England Expects, the Great Naval Card Game
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
ca.1940
This object is a boxed card game titled "England Expects, the Great Naval Card Game", published in England around 1940. The set comprises cards and an original card box, which measures 9.1 cm in height, 5.4 cm in width, and 1.7 cm in depth. The set is produced using chromolithography on card with printing ink, and was possibly manufactured by the Chad Valley Company Limited. On the box, the name "R O LUKE SMITH" is written in pencil.
The game consists of 44 illustrated playing cards alongside title and rules cards. The faces of the cards feature chromolithograph illustrations representing naval vessels and aircraft of the British fleet, including battleships, cruisers, destroyers, aircraft carriers, submarines, and seaplanes. The cards are organized into four suits identified by symbols: a Crown, an Anchor, a Lifebelt (or Lifebuoy), and a Pennant (or Flag). The cards are numbered from 1 to 11, with the Crown suit numbered from 1 to 10. The reverse sides of the cards are printed in shades of blue and depict Nelson's Column.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Historical context
The game was devised with the assistance of Francis E. McMurtrie, who was the editor of Jane's Fighting Ships at the time. Produced during the era of the First and Second World Wars, when many games were created for entertainment or educational purposes, this naval card game incorporates trick-taking rules where the Crown serves as a permanent trump suit, alongside a superior Master Card representing the White Ensign.
Identification
- Source note
- Transcribed from the Victoria and Albert Museum collection record for this single object; how far it represents a wider collectible type has not been independently verified.
- Museum object name
- England Expects, the Great Naval Card Game
- Museum object number
- MISC.447-1981
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.