Komandirskie [Commanders]

This military pack extols the bravery and patriotism of the Russian armed forces. The suits (both court and pip cards) portray officers and equipment from different areas of the Russian forces. Hearts show the tank service; Clubs similarly portray the air force; Spades the naval service and Diamonds the anti-aircraft or rocket / missile service.

Although published in 1997, several years after the collapse of the Soviet Union, the card backs show the hammer and sickle, while this same symbol appears in two of the military emblems. The 2 extra cards proclaim: “Honour and praise to all the veterans of the armed forces for their valour and courage” and “We glorify the legendary patriotic military technology and are confident the tradition of its creation will continue”. Produced in St. Petersburg by the Colour Printing Plant, the authors of the pack are; S. Spirov, I. Ovchinnikov and V. Volkov. The artist is S. Zaitsev. See the box►

Above: ‘Komandirskie’ military-themed playing cards produced in St. Petersburg by the Colour Printing Plant, 1997. 52 cards + 2 jokers + 2 further cards in box.

The 2 extra cards proclaim: “Honour and praise to all the veterans of the armed forces for their valour and courage” and “We glorify the legendary patriotic military technology and are confident the tradition of its creation will continue”.