A Huge Gamble? Playing Cards and Partition

To mark the creation of Northern Ireland and the Irish Free State, The Worshipful Playing Card Company printed two sets of beautiful commemorative playing cards. This website describes them –

"Ireland: Commemorating the establishment of the Irish Free State by treaty with England in December 1921. In the centre of the Celtic design is the National Emblem of Ireland with the words Ireland for ever. The border shows historical landscapes together with the Arms of the four Provinces, the centre being filled by the Imperial Crown – emblem of supreme sovereignty. Design by Edward Cunningham of Goodall & Son. 1250 packs issued. (A) White border. (B) Red border. Double packs were sent to His Grace the Duke of Abercorn, who was Governor of Northern Ireland, and to Mr. T.M. Healey, Governor of the Irish Free State."