1940s Cheese Cake Pin-Up Girl Playing Cards

Cost: Inherited
From: Poppa’s house
Get It: With a bit of ferriting on eBay, you should be able to find a similar pack of cards for $50 – $100.

When my grandfather passed last year away, he left behind a treasure trove of curious that have given me no end of pleasure. One of which, is a set of (circa) 1940s illustrated playing cards from the renowned pin-up artist Heinz Villiger.

Heinz Villiger Pin Up Playing Cards

I don’t know much about them, or where they came from but Heinz was a renowned Swedish artist whose wares proved popular at poker games. 60 years later, and their irresistible curves, coquettish poses and naive sexual charms are still as sensual and provocative as ever, even by today’s hyperbolic standard of sexy.

I’ve also utilised some of these delectable creatures on my darnsexysecondhand logo, and my avatar for the ‘About‘ section…

If you are the originator/copyright holder of this photo/item and would prefer it be excluded from our community, contact me for removal.

About Penelope Quinn

Belonging to Gen X/Y may have rendered me a rabid, shameless consumer by proxy, but I’ve always been averse to mass production. Whether gleefully sifting through op shops, antique fairs and roadside hard rubbish or mum’s sideboard cupboard, I'm always delighted at how many unearthed treasures can be recycled into something fabulous. And best of all, each one-of-a-kind item has its own fascinating tale and character that no store-bought item could ever emulate. Even if did need a bit of TLC or a lick of paint (or a complete overhaul). If you love enhancing the everyday and cherishing the past, then thanks for joining me on my quest to keep the home-made alive at http://darnsexysecondhand.wordpress.com xPenelope Quinn

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10 Responses to 1940s Cheese Cake Pin-Up Girl Playing Cards

Pingback: Pin Ups – Before And After | darnsexysecondhand
darnsexysecondhand says:

June 28, 2011 at 1:54 pm

I’m sooooooooooo embarrassed… Sorry!!!! ;S

Ree says:

July 29, 2011 at 10:30 pm

I’ve got the same set of cards. I got them from a opshop for 50 cents…..I just love them…

- darnsexysecondhand says:
  
  August 3, 2011 at 9:32 am
  
  Hi Ree, I know aren’t they gorgeous? I think they are my most precious item and the only thing I would save if my flat caught on fire – apart from my patchwork blankie that is!
  
Elle says:

February 28, 2012 at 4:12 pm

I am so happy your blog turned up. I lost my set a few years ago when I moved and thought today I should try googling 1940′s pinup playing cards to see if I can find them – now I can hopefully find another set. Sad though because I inherited them from my great grandfather. Thank you for the wonderful blog, absolutely gorgeous cards!

- darnsexysecondhand says:
  
  March 2, 2012 at 5:55 am
  
  Thanks Elle! Yes, these cards are among my most treasured items, so sad that you lost your set but I’ve seen them on Ebay from time to time. Good luck! Thanks for reading, and glad you enjoy the blog
  
edward says:

May 21, 2012 at 7:28 pm

Hi,

I hope you can help me. I’m a designer in England and i want to use some of the Heinz Villiger images in my work, do you have any idea if they are copyrighted still and if so who owns it. thanks in advance

Dima says:

March 4, 2013 at 3:14 am

Where can I buy this cards set?

- Penelope Quinn says:
  
  March 18, 2013 at 2:25 pm
  
  Hi Dima, try looking on eBay, I’ve seen a few! Good luck
  
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