Poker Lusso
Richly costumed courts on a luxury poker pack from Masenghini.
This luxury poker pack is striking for the richness of the costumes worn by the court card figures. The style is generally that of the Rococo period. All the kings wear crowns and the queens coronets (often attached to a veil). The aces are decorated. The manufacturer’s name can be found on the Ace of Hearts and again on the third Joker (which doubles as a scoring card). This was a high-quality production which remained in Masenghini’s range for many years.
Above: Poker Lusso made by Masenghini, Bergamo, Italy, c1975. 52 cards + 3 Jokers. Size: 64 x 90 mm.
Reference
Beal, George. Playing Cards and Their Story. Newton Abbot, UK: David & Charles; 1975. p.27J.
By Roddy Somerville
France • Member since May 31, 2022
Roddy started collecting stamps on his 8th birthday. In 1977 he joined the newly formed playing-card department at Stanley Gibbons in London before setting up his own business in Edinburgh four years later. His collecting interests include playing cards, postcards, stamps (especially playing cards on stamps) and sugar wrappers. He is a Past President of the Scottish Philatelic Society, a former Chairman of the IPCS, a Past Master of the Worshipful Company of Makers of Playing Cards and Curator of the WCMPC’s collection of playing cards. He lives near Toulouse in France.
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