Sport No.31

Van Genechten first registered an Ace of Spades for English playing cards in 1885 followed by the ‘Sailor’ Joker.

Belgium Van Genechten Sport

Etablissement Antoine van Genechten S.A.

Van Genechten first registered an Ace of Spades for English playing cards in 1885 followed by several brand names, and also the ‘Sailor’ Joker, as shown here in a pack of “Sport No.31” playing cards published in around 1910. The box has artwork derived from the Ace and also ‘Regd Trade Mark’. Apart from playing cards, Van Genechten was at this time producing coloured paper, cardboard and pasteboard, as well as manufacturing and printing (letterpress, lithography and offset) all manner of packaging materials.

Above: 'Sport No.31' playing cards manufactured by A. van Genechten, Turnhout, Belgium, c.1910. The Ace of Spades was a registered trade mark since February 1885, and this was followed in 1888 by the Sailor Joker designed by Houssiaux of Brussels. The court cards appear to be inspired by the designs of De la Rue. Images courtesy Rod Starling.

Above: wrapper from 'Sport No.31' playing cards manufactured by A. van Genechten, c.1910.

REFERENCES

Autenboer, Dr Eugeen van: The Turnhout Playing Card Industry 1826-1976, Aurelia Books, Brussels 1976

By Rod Starling

Member since January 09, 2013

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Rod Starling is one of the founding members of the 52 Plus Joker card collectors club. He has written many articles for the club's quarterly newsletter, Clear the Decks. His collection still encompasses both foreign and American decks. Rod has also authored a book titled The Art and Pleasures of Playing Cards.