Political Playing Cards
Political playing cards were introduced in the 17th century providing entertainment by satirising or deriding current events and leaders. Propaganda cards, Imperial decks, war cards and even educational card games all carry a message which relates to the politics of memory, the means by which events are remembered and recorded, the way history is written and passed on. Historical memory can be used to arouse emotional reactions...
Anti-Fascist Propaganda Pack for the Siege of Leningrad, 1943
-
by Simon Wintle
In 1943 a pack of ‘anti-fascist’ playing cards was designed by Vasiliy Andrianovich Vlasov mocking the rulers of Germany and the Axis powers.
Anti-Religions
The Russians were no strangers to propaganda cards. Clubs represent the Russian Orthodox church, Hearts Roman Catholicism, Spades Confucianism and Diamonds represent Judaism.
Atouts de la Vie
-
by Simon Wintle
“Atouts de la Vie” wartime card game created by Madame Lucien Willemetz, c.1940.
Back to the USSR
-
by Simon Wintle
Back to the USSR deck featuring communist party leaders and politicians, c.1995
Bavarian Military Cards
-
by Rod Starling
The King of Acorns is supposed to represent Prince Otto; the King of Leaves is Maximilian II; the King of Bells is Ludwig II; the King of Hearts is Ludwig I wearing a general's uniform. The court cards are all male, but some of the numeral cards depict women.
Bush Cards – The Second Term
Cards slanted to the right, issued to mark George W. Bush’s second term of office.
Carel de Wagenaer
-
by Simon Wintle
Facsimile edition of cards first published by Carel de Wagenaer, Amsterdam in c.1698
Cartes Imperiales et Royales
-
by Rod Starling
‘Cartes Imperiales et Royales’ published by B. P. Grimaud & Cie representing imperial rulers and consorts from Austria, England, France & Russia, mid-19th century
Churchill in WW2
-
by Matt Probert
Churchill ‘Walking with Destiny’ playing cards published by the Imperial War Museum.
Deakin’s 1st edition
Deakin & Co., 45 Eastcheap, London EC published a political pack in 1886 with caricatures of political figures relating to the Irish Home Rule movement which was a contentious issue of the day.
Die Neue ÖVP
-
by Matt Probert
Promotional deck for the Austrian People’s Party (ÖVP) printed by Piatnik, 1996.
European Naval Powers
-
by Simon Wintle
“XVI Century European Naval Powers” deck illustrated by Isabel Ibáñez de Sendadiano and produced by Heraclio Fournier in 1981.
Fynste Java Speelkaarten
Dondorf's "Fynste Java Speelkaarten No.17" was published to commemorate the second marriage of King William III with Princess Emma of Waldeck-Pyrmont, on January 7, 1879.
Gironda
-
by Simon Wintle
8 cards and two jokers from the 'Gironda' pack, showing eminent statesmen and politicians from Lithuania from the 1990s.
Become a Contributor
For collectors, researchers, students, academics and others like yourself.
Share the treasures of your collection. You can upload anything. Antique packs, cardistry, children’s card games, share your cherished collection, start your own playing card blog, post your sale list, review your favourite packs, or promote Kickstarter projects.
Add New Article