FDB Spillekort No. 310

British-made packs for the Scandinavian market – especially in the 1930s – have a certain charm. This one is no exception. It was created in 1933 by the artist Bøgelund for the Danish cooperative FDB (Fællesforeningen for Danmarks Brugsforeninger, or Danish Consumers Cooperative Society, in English), whose initials appear on the box. The courts are in historical costume with swirling robes in rich colours. Fortunately, the artist has signed and dated the Joker (other editions of this pack exist with the Joker left unsigned). The cards have gilt corners and attractive mauve and blue patterned backs. A 40-card version of this pack (for l’hombre) also exists • See the box

Above: FDB Spillekort No. 310 made by Universal Playing Card Co., Leeds, UK, 1933. 52 cards + 2 (identical) Jokers + cellophane wrapper in tuck box. Size: 63 x 89.5 mm.

This is a good example of how important it is to have (and conserve) the wrapper with the manufacturer’s label on it. There is no other indication of the maker’s name either on the cards or on the box. Until a pack with this wrapper and label had been found, it was thought that this pack might have been printed by De La Rue.