English Arpak Playing Cards-Liverpool, circa 1930s

Item — Box: 1, item: 9

Scope and Contents

Sealed in open box.

Dimensions: 2.44" x3.63"

Quantity: 52

Original inventory number: 10

Dates

Creation: circa 1930s

Conditions Governing Access

Advanced notice required for access.

Biographical / Historical

Before the creation of the Arpak cards, players could "accidentally" place cards into the discard pile when suits didn't match (e.g., placing a diamond on top of a heart). As this became more of a problem, what are called "No Revoke" cards were created which gave all four suits a different color so you could obviously see when a mistake was made. The Arpak cards are a certain type of No Revoke card that use a distinct black background, in contrast to the normal white, which make the cards, especially the Royals, stand out. The Arpak cards are of a very high quality lined grade, aimed at more affluent players.

Full Extent

From the Collection: 2 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

From the Collection: English

Additional Description

Physical Description

Case and wrapping are yellowed with age. Outside of case uses red literring depicting the publisher and copyright as well as the address for the firm, 24 Mount Pleasant, Liverpool, England. On the opposite side of the case there is the color pictorial of the back of the cards. There are remnants of the original 10 cent revenue stamp that was used to seal the case closed. The complete deck is sealed in its original wrapping. A sample card with a corner cut away is on the outside of the wrappings, a 6 of hearts printed in white on a black background.