These cards sound like some of the cards that I have seen magicians use in card tricks. Lisa Shockley, Curatorial Specialist, 3-D Collections Union Station/Kansas City Museum 30 W. Pershing Road Kansas City, MO 64108 816-460-2055 "Where there is Peace; there is Culture; Where there is Culture; there is Peace." Nicholas Roerich (1874-1947 -----Original Message----- From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of bobbie Sent: Thursday, August 13, 2009 1:07 PM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: playing cards Has anyone ever come across playing cards that have one number and suit printed on the top half of the card (for example, a two of hearts with 1 heart printed in the center of the top, and an 8 of spades printed on the bottom half with 4 of the spades printed)? Does anyone know the story behind such playing cards? I have come across three of them that were in a box that contained family memorabilia from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Thanks. Bobbie Scott Programs Manager Sherburne History Center Becker, MN ========================================================= Important Subscriber Information: The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes). If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes). ========================================================= Important Subscriber Information: The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes). If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).