Russian Constitutional Playing Cards, 1909

Published July 03, 1996 Updated July 11, 2023

A rare American Russian political pack depicting events and moods in early 20th century Russia.

1909 Russia USA Dravin Political

Russian Constitutional Playing Cards, 1909

RUSSIAN MONARCH PLAYING CARDS: a rare American Russian political pack by J. Dravin, Roxbury Mass, 1909, depicting events and moods in early 20th century Russia. Each suit has its own colour scheme.

Russian political pack by J. Dravin, Roxbury Mass, 1909

Card images courtesy of an anonymous owner. See article by David Galt et al in "The Playing Card" Vol.30 No.5 March-April 2002.

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By Simon Wintle

Member since February 01, 1996

I am the founder of The World of Playing Cards (est. 1996), a website dedicated to the history, artistry and cultural significance of playing cards and tarot. Over the years I have researched various areas of the subject, acquired and traded collections and contributed as a committee member of the IPCS and graphics editor of The Playing-Card journal. Having lived in Chile, England, Wales, and now Spain, these experiences have shaped my work and passion for playing cards. Amongst my achievements is producing a limited-edition replica of a 17th-century English pack using woodblocks and stencils—a labour of love. Today, the World of Playing Cards is a global collaborative project, with my son Adam serving as the technical driving force behind its development. His innovative efforts have helped shape the site into the thriving hub it is today. You are warmly invited to become a contributor and share your enthusiasm.

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