A pair of 1950s packs of standard-size playing cards by Thomas De La Rue & Co. Ltd., London, advertising the Financial Times newspaper, one pack unopened and sealed, with the original red plush and gilt cardboard case with specimen cards attached to the outside. The cards are printed with a delightful design by the noted graphic designer Abram Games (of 1951 Festival of Britain logo fame) featuring a walking FT (with pinstripe trousers and umbrella) surrounded by Christmas presents; the signature "A GAMES" can be seen in the top right corner of the opened and specimen cards. One of the packs of cards remains sealed in the original blue and white "Duty Three Pence" paper and cellophane tax wrapper (which indicates a date of pre-1960, since the Excise duty on playing cards was repealed in that year); although there is some tearing, bumping, marking and discoloration to the wrapper, the cards inside are presumably in excellent condition. The other pack, although opened, is complete (with two Jokers) and in good condition overall albeit with some marking and occasional light foxing, slight edge wear and discoloration. The box, which measures approximately 13 x 9.8 x 2.5cm (5.1 x 3.85 x 1in), has some age wear and marking, and the gold has darkened with age.
SOLD Oct. 2010
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