Shipping Lines, Ferries and Maritime Services on Playing Cards

Shipping companies, passenger liners and ferry operators have long commissioned souvenir and advertising packs. Formats include standard packs with house flags, funnels or ship portraits on the back, pictorial aces, photographic views of ports and routes, phrase packs for travellers, and special issues for maiden voyages or anniversaries. There are also quartet and teaching games on fleets, recognition and maritime history. Visual themes take in ensigns, route maps, lighthouses, hydrographic work and notable vessels, with makers such as De La Rue, Waddingtons, Grimaud, Modiano, Mesmaekers, Speelkaartenfabriek Nederland, A.S.S., Héron and Carta Mundi from the late 19th to late 20th century.