Past Masters’ Association Presentation Pack
The Worshipful Company of Makers of Playing Cards Past Masters’ Association Presentation Pack, 2013.
Two packs of cards are contained in this sumptuous presentation case. In 2012, the 60th Anniversary of Queen Elizabeth’s reign coincided with the number of Livery Companies reaching 108. It was therefore possible to produce two packs of cards each with the name, shield and motto of a different company currently in existence. While this does not make for an ideal pack of cards for play, it offers a unique insight into the world of Livery Companies. Each pack comprises the standard 52 cards plus two jokers. Whilst the picture cards illustrate famous Kings, Queens and, in three cases, various Princes of Wales, the Jokers are left blank, although there are some obvious contenders!
Roddy Somerville, a past Master of the Worshipful Company of Makers of Playing Cards, advised me that this was not the annual pack presented at the Installation Banquet in 2012. It was produced for the Past Masters’ Association for that year, the “Great Thirteen, 2012-2013”, and was not issued until late 2013 or early 2014.
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Special permission was granted by the WCMPC for the Master's portrait to appear on the Ace of Spades as this normally only appears on the Installation set.
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Above: the Worshipful Company of Makers of Playing Cards: Diamond Jubilee Presentation Pack, 2013. See the key card►
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By Tony Hall
Member since January 30, 2015
I started my interest in card games about 70 years ago, playing cribbage with my grandfather. Collecting card game materials started 50 years or so later, when time permitted. One cribbage board was a memory; two became the start of a collection currently exceeding 150!
Once interest in the social history of card games was sparked, I bought a wooden whist marker from the 1880s which was ingenious in design and unbelievably tactile. One lead to two and there was no stopping.
What happened thereafter is reflected in my articles and downloads on this site, for which I will be eternally grateful.
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