The World of Playing Cards Logo

Past Masters’ Association Presentation Pack

Published February 26, 2024 Updated March 10, 2024

The Worshipful Company of Makers of Playing Cards Past Masters’ Association Presentation Pack, 2013.

2013 United Kingdom WCMPC Commemorative Jubilee Luxury

Two packs of cards are contained in this sumptuous presentation case. In 2012, the 60th Anniversary of Queen Elizabeth’s reign coincided with the number of Livery Companies reaching 108. It was therefore possible to produce two packs of cards each with the name, shield and motto of a different company currently in existence. While this does not make for an ideal pack of cards for play, it offers a unique insight into the world of Livery Companies. Each pack comprises the standard 52 cards plus two jokers. Whilst the picture cards illustrate famous Kings, Queens and, in three cases, various Princes of Wales, the Jokers are left blank, although there are some obvious contenders!

Roddy Somerville, a past Master of the Worshipful Company of Makers of Playing Cards, advised me that this was not the annual pack presented at the Installation Banquet in 2012. It was produced for the Past Masters’ Association for that year, the “Great Thirteen, 2012-2013”, and was not issued until late 2013 or early 2014.

The Worshipful Company of Makers of Playing Cards: Diamond Jubilee Presentation Pack, 2012
The Worshipful Company of Makers of Playing Cards: Diamond Jubilee Presentation Pack, 2013

Special permission was granted by the WCMPC for the Master's portrait to appear on the Ace of Spades as this normally only appears on the Installation set.

The Worshipful Company of Makers of Playing Cards: Diamond Jubilee Presentation Pack, 2013 The Worshipful Company of Makers of Playing Cards: Diamond Jubilee Presentation Pack, 2013 The Worshipful Company of Makers of Playing Cards: Diamond Jubilee Presentation Pack, 2013

Above: the Worshipful Company of Makers of Playing Cards: Diamond Jubilee Presentation Pack, 2013. See the key card

The Worshipful Company of Makers of Playing Cards: Diamond Jubilee Presentation Pack, 2013
avatar
50 Articles

By Tony Hall

Member since January 30, 2015

I started my interest in card games about 70 years ago, playing cribbage with my grandfather. Collecting card game materials started 50 years or so later, when time permitted. One cribbage board was a memory; two became the start of a collection currently exceeding 150!

Once interest in the social history of card games was sparked, I bought a wooden whist marker from the 1880s which was ingenious in design and unbelievably tactile. One lead to two and there was no stopping.

What happened thereafter is reflected in my articles and downloads on this site, for which I will be eternally grateful.

Related Articles

2018 Christmas Carols

Christmas Carols

Christmas Carols playing cards illustrated by Stuart Dilks

1798 Pam is the Knave of Clubs

Pam is the Knave of Clubs

Playing cards as metaphors in 18th century art - from fate, chance and social hierarchy t...

1920 Question and Answer Games

Question and Answer Games

A card game called “Impertinent Questions and Pertinent Answers” was launched in the early 1920s by ...

1711 Dr Sacheverell

Dr Sacheverell

Dr. Henry Sacheverell's impeachment in 1710 sparked widespread public unrest and political upheaval,...

1990 Leadmill playing cards

Leadmill playing cards

Promotional pack for an arts centre in Sheffield with designs by Martin F. Bedford.

2024 Agatha Christie and card games

Agatha Christie and card games

Agatha Christie uses card-play as a primary focus of a story, and as a way of creating plots and mot...

2024 English Heritage

English Heritage

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

2006 La Baraja del Mundial

La Baraja del Mundial

“La Baraja del Mundial” satirical football deck published by Fournier for ‘Interviú’ news magazine. ...

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.

The Playing-Card Industry & Its Relevance Today

The Playing-Card Industry & Its Relevance Today

This video explores the relevance of playing cards today, highlighting industry diversification, mod...