Rapalje
Promotional pack for a Dutch Celtic folk band which performs Irish, Scottish and Dutch folk music, c.2004.
Members of the band appear on the 16 double-ended court cards in this pack, dressed in medieval costume and carrying musical instruments and other more traditional symbols. There is a different instrument on each Ace. The Celtic flavour is maintained on the decorated pips, with the layout of the pips also being unconventional on most cards. Early on in the group’s existence there were four members, hence the extra court card. Two of their CDs (both released in 2004) were called “Spades” and “Diamonds” so this pack may well have been produced to coincide with their release. Indices: K, Q, C, J, A. An enterprising production.
Above: promotional pack for Rapalje folk band, c.2004. 56 cards + 2 Jokers + 2 extra cards in tuck box. Size: 56 x 87 mm. Maker unknown.
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.
Activity for Rapalje
Sign in to comment or save this article.
Related Articles
Robin Hood Playing Cards
A Kings Wild Project by Jackson Robinson exploring the legend of Robin Hood and inspired by the Baye...
Norfin® Trolls
Troll dolls with gaudy hairstyles in a multitude of different costumes.
Baraxa Galega
Baraxa Galega designed by F. Perez Llamosas and published by Naipes Heraclio Fournier, 1983.
Castle Rock Club
Castle Rock Club playing cards featuring Russian rock stars and musicians, c. 2000.
IBUSZ folklore playing cards
Hungarian folklore pack produced by IBUSZ travel agency, c. 1965.
Matryoshka playing cards
The first nested doll set was carved in 1890.
Palekh and Kholui lacquer miniatures
Palekh and Kholui lacquer miniatures.
My Fair Lady
Theatre programme in the form of a pack of cards. East Germany, c.1967.
Netherlands Kostuum Kwartet
Dutch costumes quartet game designed by Gerard Huijg, 1983.
Norwegian Troll Cards
Norwegian Troll Cards published by Aune Forlag of Trondheim, c.2000.
La Belle au bois dormant
Sleeping Beauty card game published in France, c.1980s.
Sprookjes Kwartet
Fairy Tales quartet published by Heinrich Schwarz + Co for Dutch market, c.1970.
Monty Gum ‘Stars Play’
‘Stars Play’ card set published by Monty Gum, Leiden, 1988.
Story Magazine
Dutch singers, TV and theatre artist playing cards for “Story” magazine, 1978.
Music Manuscripts
Artwork featuring playing cards in Music Manuscripts
Eglantine Table
The Eglantine Table, Hardwick Hall, Derbyshire, elaborately inlaid with marquetry depicting musical ...
Recado de Bastos - Gaucho Scrapbook
Recado de Bastos (‘Gaucho Scrapbook’) Gaucho-themed deck from Argentina, 2006
Tango
‘Tango’ playing cards from Argentina, c.2004.
Mambrú
Mambru pop group playing cards from Argentina, 2002.
Bandana
Bandana Argentine pop girl group playing cards 2002.
Most Popular
Our top articles from the past 60 days
