Le Poker Politique
French politicians and various world leaders caricatured by the German artist Bubec.
Of the several packs with caricatures of heads of state and senior politicians by the German caricaturist known as Bubec (real name Lutz Backes, b. 1938), this is the only one created for the French market. The pack has French indices and includes five prominent French politicians of the period, namely Georges Marchais, François Mitterrand, Jacques Chirac, Raymond Barre and Valery Giscard d’Estaing. Two names are spelt incorrectly: George instead of Georges, and Mitterand instead of Mitterrand. On the Ace of Diamonds is Yuri Andropov (or Jurij Andropow) who died in February 1984, having led the Soviet Union for only about 15 months. Valery Giscard d’Estaing (Ace of Clubs) is depicted tripping over a diamond – a reference to the infamous “affaire des diamants” which almost certainly contributed to Giscard losing his 1981 bid for reelection.
Above: ‘Le Poker Politique’ with caricatures by Bubec, made by A.S.S., Leinfelden-Echterdingen, Germany, 1983. 52 cards + 2 Jokers + 1 title card in clear plastic box. Size: 57 x 89 mm.
The manufacturer’s logo appears on the 10 of Hearts. The back design is common to all the packs in this series.
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.
Related Articles
CARD-AB Miltenberg
Illustrations by Rita Stern depicting notable landmarks and scenes from the town of Miltenberg in Ge...
New Altenburg Skat cards – German DDR Pattern
Authentic Altenburger Skat cards with German suits (Acorns, Hearts, Leaves, Bells).
Jeu Révolutionnaire
Court cards and aces from a French Revolutionary pack by Pinaut, Paris, c.1794.
German Travel Cards
A travel-themed educational deck helping American tourists visiting Germany.
Doppel-Deutsche Karten by Bratří Willnerové, Teplice
This deck from local manufacturer Bratří Willnerová offers a standard version of the popular Central...
French Revolutionary cards by Pinaut
Seven cards from a French Revolutionary pack by Pinaut featuring characters from classical antiquity...
Zürcher Festspiel 1903
Swiss-suited pack designed by Robert Hardmeyer featuring figures from art and politics.
Briefmarken-Quartett
Quartet game featuring postage stamps from the Zones of Occupation in post-WWII Germany.
Never Mind the Belote
Limited edition Belote pack with designs by a collective of 24 street artists.
Sannois dans les étoiles
Celebrities and buildings associated with Sannois, a commune in the suburbs of Paris.
Le Globe Céleste
Views and plans of five international exhibitions held in Paris between 1855 and 1900.
IG Chemie Papier Keramik
Promotional pack designed by Karl-Heinz Schroers for a German trade union with comical bears on the ...
Le Journal de Mickey
Perforated sheet of cards with Disney characters issued with the magazine Le Journal de Mickey.
Tarot hiéroglyphique égyptien
The design of the cards draws inspiration from various religious and philosophical traditions merged...
La Réussite (Sébastien Féraut)
Sébastien Féraut’s designs inspired by the animal kingdom for a set promoting patience games.
Le Tarot de Sète
Reinterpretation of the Tarot de Marseille by Julien Labat, an artist from Sète.
Most Popular
Our top articles from the past 28 days
