Laughing Made Easy
a Victorian card game published by D. Ogilvy.
"Laughing made easy" is a pack of 54 playing-cards formed of four sets numbered 1-12 with pips in suits of harps, roses, fleurs-de-lis and eagles, plus six prize cards. The numeral cards carry a variety of amusing stories and witty sayings which would arouse laughter and merriment amongst the players. There are no court cards. Any number of players may play at this amusing game...
Above: Laughing Made Easy card game published by D. Ogilvy, 17 Christ Church Road, Hampstead, London, c.1875. 54 cards plus instruction card, backs plain pink, 9.1x6.5 cm. © The Trustees of the British Museum
The cards are housed in a pasteboard case titled Ogilvy’s Games, shared with "Lend me Five Shillings". See the case
References
O’Donoghue, Freeman M: Catalogue of the collection of playing cards bequeathed by Lady Charlotte Schreiber (English 107), Trustees of the British Museum, London, 1901 [digital version here]
British Museum: number 1896,0501.1041►
By Simon Wintle
Spain • Member since February 01, 1996 • Contact
I am the founder of The World of Playing Cards (est. 1996), a website dedicated to the history, artistry and cultural significance of playing cards and tarot. Over the years I have researched various areas of the subject, acquired and traded collections and contributed as a committee member of the IPCS and graphics editor of The Playing-Card journal. Having lived in Chile, England, Wales, and now Spain, these experiences have shaped my work and passion for playing cards. Amongst my achievements is producing a limited-edition replica of a 17th-century English pack using woodblocks and stencils—a labour of love. Today, the World of Playing Cards is a global collaborative project, with my son Adam serving as the technical driving force behind its development. His innovative efforts have helped shape the site into the thriving hub it is today. You are warmly invited to become a contributor and share your enthusiasm.
Related Articles
Lend Me Five Shillings
or “Her Majesty’s Privy Purse” - a merry round-the-table game published by D. Ogilvy.
Have A Go
Have A Go card game published by Photo-Briton Ltd featuring photographs of waxwork figures from Mada...
Five Suit Bridge
Five Suit Bridge was invented in Vienna in 1937 by Walter W. Marseille and Dr. Paul Stern.
Hindooly
Hindooly published by Chas Goodall & Son Ltd with four newly designed suits, c.1904.
Sam
SAM by J. Jaques & Son Ltd.
Lincard
“Lincard” card game invented by John William Wolf and patented in 1937.
Rūfa
Rūfa is a game designed by Ernest Legh and manufactured by De la Rue. The object is to build a pagod...
Sky
Sky card game published by Geo. Wright & Co, London, c.1905.
Strip Tease
‘Strip Tease’ card game featuring characters involved in the performance and subsequent prosecution ...
The Great Galumphus
The “Great Galumphus” card game from the 1920s shows various comic animals with their names printed ...
Animal Snap
The full set of this 'Snap' card game is believed to have 9 characters in sets of four, making a tot...
Old Maid
Old Maid by Clifford Toys
Old Maid No.5862
Tower Press Old Maid No.5862.
Change for a Shilling
Change for a Shilling card game by Geo. Wright & Co., London, c.1910-1926.
Kay Snap
Kay Snap Children's Card Game, made in England, 1930s.
Dartex
Dartex, the Thrilling New Card Game of Skill (1938) based on the traditional pub game where darts ar...
London Post
Jaques' The London Post Card Game, c.1895.
Jaques Advertising Leaflet
Jaques Advertising Leaflet showing Lawn tennis, Table Billiards, Staunton Chess, Croquet, etc.
Entente Cordiale
Jaques' The Entente Cordiale Card Game, c.1905.
Golden Egg Game
The Golden Egg Card Game, anonymous manufacturer, c.1860
Most Popular
Our top articles from the past 60 days
