1870.The group contains 46 of the original 52 cards and retains all 12 court cards. Cards are square-cornered, unindexed, and feature Dougherty’s colorful double-ended court design together with a highly distinctive ornate blue linework back.The elaborate back design and court pattern correspond to documented Andrew Dougherty Excelsior decks of the period. Comparable examples are known with the Dougherty maker’s Ace of Spades bearing his 26 Beekman Street, New York address. Unfortunately, all four Aces are absent from this group, including the identifying Ace of Spades.The surviving cards are:* Spades: 2, 4-10, J, Q, K* Hearts: 2-6, 8-10, J, Q, K* Diamonds: 2-10, J, Q, K* Clubs: 2-10, J, Q, KMissing: A♠, 3♠, A♥, 7♥, A♦ and A♣.Despite the six missing cards, this is a substantial surviving portion of an early American deck, particularly desirable because all twelve court cards remain together and the matching decorative backs are preserved throughout.Cards show expected age-related toning, handling, scattered surface marks and wear consistent with approximately 160 years of age. Please examine all photographs carefully for individual condition.An excellent example for collectors of Andrew Dougherty, early American playing cards, Civil War-era cards, antique card design, or 19th-century gaming material.

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