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1947 Esquire Pin Up Zebra Cheetah Bridge Poker Playing Card Set in Leather Case

$375
£284.97
€327.98
CA$536.64
A$589.62
CHF 304.06
MX$7,064.22
NOK 3,860.65
SEK 3,623.07
DKK 2,449.58

About the Item

1947 Esquire Pin-Up Zebra & Cheetah Bridge Poker Playing Card Set in Leather Case This incredible 1947 Esquire playing card set embodies the playful sophistication and risqué charm of postwar America. What appears at first glance to be a modest, gentlemanly brown leather case unsnaps to reveal a bold and unforgettable surprise, two decks of vibrant 1940s pin-up cards, each with a distinctive animal print backdrop. One deck features a glamorous blonde beauty, reminiscent of Jayne Mansfield, posing against a daring zebra print background. The other showcases a sultry brunette with the allure of Bettie Page, set against a bold cheetah pattern. Together, they capture the exuberant spirit of Esquire’s iconic pin-up era, when art, style, and cheeky humor met in perfect balance. The interior also includes a bridge score pad and pencil holder, with its original ultra-thin pencil still tucked in place, a thoughtful detail from a time when card games were as much about style and company as skill. The bridge notebook has been partially used, with a few charming handwritten names visible on the first pages, adding a personal touch to its history. The leather case shows gentle wear at the edges and corners consistent with age, while the playing cards remain in excellent condition, clean, crisp, and complete. In the 1940s and 1950s, Esquire magazine was celebrated for commissioning leading illustrators, such as George Petty and Alberto Vargas, to create tasteful yet tantalizing pin-up art that defined an era of postwar optimism and glamour. These images, often found on calendars, cards, and magazine pages, became symbols of confidence and playful sophistication, making Esquire-branded collectibles highly sought after today. This Esquire pin-up card set combines that legacy of mid-century allure with the gentlemanly culture of bridge and poker, making it a perfect collectible for lovers of vintage Americana, design, and pop culture. Both functional and display-worthy, it’s a conversation-starting piece that bridges nostalgia and timeless style.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 5.32 in (13.52 cm)Width: 3.88 in (9.86 cm)Depth: 1.25 in (3.18 cm)
  • Style:
    Art Deco (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1947
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use. The leather case shows gentle wear at the edges and corners consistent with age, while the playing cards remain in excellent condition, clean, crisp, and complete. The notebook has writing on the first and second page.
  • Seller Location:
    Red Lion, PA
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU10258246973462

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