1968 Worshipful Company Pack

As well as having his/her portrait applied to the Ace of Spades, it is the prerogative of the incoming Master of the Worshipful Company of Makers of Playing Cards (WCMPC) to choose the subject for the backs of the cards which will be presented at his/her Installation Banquet. In 1968, the subject was an obvious one, namely the Games of the XIX Olympiad, held in Mexico.

Why was it an obvious one? The Master in 1968-9 was Michael J. Amberg (1926-2001) who had himself competed at the 1960 Olympic Games in Rome. Although he did not win a medal on that occasion, he successfully represented England in the sabre (fencing) event at three British Empire and Commonwealth Games (1954, 1958 and 1962), winning 3 gold, 1 silver and 1 bronze medals. In addition, he was a three times British fencing champion, winning the sabre title at the British Fencing Championships in 1957, 1958 and 1959. Fencing was naturally one of the 10 sports featured on the backs of the WCMPC cards in 1968.

Above: 1968 Worshipful Company Pack made by John Waddington Ltd, Leeds, UK, 1968. 2 x 52 cards + 2 Jokers in a double plastic box within a gold presentation box. Size: 58 x 90 mm.

Reference

Thorpe, John G. The Makers of Playing Cards of London. London, UK: WCMPC; 2017.