WW1 Commemorative

Published by Brepols, Turnhout, in 1919.

Although work was almost at a standstill throughout World War I because Belgium was cut off from its regular markets, in 1919 Brepols commemorated the victories of World War I with two new packs featuring hand painted portraits of Allied leaders (Kings, Presidents, Generals and Queens) on the court cards, along with relevant coats-of-arms, and famous battle scenes or events on the aces. These were exported around the world as remembrance of the time of sorrow and suffering.

Above: World War I commemorative playing cards published by Brepols, Turnhout, in 1919. The maker's name is printed on the king of diamonds. There were too many characters for one deck to accommodate so a second deck was produced. The Joker features King Albert I of Belgium as a mounted cavalry officer; the Calvary was an important factor in WW1.

Right: the Joker and the back. Click to zoom→

REFERENCES

Autenboer, Dr Eugeen van: The Turnhout Playing Card Industry 1826-1976, Aurelia Books, Brussels 1976

Images from the collection of Rod Starling, author of "The Art and Pleasures of Playing Cards".

Above: painted wooden box with the Belgian Lion on the front. Top with Allied flags and laurel wreath with dates 1914-1915 in the centre. Painted in the Belgian national tricolor, made by a Belgian soldier at the front, World War I. Collection of the National Museum of Playing Cards, Turnhout, Belgium.