Vivacidol
Advertising pack for Vivacidol pharmaceutical product, France, c.1960s.
It is remarkable how often drugs and medical products are promoted using humorous or comic designs. Here is another example of the genre. Vivacidol (currently registered to Pfizer Holding France but with a trademark which expires in 2024) has been available since at least the 1950s. According to the title card, Vivacidol is good for regenerating intestinal flora which has been upset by antibiotics. Different colours and attributes are used at each end of every court card. The creator of the comic courts is not credited. Indices: R, D, V, 1. On thick card.
Above: Advertising pack for Vivacidol pharmaceutical product, maker unknown, France, c.1960s. 52 cards + 2 Jokers + 1 title card + 1 blank card in plain white tuck box with a small circular hole. Two different back colours available. Size: 57.5 x 87 mm.
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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