President Warren G. Harding’s personally-owned and -used playing cards, presented to White House maid Maggie Rogers by Florence Harding after her husband’s passing. Gilt-edge cards, made by the Bailey, Banks, & Biddle Company of Philadelphia are housed in their original box, with the back of each card monogrammed with Harding’s initials. Accompanied by a detailed 1982 letter of provenance, on White House letterhead, by Lillian Rogers Parks, who was a best selling author as well as housekeeper and seamstress at the White House for over 30 years, from President Hoover through President Eisenhower. Letter reads, in part: “These playing cards were owned and used by President Warren G. Harding. When the President died on August 2, 1923, the First Lady, Florence Harding gave it to my Mama, Maggie Rogers, First Maid of the White House. This was during the few days Mrs. Harding was packing so that President and Mrs. Calvin Coolidge could move into the White House…The President was an avid poker player and he used these cards as well as others…The President loved to play cards with his friends in the White House.” In fine condition, with expected light wear and a bit of soiling. An historic relic, owned and used by the poker playing president, complete with a compelling story from the original recipient.
