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"
Paris pattern for WWII troops
Wartime edition of standard designs with fewer colours, a special back design and an overprint.
Première Guerre Mondiale
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by Matt Probert
“Première Guerre Mondiale 1914-1918” playing cards published by Éditions J.C. Dusserre (Maitres Cartiers Boéchat Frères), Paris.
Prince of Wales National Relief Fund 1914
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by Matt Probert
A two-pack patience set produced by Thomas De la Rue on behalf of the Prince of Wales National Relief Fund in 1914.
Prisoners of War
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by Simon Wintle
Hand-made playing cards by French prisoners of war in Porchester Castle, Hampshire, c.1796.
Safety First
Safety First card game embodying the Kerb Drill, published by John Jaques & Son Ltd, 1940s.
Seminole Wars deck by James Y. Humphreys, Philadelphia, c.1819
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by Simon Wintle
Court cards from the Seminole Wars deck by J. Y. Humphreys, Philadelphia, c.1819. Ace of Spades from Jazaniah Ford's Decatur deck, 1815. Jazaniah Ford was born in Milton (Massachusetts) in 1757
Siegfried Line
“We’re Gonna Hang Out the Washing on the Siegfried Line” wartime card game made by William Sessions Ltd, 1940s
Squadron Scramble
“Squadron Scramble” card games for identifying military planes, Whitman Publishing Co., Racine, Wisconsin, 1942.
Submarine Cards
Lighting in submarines involved wearing red goggles to preserve night vision for viewing instrument panels. The goggles solved one problem but created another: the red suits on playing cards were not visible through the red goggles.
Temple Press War Planes
“War Planes” aircraft recognition playing cards published by Temple Press Limited, c.1940.
The Forces’ Favourites
The Forces’ Favourites playing cards with glamorous illustrations by David Wright, United Kingdom, 2006.
Theatre of Pain / Teatr Boli
Theatre of Pain / Teatr boli playing cards depicting politicians and leaders in the Caucasus territorial disputes.
Thoth Tarot – Aleister Crowley Tarot
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by Simon Wintle
Aleister Crowley Tarot – the sombre luminary – Crowley and Lady Frieda Harris worked on the illustrations between 1938 and 1943
Vacuation
“Vacuation” published by Pepys games, based on the evacuation of children to Reception Areas in the countryside during WW2, c.1939-40.