Rare Suffragette Game Used To Help Women Fight For Equality Found

A 114-year-old Panko suffragette card game was found in the back of a cupboard. Emmeline Pankhurst, a political activist and suffragette leader, inspired the name of the game, Panko or Votes for Women. HANSONS/SWNS

A 114-year-old pack of cards made to help the Suffragette movement has been discovered in the back of a cupboard.

The game, called Panko or Votes for Women, was named after political activist and suffragette leader Emmeline Pankhurst.

It was used as subtle propaganda to aid their cause by encouraging people to play the game that was similar to rummy.

Panko was first manufactured by Peter Gurney in 1909 in London, England, featuring illustrated cards designed by political cartoonist Edward Tennyson Reed.

The cards feature images of prominent figures in the suffrage movement as well as opponents.

The game was distributed by the Women’s Social and Political Union and originally sold for two shillings.

It was found during a house clearance in Castle Donington, Leics., and is now tipped to fetch around £150 ($192 USD) when it goes under the hammer.

Charles Hanson, owner of Hansons Auctioneers, said: “This game played a part in history.

“It reflects life and the development of women in society in the 20th century.

“It was used to help people learn about the suffrage movement at a time when women were being jailed and persecuted for campaigning for the right to vote.”

“One illustration shows an activist wearing a Votes for Women sash challenging a line of policemen armed with umbrellas.

The 114-year-old Panko suffragette playing card game. This game intended to educate people about the suffrage campaign at a time when women were being imprisoned and harassed. HANSONS/SWNS

“In contrast, anti-suffragettes cards portrayed the stern faces of men opposing the women’s cause.”

One powerful illustration depicts a prison warden offering a meal to a hunger striker, the placard above reads ‘Holloway Restaurant.’

Emmeline Pankhurst, who went on a hunger strike in Holloway Prison, is regarded as one of the most influential people of the 20th century.

Mr. Hanson added: “This card game was a master stroke that allowed the suffragette message to enter domestic circles.”

The game, called Panko or Votes for Women, was named after political activist and suffragette leader Emmeline Pankhurst. This game intended to educate people about the suffrage campaign at a time when women were being imprisoned and harassed. HANSONS/SWNS

“I suspect the game may have been played as boys against girls to reflect the feelings of the time.

“The colors on the cards are fresh with only light wear. Clearly, they are play-worn but in remarkable condition.

“They define an important period in British history and remind us of the bravery of a generation of women.”

The suffragette card game will go under the hammer between August 17-22.

Produced in association with SWNS Talker