Archives
2010 • February
CWS Printing Works
The C.W.S. Printing Works at Longsight, Manchester, was the Co-operative Wholesale Society's printing division, set up to print labels and packaging for their range of products.
Berkshire Printing Co.
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by Simon Wintle
The company was founded in 1908 as the printing division of the Brooke Bond Tea Company in Reading.
Woodpecker Press Ltd
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by Simon Wintle
Woodpecker Press is believed to have started up in 1987 as a spin-off from the closure of Astra Games.
Mesmaekers Spanish Pack, c.1875
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by Simon Wintle
Mesmaekers Spanish Pack for export to Spanish colonies and South American countries, c.1875
Spanish Cards c.1920
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by Simon Wintle
Spanish-suited Playing Cards manufactured by Van Genechten, c.1920.
Hunt & Sons, 1820-1849
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by Simon Wintle
Hunt & Sons (1820-1849) was the first maker to modernise the court card designs with a complete re-drawing.
Henry Wheeler, manufacturer, c.1828
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by Donald Welsh
In 1836 Henry Wheeler was found guilty of using forged duty Aces of Spades.
Dauphiné Pattern - Portrait du Dauphiné
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by Simon Wintle
The Dauphiné pattern is an archaic French pattern which was manufactured in the Lyon region from the 17th century.
King Christian of Denmark
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by Simon Wintle
In 1935 a souvenir pack of playing cards to celebrate the King's 65th birthday was commissioned from the British firm of De La Rue.
De La Rue Continental
During the latter part of the nineteenth century De La Rue produced two special packs of cards for the Continental market. The Aces of Spades are marked "De La Rue & Co. London and Paris".
Thomas Creswick
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by Simon Wintle
Thomas Creswick was a paper-maker and wholesale stationer. Playing cards were produced from c.1820 onwards.
Miniature Playing Cards
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by Simon Wintle
Crudely printed miniature children's packs produced anonymously in c.1920-30.
Gibson & Co., c.1770
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by Simon Wintle
Standard English playing cards manufactured by Gibson & Co., c.1770.
Reynolds c.1830
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by Simon Wintle
Woodblock and stencil playing cards, produced by Reynolds & Sons c.1830-1850.
Reynolds non-standard
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by Simon Wintle
Sometime around c.1850 Reynolds & Sons produced this non-standard or variant pack with courts inspired by Continental designs, based loosely on the French 'Paris' pattern.
Reynolds c.1809-1885
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by Simon Wintle
Joseph Reynolds had been producing playing cards in the traditional method since c.1809.
Bancks Brothers
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by Simon Wintle
The 'Old Frizzle' Ace of Spades shows the duty paid as one shilling, and the manufacturer's name is engraved at the bottom of the ace.
History of Blackjack
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by Simon Wintle
Over the years the origin of Blackjack, like many other games, has eluded researchers for a long time and which continues to be hotly debated to this day.
Naipes Feroleto
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by Simon Wintle
Naipes Feroleto is a brand which began appearing in the Argentine market around 2002.