'The Fledgelings' card game

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Thompson Products Inc.

1947

Overview

Set of playing cards held within a deep red, textured box with a hinged lid by Thompson Products Inc. in 1947. The cover has a matching red ribbon attached to the lower edge to lift the lid. The name of the game and other details are printed in gilt lettering on the cover.
Two suits of cards have an illustration entitled 'Rickenbacker Scores' and depict a biplane (Nieuport 28) which has shot down an enemy plane. The other two suits have a different illustration entitled 'Rifle and Pistol' showing two other World War One aircraft with the airmen employing different weaponry. The French pilot is using a rifle against his German enemy, who is using a pistol to return fire.
The bottom of the box has a central divider and each section is lined with gold paper and has a red ribbon with which to raise the cards. The bottom and sides of the box are plain, having the same textured red surface.

Historical information

Thompson Products, Inc., (incorporated in 1926) was a well-established manufacturer of finished automotive and aviation goods. The company was involved in the sponsoring of the National Air Races which had begun in 1920 with the first Pulitzer Trophy race. Races were first held at Cleveland Airport in 1929 and included an aircraft exhibit. There were 35 racing events during the 10-day meet and several cross-country derbies, including what became known as the Powder Puff Derby for women. Aviators Charles Lindbergh, Roscoe Turner, and Amelia Earhart were among those participating in races or aerobatic demonstrations. This 1929 meet helped make the National Air Races a major American event, which was important in promoting air travel and advancing aircraft research and development.
This card game was perhaps issued as a souvenir or gift by Thompson Products Inc., with the designs on the two cards being taken from their aviation calendar from 1947.

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-119-RoW00594

Item type