Imperial Club playing cards
Large index broad size cards by AGMüller using a special red ink suitable for casinos.
On the tuck box, these are described as “broad size cards suitable for black jack”, Blackjack (to give it its more usual spelling) being the most widely played casino banking game in the world. What makes these cards different and special is first and foremost the red ink that was used in the printing. This was a shade of red considered to be easier on the eye under the artificial lights normally found in clubs and casinos than the red traditionally used. It is darker, approaching crimson. A version of AGMüller’s standard English pattern has been used for the court cards. The Joker was designed by Chrissie Roberts. Produced with red or blue patterned backs. See the box►
Above: Imperial Club playing cards made by AGMüller, Neuhausen am Rheinfall, Switzerland, for David Westnedge Ltd, London, UK, 1982. 52 cards + 3 (identical) Jokers in tuck box. Size: 63 x 88 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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