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Playing cards have been with us since the 14th century, when they first entered popular culture. Over the centuries packs of cards, in all shapes and sizes, have been used for games, gambling, education, conjuring, advertising, fortune telling, political messages or the portrayal of national or ethnic identity. All over the world, whatever language is spoken, their significance is universal. Their popularity is also due to the imaginative artwork and graphic design which is sometimes overlooked, and the “then & now” of how things have changed.

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toy

11 Articles

Notched Construction Cards

Two Notched Construction Card Sets by Shackman & Co, N.Y. 1970s.

Notched Construction Cards

Mundialito de Radiolandia 2000

‘Mundialito’ toy football playing cards published inside the magazine ‘Radiolandia 2000’, Argentina, 1978.

Mundialito de Radiolandia 2000

Magic Poker Cards

“Magic Poker Cards” are often found inside Christmas crackers along with party hats, puzzles and jokes...

Magic Poker Cards

Space Puzzles

The Space Puzzles Game published by Gametoy Development Co., Inc, Orlando, Fl, 1991.

Space Puzzles

Billiken Minicartas

Children’s toy cards published in Argentina by Editorial Atlántida in the magazine “Billiken”, 1964.

Billiken Minicartas

Birkel Schwarzer Peter

The Birkel company has produced several promotional “Schwarzer Peter” packs over the years and this one is themed on the circus.

Birkel Schwarzer Peter

Kamarát Toy Cards

Kamarát miniature toy playing cards from Czechoslovakia.

Kamarát Toy Cards

Anonymous Novelty Cards

Miniature novelty playing cards from the late 1940s or early 1950s with a charm of their own. Probably published as small prizes at fairground or seaside amusement arcades.

Anonymous Novelty Cards

Miniature Playing Cards

Crudely printed miniature children's packs produced anonymously in c.1920-30.

Miniature Playing Cards

Miniature Playing Cards

Miniature Playing Cards from around the world.

Miniature Playing Cards

Naipes Hijitus

Naipes HIJITUS playing cards were published during the mid-1980s as an insert in the children’s comic Anteojito.

Naipes Hijitus