Wartime Playing Cards
Wartime playing cards and card games are those that were produced during times of war and were often designed with patriotic themes or propaganda messages. They were distributed to soldiers and civilians alike and served as a form of entertainment and morale booster during times of conflict. Wartime playing cards often feature images of military leaders, soldiers and patriotic symbols, such as national flags or eagles.
• See also "Most Wanted" • "Military" • "Army"
Kriegs-Spiel by Peter Schencken, Amsterdam
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by Simon Wintle
Peter Schencken of Amsterdam copied the "Jeu de la Guerre" or "Das Kriegs-Spiel" (with German captions) originated by Gilles de La Boissière and published by Mariette in 1668 in Paris.
L’union fait la force
“L’Union Fait la Force”, sometimes known as “the Allied pack”, has the four suits dedicated to the victorious nations of the Second World War.
Le Jeu de Marseille
Having deconstructed traditional, bourgeois playing card symbolism they produced new, liberated designs expressing their own beliefs and values. The court cards were persons expressing new, revolutionary ideals.
Lecardo
‘Lecardo’ playing cards, dominos & word building game invented by Stanley Kermode, United Kingdom, c. 1939.
Liberated: America's Most Unwanted
“Liberated: America's Most Unwanted” playing cards published in support of the Iraqi War, c.2003.
Maquettes for an unpublished WWI pack
Original designs depicting leaders and allegories from Russia, France, Great Britain and Belgium.
Marlborough’s Victories
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by Simon Wintle
Marlborough’s Victories playing cards, first published in 1707, depict Marlborough's campaigns and the personalities involved.
Mayall Press Art Studies
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by Matt Probert
Photographic playing cards - each face having an "art study" of a female nude, Mayall Press, Stockwell, London, c.1946.
Operation Iraqi Freedom playing cards
Operation Iraqi Freedom: U.S. Military heroes playing cards, 2003.
Ordnance Recognition
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by Simon Wintle
Ordnance Recognition Playing Cards cards designed to help people at risk from unexploded bombs
