Easy on the eye

Evidence of the tense relationship between church and state

The Maker

An insert card sometimes included (although not present here) reads: “Past-l-exe is our exclusive brand name applied to playing cards. Instead of glaring white, you are faced with a soft, pleasing pastel colour, green or cream. Easy and non-glaring on your eyes.” Some of these packs are believed to have been manufactured by E. E. Fairchild because wrappers have been found with the tax stamp cancelled by E.E. Fairchild Corp.

The Cards

Geometric Art Deco designs in pastel colours. The present single deck is also known to come in a double box, with images of Pan and a goat to the versos.

The insert describes the design as follows: “on Past-l-Eze playing cards Kings, Queens and Jacks are no longer stodgy and conventional but pleasingly reflect suspicion, flirtation and worry.”