History of playing cards on stamps

 

Date of Issue : 8 August 2014

The history of playing cards is one of mystery and intrigue. Believed to have originated from China as far back as 1294 before they arrived in Southern Europe by the late 1300s, and spread quickly by trade and colonialism where they adapted to different cultures in which they found themselves.

Indeed it is believed that the core elements of the decks and suits that we have today originated in the 15th Century from the red and black colour scheme of France during that period. By the late 19th century the Isle of Man had developed into a popular tourist destination drawing visitors from across England. As the demand for the sale of novelty goods grew with holiday makers wishing to commemorate their trip, Warrington businessman, Samuel Webb, saw this opportunity and opened his first shop in Duke Street Douglas.

He then commissioned a set of playing cards featuring iconic Manx elements as a souvenir for tourists and authorised London based designers and printers Charles Goodall and Sons to produce the first set. Over the next 57 years they with other companies, produced approximately 30 different designs leaving a unique legacy in playing cards history which has been beautifully commemorated into this collector's issue.

The six stamps incorporate select images from local expert Mike Goodall's exceptional collection. A descendant of Charles Goodall, Mike has worked closely with Isle of Man stamps and coins to provide access to and collate six of the most iconic in his extensive catalogue, and which also reflect the changing printing techniques of the era from engravings through to photography and ink. Each scene depicted, from Bradda Head and Peel Castle to the Laxey Wheel and the Groudle Wheel, is set against a vibrant background which corresponds to the rear of the original card, giving a complete representation with every unique stamp.

Club News

Odisha State Level Philatelic Exhibition ODIPEX, 2014 to be held in Bhubaneswar from 22 - 24 August, 2014.  Odisha Circle  has decided to hold a Dealers meet on this occasion.

1. Dealers registration fees for table charges -Rs 2000/- for 3 days per dealer excluding accommodation.

2. Each person registered, will be provided a free Lunch every day of the event.

3. It has  been decided to allot 20 booths  during the event. The participation will be on first come first serve basis. It is requested that after receiving the registration fees by draft ( drawn in favour of DDM, PLI, Bhubaneswar) in the following address allotment will be provided. An application, may be written for allotment with corresponding address to intimate the allotment of booth by the Department.

4. The ODIPEX correspondence address :

Mr Satyabadi Biswal,

Deputy Divisional Manager, PLI

Office of the CPMG, Odisha circle

Bhubaneswar-751 001

Email: ddmplior@gmail.com; ddmpli-odi@indiapost.gov.in

Telephone number- 0674-2390003

: Dr. Bibhudatta Mishra - Bhubaneshwar