South Africa Souvenir
Photographic views of South Africa and Rhodesia.
Souvenir packs such as this one are not always popular with collectors as they were rarely played with. However, they do provide an interesting snapshot of life in times gone by. Here, the oval, black and white photographs are set against a different coloured background for each suit. The majority of the images are in horizontal format. Each one is named beneath the photo. The backs depict a statue of Johan Van Riebeek, a Dutch navigator and colonial administrator of the Dutch East India Company, considered by Afrikaners to be the founding father of their nation. The cards are gilt-edged and there is an accompanying leaflet with further information about the various views of South Africa (Cape of Good Hope, Natal, Transvaal, Orange Free State) and Rhodesia. See the leaflet►
Above: South Africa Souvenir playing cards published by South African Railways and Harbours Publicity Department and made by USPC Co. c.1910. 52 cards + 1 Joker + 1 blank card + leaflet in telescopic box (red or blue). Size: 63 x 88 mm.
See the box►
REFERENCE: Dawson, T. & J. The Hochman Encyclopedia of American Playing Cards, p. 272, cat. no. SO1.
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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