Vliegkaarten

Vliegkaarten, literally translating to "flying cards" in Dutch, refers to a specific type of collectible playing card that gained popularity in the mid-20th century, particularly in Belgium and the Netherlands. These cards were not typically used for traditional card games but rather as promotional items or for collecting. They often featured colorful illustrations of airplanes, pilots, and aviation-related scenes.

The designs varied widely, with some series focusing on historical aircraft, while others depicted contemporary models or even fantastical flying machines. The cards were frequently distributed as part of wider marketing campaigns by companies such as tobacco manufacturers or confectioners. Collectors would often purchase these products specifically to acquire the cards, which were then stored and traded.

The appeal of vliegkaarten stemmed from the fascination with aviation during that era. Air travel was still relatively new and exciting, and these cards allowed people to engage with this emerging technology and the romantic imagery associated with it. While not as widely known internationally as other forms of trading cards, vliegkaarten hold a nostalgic place in the collecting world for those who grew up with them. Their production has largely ceased, making vintage sets increasingly sought after by enthusiasts.