English pattern from Portugal
English pattern by Litografia Maia, Porto, Portugal, c.1960.
Litografia Maia’s version of the English pattern bears a strong resemblance to that of Müller of Switzerland. The courts here are the same as in Ken Lodge’s pack no. 086 (see ‘Spanish & Portuguese’ in My Collection) but the Ace of Spades and Joker design are different. The Joker in this pack resembles Müller’s one so closely - even down to the size and style of lettering - that it was probably necessary to redraw it (see Müller Joker► for comparison; see the two different ones in Ken’s pack). Likewise, the name of the maker has been removed from the Ace of Spades in Ken’s pack, probably to avoid legal action. The printed seal on the 4 of Hearts indicates that the tax has been paid. See the box►
Above: Cartas de Jogar English pattern by Litografia Maia, Porto, Portugal, c.1960. 52 cards + 2 (identical) Jokers in tuck box. Size: 56 x 87 mm.
Above: standard portuguese souvenir pack with same features as the one above.
By Roddy Somerville
France • Member since May 31, 2022 • Contact
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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