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Reagan’s Rogues Gallery

Published August 15, 2022 Updated August 15, 2022

A pack inspired by the Iran-Contra affair or Gipper-gate during the Reagan era, produced by R. Billingsley, USA, 1987.

1987 USA R. Billingsley Political

To quote from the text on one of the Jokers in this pack, “Here is a collection of original drawings of Reagan himself and the various friends, fiends, associates, and other scoundrels that have surrounded and influenced the activities and policies of his administration”. The portraits – and they are not caricatures – are all executed in blue, being well drawn. A few apt words are written beneath each. All the Aces and Kings depict Ronald Reagan, the Queens his wife Nancy, and the Jacks George Bush. Other “rogues and clowns” are shown on all the pip cards. Square corners. A private production in a limited, numbered edition of 350 packs, the last 25 of which are in the form of uncut sheets. See the wrapper

Reagan’s Rogues Gallery produced by R. Billingsley, USA, 1987 Reagan’s Rogues Gallery produced by R. Billingsley, USA, 1987 Reagan’s Rogues Gallery produced by R. Billingsley, USA, 1987

Above: Reagan’s Rogues Gallery, a pack inspired by the Iran-Contra affair or Gipper-gate during the Reagan era, produced by R. Billingsley, USA, 1987. 52 cards + 2 Jokers in a paper wrapper. Size: 63.5 x 89.5 mm.

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By Roddy Somerville

Member since May 31, 2022

Roddy started collecting stamps on his 8th birthday. In 1977 he joined the newly formed playing-card department at Stanley Gibbons in London before setting up his own business in Edinburgh four years later. His collecting interests include playing cards, postcards, stamps (especially playing cards on stamps) and sugar wrappers. He is a Past President of the Scottish Philatelic Society, a former Chairman of the IPCS, a Past Master of the Worshipful Company of Makers of Playing Cards and Curator of the WCMPC’s collection of playing cards. He lives near Toulouse in France.

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