This playing card sample is from 1861 and came attached to a letter requesting paper for making playing cards.
“New York Nov. 13th 1861
Mes. Crane & Co.
Gents,
A party applys (applies) to us for paper like the enclosed playing card and we have shown the piece of yellow enclosed, which seemed, as far as quality is concerned, to suit, – The paper wanted, must be White, and uncallendared, size 22 x 25, quantity about 30 Rms. Thickness like sample – Please let us hear by return mail if you can make us some soon, and your lowest figures, & much oblige
Yours Truly,
Braman & Connor
E, Elsworth”