[ W. Gurney Benham; Playing Cards ] Substantial Autograph Letter Signed "W. Gurney Benham" to a "Mr Leftwich" [presumably B.R. Leftwich, author of "Customs and Excise History", etc], answering a question about duty on playing cards at length.

Two pages, 8vo, tipped on top slightly larger backing page, information about author typed under the letter, good condition. He thinks an author is wrong in a statement, saying "The duty levied under Charles I (fixed in 1628) was 36 pence [underlined] per gross on all playing cards, not 36 shillings [underlined]. Actually the duty was 2s. pergross but there was a further 1s. pergross payable to the Officer appointed as Receiver of the Duty. [This levy was] granted to the London Company or Corporation of Makers of Playing Cards." He goes on to discuss the later history of the duty on cards, one increase rousing "vehement protest by the Company of Playing Card Makers. Sone years ago I went carefully through the Company's Records of Minutes. They do not record an increase in the duty in the time of Charles I, but it may that there was an increase. Unfortunately there is not in existence a pack of English Playing Cards of the 17th Century." He then refers Leftwich to his book if he has a copy, offering to send one if he hasn't. He concludes with discussion of excavations at Lexden, including Cymbeline's 'tomb'. (They were both local historians of note.) He concludes, "I rather hope that the prohibition of Christmas Cards for 1942 may be withdrawn or modified next year but this will depend upon the war developments [...]". Benham's other claim to fame is his book of quotations.