The World of Playing Cards Logo

Stainless steel playing cards

Published September 06, 2022 Updated September 06, 2022

Out-of-the-ordinary set in an unusual container.

2005 United Kingdom Touch of Ginger Ltd Metal

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

Stainless steel playing cards by Touch of Ginger Ltd, 2005 Stainless steel playing cards by Touch of Ginger Ltd, 2005

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.

Stainless steel playing cards by Touch of Ginger Ltd, 2005
avatar
541 Articles

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.

1 comment

Paul Symons's Avatar'

That is certainly a cool and interesting deck of cards !


Leave a Reply

Default Avatar
Your Name
Just now

Create account to comment Your comment here. Your comment here. Your comment here. Your comment here. Your comment here. Your comment here. Your comment here. Your comment here. Your comment here. Your comment here. Your comment here. Your comment here. Your comment here. Your comment here. Your comment here. Your comment here. Your comment here. Your comment here. Your comment here. Your comment here. Your comment here. Your comment here. Your comment here. Your comment here. Your comment here. Your comment here. Your comment here. Your comment here. Your comment here. Your comment here. Your comment here. Your comment here.


Related Articles

2024 English Heritage

English Heritage

52 different colour photos of historic sites managed by English Heritage.

2022 The Malt Whiskies of Scotland

The Malt Whiskies of Scotland

Three packs featuring photographs by Duncan McEwan of malt whisky distilleries in Scotland.

2010 Typographic Playing Cards

Typographic Playing Cards

Typographic Playing Cards designed by Jim Sutherland, c.2010.

1812 76: Transitions: Hunt & Sons

76: Transitions: Hunt & Sons

Styles change and technology develops. This means that it's possible to see transition periods in th...

1920 Gibson’s History of England

Gibson’s History of England

History without tears for young and old, 1920s.

1953 Simpson (Piccadilly) playing cards

Simpson (Piccadilly) playing cards

Innovative advertising pack for Simpsons of Piccadilly designed by André François.

1998 Scruffy Mutts

Scruffy Mutts

‘Scruffy Mutts’ dog-themed playing cards, United Kingdom, c.1998.

1989 Hamlet Cigars

Hamlet Cigars

Advertising deck for “Hamlet mild cigars”, a Benson & Hedges product.

Heathen Divinities

Heathen Divinities

Handmade playing cards from the British Museum depicting classical Greek and Roman gods and goddesse...

1968 1968 Worshipful Company Pack

1968 Worshipful Company Pack

Commemorating the Games of the XIX Olympiad, Mexico, 1968 (Master: Michael J. Amberg).

2006 Royal Britain

Royal Britain

Pack devised by Pietro Alligo depicting English monarchs from Alfred the Great to Elizabeth II.

Hand-drawn set of 52 playing cards

Hand-drawn set of 52 playing cards

An imaginatively hand-drawn set of 52 playing cards by an amateur artist, 18th century.

2004 Famous Faces playing cards

Famous Faces playing cards

Images of the great and the good to be found in the National Portrait Gallery, London.

2013 Go Go Gorillas!

Go Go Gorillas!

Go Go Gorillas! charity playing cards sponsored by the Eastern Daily Press and the Norwich Evening N...

1875 Hand-drawn transformation cards, c1875

Hand-drawn transformation cards, c1875

A complete set of hand-drawn transformation cards from c1875, using a standard De La Rue pack.

Classification of Numeral Card Designs in French-suited packs

Classification of Numeral Card Designs in French-suited packs

The classification of numeral cards in French-suited packs, covering various pip designs in over 400...