The Birth of Motorization 1885-1985
The Birth of Motorization playing cards designed by Radoslaw Radziejewski
The Birth of Motorization playing cards (Stulecie Motoryzacji 1885-1985) were designed by Mr. Radoslaw Radziejewski to commemorate the 100th anniversary of world motorization (1985).
Above: the original pack printed by KZWP is called "The Birth of Motorization 1885-1985" or "Stulecie Motoryzacji 1885-1985" in Polish. The backs depict a vintage car within a wreath at both ends. Later on, Mercedes Benz used this pattern for their promotional gift packs.
The cards were also issued in double packs with the English title and in single packs with the Polish title. In the original pack, the KZWP imprint can be found on the Ace of Hearts. In the Trefl reprint (see below), their imprint appears on the Ace of Clubs. Finally, there is a descriptive leaflet (double-sided, in English) in both the single and double packs issued in 1985.
Above: a reprint by Trefl of the pack originally issued by their predecessors, KZWP, in 1985. The reverses shown here were prepared for an exhibition of impressionist paintings in Poland, in 2001. Dutch painters were presented at the exhibition. The cards were sold in museum stores.
By Roddy Somerville
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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