Sicilia in Acquerello

Published November 02, 2022 Updated November 02, 2022

Souvenir playing cards from Sicily using watercolours rather than photographs.

2020 ItalySouvenirSmeraldi EdizioniStampa GMC

It is always nice to come across a souvenir pack which uses something other than photographic images. In this instance, watercolours convey the message, albeit only 19 different ones, with a lot of random repetition. Each view is named beneath the image. The Joker features the three-legged emblem of Sicily (triskele). The cards have a glossy finish. The attractive tuck box shows an old map of the island with the principal sights marked on it. See the box

Sicilia in Acquerello playing cards by Smeraldi Edizioni, Palermo, Italy Sicilia in Acquerello playing cards by Smeraldi Edizioni, Palermo, Italy

Above: souvenir playing cards from Sicily printed by Stampa GMC, Settimo Milanese, for Smeraldi Edizioni, Palermo, Italy, c2020 (or earlier). 52 cards + 2 Jokers in tuck box. Size: 63 x 87 mm. Purchased in Palermo, September 2022.

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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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Hi Roddy, I recently purchased a deck of these playing cards while in Palermo. I regret not buying more, as I have more people that I'd like to gift a set. I'll be back in Sicily but not for another year. Do you know where I could purchase more decks to have shipped to the United States? Many thanks, Jenean


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