Compagnie Industrielle des Téléphones

The Compagnie Industrielle des Téléphones was formed in 1946. This pack probably came into being not long after that. The named historical figures on the double-ended court cards are all depicted – somewhat incongruously – on the telephone! A telephone dial is featured in the centre of the Ace of Clubs, with a red and white label attached to it with the initials “CIT” (for Compagnie Industrielle des Téléphones). The company later became part of the Alcatel Group. Strangely, the indices are of different sizes – smaller on the court cards and larger on the pip cards and Aces. What could be the designer’s name appears under the right foot of the Joker but it is too small to decipher. The cards have a glossy finish.

Above: publicity pack for Compagnie Industrielle des Téléphones, maker unknown, France, c1950. 52 cards + 1 Joker (probably originally 2) + 1 blank card. Size: 56 x 87 mm.