Produced in 1953 as a commemorative souvenir for Queen Elizabeth's coronation, these delightful Vintage Queen Elizabeth II 1953 Coronation Double Deck Playing Card Sets feature beautiful portraits of the lovely young Queen and her dashing consort, Prince Philip. Each set of two card decks by famed card maker De La Rue, is presented within its original limited edition velveteen box.

Beginning with an apprenticeship at the age of 10, Thomas De la Rue gained a thorough knowledge of printing before moving to London and setting up shop as a maker of straw hats. Through securing materials needed to produce his hats, De la Rue diversified into bookbinding and the embossing of leather, and then into paper manufacture. His interest expanded to playing cards and De la Rue introduced letterpress printing and other improvements into playing card production. Securing a patent in 1831, he began to manufacture playing cards in 1832 and is now considered the inventor of the modern English playing card. Today Thomas De La Rue International Ltd, the printing company that began with straw hats and playing cards almost two centuries ago, has become a world leader in the manufacture of banknotes and other security documents.

The soft cover of each card set is adorned with Queen Elizabeth's royal cypher, in addition to 'Coronation 1953.' Double gilt pinstripes on each end and a shimmering textured gold foil platform that elevates each set add to the luxurious impression. Striking on display and a sure conversation piece for card night or afternoon bridge, these splendid card decks promise to bring an elevated air of majesty to your next game.

Strictly one-of-a-kind and subject to prior sale. Each set sold separately. Please make your selection from the drop down menu. In very good vintage condition with both decks of cards complete with no sign of use. The box measures 6.75"W x 5.25"D x 1.5"H.

Learn More About Royal Family Memorabilia

As a means to commemorate historic events through the ages - including coronations; silver, golden and diamond jubilees; royal weddings and royal visits to distant lands - artisans and craftspeople were commissioned to create beautiful pieces of memorabilia. Highly collectable, they are much more than momentos of an event long past: they are works of art, lovingly created to capture the spirit of their time as much as they capture our imaginations today.