Holmblads No. 121

Published November 11, 2010 Updated August 04, 2022

Holmblads No. 121 made by John Waddington, England, for Denmark

1935 Denmark Scandinavia & Nordic Countries United Kingdom Salomon & Co Waddingtons Holmblads
Holmblads 121 made by John Waddington, England Holmblads 121 made by John Waddington, England

Holmblads No. 121

Holmblads No. 121 made by John Waddington, England, c.1935 for Denmark. Several British manufacturers including Alf Cooke, De La Rue and John Waddington produced packs for Scandinavian countries during the 1930s.

Holmblads No. 121 made by John Waddington, England c.1935 Holmblads No. 121 made by John Waddington, England

Holmblad/Salomon No. 121 playing cards (Holmblad pattern-II) made by John Waddington, England, c.1935. 52 cards + joker in box. The Jack of Clubs has the inscription "S. Salomon & Co., Copenhagen - Holmblads Spillekort-Forretning" which is also printed on the side of the box. The other side of the box reads "Made by John Waddington, England". The back design is one of John Waddington's standard designs which also appeared on Lexicon and other standard packs in the UK. This edition is printed in two colours; a four colour version was also produced.  See also: Holmblads standard pattern

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By Simon Wintle

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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.

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