Stainless steel playing cards

When I first saw this item on display at a trade show early in 2005, my first thought was, “Who on earth would want to buy such a thing?”. I was assured by the salesperson that there was indeed a market for such items, particularly in gambling centres like Las Vegas where those who win “big” are looking for things to buy with their winnings. I had another thought: my fiftieth birthday was fast approaching and this set was being produced in an edition of just 50 sets. My parents were persuaded – they would buy it for me as a present!

It seems odd to call cards made of stainless steel “cards” but let’s not forget that cards have been made of many different materials over the centuries – silver, hide, shell, plastic, aluminium, etc. To quote from the extra card, “Each card face is finely etched onto 316 stainless steel with a classic English pattern”. That pattern is a Goodall design, with the Ace of Spades being inscribed “MADE IN ENGLAND” along the bottom ribbon. The overall look is similar to that of a negative photograph. See the extra card►

To continue, “The casket is machined from a solid billet of 316 stainless steel and every set is hand finished by craftsmen”. The base of the casket carries the serial number (in this case 11) which matches the number on the extra card. In total, the set weighs just under 3 kilos! See the casket►

Above: Stainless steel playing cards produced by Touch of Ginger Ltd, Cambridge, GB, 2005. 52 cards + 3 Jokers + 1 extra card in a stainless steel “egg” casket, in a suede bag. Size: 55 x 86 mm.