South Africa Souvenir

Souvenir packs such as this one are not always popular with collectors as they were rarely played with. However, they do provide an interesting snapshot of life in times gone by. Here, the oval, black and white photographs are set against a different coloured background for each suit. The majority of the images are in horizontal format. Each one is named beneath the photo. The backs depict a statue of Johan Van Riebeek, a Dutch navigator and colonial administrator of the Dutch East India Company, considered by Afrikaners to be the founding father of their nation. The cards are gilt-edged and there is an accompanying leaflet with further information about the various views of South Africa (Cape of Good Hope, Natal, Transvaal, Orange Free State) and Rhodesia. See the leaflet►

Above: South Africa Souvenir playing cards published by South African Railways and Harbours Publicity Department and made by USPC Co. c.1910. 52 cards + 1 Joker + 1 blank card + leaflet in telescopic box (red or blue). Size: 63 x 88 mm.

See the box►

REFERENCE: Dawson, T. & J. The Hochman Encyclopedia of American Playing Cards, p. 272, cat. no. SO1.