Vintage Cunard Queen Mary Ocean Liner Deck of Cards in Original Box circa 1930s-1940s

{HISTORY}

Combining three historic icons into one, this vintage deck of playing cards tells stories of England, America, and a favorite pastime between the two.  

Made by De La Rue & Co in London between the 1930s and 1940s, this standard deck of 52 cards features a beautiful portrait of the RMS Queen Mary in a black, red, and gold flocked box. Prized playing card manufacturers in Britain from 1832 to 1967, De La Rue cards were well-made and artistically presented with colorful imagery, classic English scenes, and even celebrities that included film stars and royalty. 

Given the lovely and unique presentation of the box with its black flocked sides, red flocked bottom, and gold foil edging, we suspect that this box was part of a special set produced to commemorate the luxury ocean liner's maiden voyage. 

When the Queen Mary launched from Southampton, England, en route to New York City on May 27, 1936, she was the talk of the town in both England and America. Never before had there been such a luxurious cruise ship of such size, speed, and glamour afloat on the Atlantic. Boasting over 2000 guest rooms, multiple dining areas, two swimming pools, a hospital, a gym, a library, and a ballroom, it was the epitome of luxury, Art Deco design, and exquisite Scottish shipbuilding. This playing card set hints at the attention to detail paid to all areas of the ship, from interior design to printed menus to signage, fabrics, color palettes, lighting, etc all the way down to souvenir gifts that marked an exceptional travel experience in elegant surroundings.

Included in this deck of cards are the rules for contract bridge, a card game that first originated in 16th century England, and which gained particular popularity in the US during the 1930s-1950s. Back then, it was the game of choice at ladies’ luncheons, senior social clubs, and neighborhood get-togethers. It's fun to think that the topic of conversation over card games enjoyed while playing with this deck might have included stories of maritime adventure aboard one of the most beautiful ships in the world. 

Noawadays game night doesn't have to be so formal, but if you wanted to take out your best stemware and serve a sparkly cocktail or two alongside some homemade canapés, we bet no one would mind.

{SPECIAL FEATURES}

• Hard to find commemorative deck of cards
• Includes 52 cards plus contract bridge scoring card
• The Queens of each suit feature De La Rue's early clipped typography squiggle in the Q, dating the deck to the 1930s
• Each card is edged in cold
• Contains original box with exterior flocking and interior red ribbon ties

{CONDITION}

In beautiful vintage condition, each card is in practically brand-new condition with no rips, wrinkles, or creased edges. Very clean and bright, the cards do not contain any spots or stains, and the colors are bright and vibrant on each card. The box is also in lovely vintage condition with just the most minor scuffing on some of the gold detailing on the front of the box and some minor wear on the red flocked area on the back of the box where the gold foil commemorative sticker would have been affixed. Please see photos.

{SIZE}

The playing cards measure 3.5" inches (length) x 2.25" inches (width). The box measures 3.75" inches (length) x 2.25" inches (width) x 1" inch (thickness). The entire deck, including box, weighs 4 oz.