Compagnie Maritime des Chargeurs Réunis
French navigators and explorers on a promotional pack for the C.M.C.R shipping company.
The Compagnie Maritime des Chargeurs Réunis was founded in 1872, principally to carry freight and passengers between Le Havre and West Africa, Brazil, Argentina and New York. The court cards depict explorers and navigators whose names have been given to some of the company’s ships. The company’s insignia are shown on the two Jokers together with what could be the artist’s name, “ARNOLD MO”.
Above: Compagnie Maritime des Chargeurs Réunis playing cards made by Grimaud, France, c1975. Limited edition of 3,000 packs. 52 cards + 2 Jokers + 2 extra cards with text in French and English. Size: 58 x 89 mm.
I don't know the date but it is most unlikely to be after 1980, given the history of the company and the 7-digit telephone number on the extra cards.
By Roddy Somerville
Member since May 31, 2022
Roddy started collecting stamps on his 8th birthday. In 1977 he joined the newly formed playing-card department at Stanley Gibbons in London before setting up his own business in Edinburgh four years later. His collecting interests include playing cards, postcards, stamps (especially playing cards on stamps) and sugar wrappers. He is a Past President of the Scottish Philatelic Society, a former Chairman of the IPCS, a Past Master of the Worshipful Company of Makers of Playing Cards and Curator of the WCMPC’s collection of playing cards. He lives near Toulouse in France.
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