In the 1930s book A History of Playing Cards and a Bibliography of Cards and Gaming by Catherine Perry Hargrave, on page 317, she mentions the New York Card Manufacturing Company.
Page 317
Miss Hargrave was the curator of the United States Playing Card Company's President John Omwake's massive playing card collection when she was at the Cincinnati Museum of Art and then later at his company. Her book is considered a standard reference for many playing card collectors.
But, this time her research was off. Yes, there was a New York Card Manufacturer or Manufactory but it was not for playing cards it was for cotton and woolen cards. Cotton carding machines are a vital piece of equipment in the textile industry, used to clean, straighten, and align cotton fibers. The creation of high-quality textile products, such as clothing and bed linens, is made possible by these machines, which play a critical role in the process.
But, this time her research was off. Yes, there was a New York Card Manufacturer or Manufactory but it was not for playing cards it was for cotton and woolen cards. Cotton carding machines are a vital piece of equipment in the textile industry, used to clean, straighten, and align cotton fibers. The creation of high-quality textile products, such as clothing and bed linens, is made possible by these machines, which play a critical role in the process.
The early 1800s Arkwright Spinning Frame and some hand carders that were used
What may have confused her were these 1812-1815 New York City City Directory listings.....
It appears to indicate a playing card maker. Samuel and Thomas Whittemore were brothers and merchants in several businesses. Samuel was the much better-known businessman in town. He was one of the proprietors of the New York Manufacturing Company.
1812 New York Evening Post Article.
Their capital today would be over $34 million
Their capital today would be over $34 million
Whittemore's office would soon move to 133 Pearl by 1814 and then 126 Pearl in 1816.
By 1819 the Whittemores leave the woolen business and concentrate on commission work.
Miss Hargrave's other mistake was mixing up Caleb Bartlett's cards being produced by Lemuel Smith under the name "New York Card Manufactory" at 102 John Street in 1844. This will be covered in the Caleb Bartlett story.
Considering the limited materials Miss Hargrave had at the time I don't believe I can fault her research. It took 90 years just to discover this mix up.