Saladee Patent Deck, 1864, Philadelphia, Samuel Hart, 52 of 52 cards. The Saladee Patent was issued on February 9, 1864 to Cyrus W. Saladee of Paducah, KY under patent number 41,587. It is believed to be the first time American decks appeared with indices in the corners. This simple idea revolutionized American card manufacture and enabled card players to fan the cards and expose only a small portion of each card, enough to see the indice. Thus, players could read their cards without the need to view the entire card. Full-length courts, indices, square corners. Ace of spades reads, "Saladee's Patent, February 7, 1864, New York, 546 Broadway, Samuel Hart & Co., 416 South Thirteenth St., Philadelphia." Backs in blue with metallic gold. Some foxing, 8 of spades, and the 2 and ace of clubs have black streak along edge, otherwise in generally fine condition. Dawson, 56, NY44.