Isle of Man souvenir playing cards by Goodall & Son.

Souvenir playing cards for the Isle of Man is a subject covered in Mike Goodall’s excellent booklet published in 2002. It is surprising that so many different editions of Isle of Man souvenir packs were produced telling us that it must have been a popular destination for visitors in the late 19th. and early 20th. century. Unfortunately not many of these packs have survived, and although many are listed in Mike Goodall’s booklet all the illustrations are black and white photocopies. I have therefore decided to show you some of the packs from my collection in full colour, starting with the 2 oldest packs produced by Goodall.

The back of both these packs show the coat of arms of the Isle of Man. In the centre is the Triskeles (the 3 legs of the Isle of Man). This has been associated with the island since about 1300 and is surrounded by the motto 'Quocunque Jeceris Starbit' which translates as 'whichever way you throw it, it will stand'. The motto dates back to 1668.

The first pack dates from about 1870. There is an earlier version from 1863 in which the same aces were printed in blue. The court cards are unturned.

Below is a later version dating from about 1880 with different scenic aces printed in blue and with turned courts.

References:
Isle of Man Souvenir Playing Cards, Mike Goodall 2002. page 9 & page 11

All cards shown are from the collection of Paul Symons ©