Bianchi was using the cards motif in advertising well before that. This poster Shows the pictures of the riders as cards, but without suits. It's from 1923, so the idea was there as a general concept and probably developed as time went on.
http://www.mindspring.com/
I'd like to see some other Bianchi ads, especially earlier ones, as I'm wondering if It may be related to using the term Ace in relation to fighter pilots of WWI?
Steve Birmingham Lowell,Ma USA
From: "Edward Brooks" <ebrooks@eriwine.com> Subject: RE: [CR]Re: spades/clubs/diamonds/hearts
Fausto Coppi rode a Bianchi specially built for him that had lugs beautifully cut out with diamonds, hearts, clubs and spades. Bianchi promoted this with ads that said something to the extent of "No matter how you deal the cards always a winner..."
Edward Robert Brooks
Managing Director
Edward Roberts International
Auctioneers of the Fine and Rare
1262 West Winwood Drive
Lake Forest, Illinois 60045
Phone- 847.295.8696
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Email- ebrooks@eriwine.com
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