A Barribal variant for Christmas

Here is a most unusual variant of one of the earlier printings of a pack with a Barribal back design from Waddington’s Sporting Birds Series, probably dating from 1931. This one has added wording after the word “Pheasant”, namely “…. Eggs / PHEASANT POULTS / ADULT BIRDS FOR STOCK” followed by the name of a poultry farmer, Frank Dickens Jr, Yorkshire Game Farm, Fyling Hall, Robin Hood’s Bay, Yorkshire, and mentioning that he holds a field certificate for 1931. This very special edition would have been offered to his customers as a Christmas present, since the box carries the wording “WITH THE SEASON’S GREETINGS” followed by the farmer’s name and address.

Above: Barribal back design from Waddington’s Sporting Birds Series, Leeds, 1931. 52 cards + 1 Joker in telescopic box. Size: 58 x 89 mm.

One wonders how many other enterprising businesses had special editions of these cards made for them. The writer of this piece would certainly be interested to hear of any others.