c1806 John Wallis Comic Cards - 52 Droll Characters for the Amusement of Children with Playing Card inserts

The cards measure 1.5 by 2.25 inches approx - Each card has a hand painted character on it with two line verse + a small insert card - The art work in wonderful and shows so much about the style of the period - These cards are in their original box , missing bottom flap - with original label.

The cards are complete [ 52/52 ] The condition is worn - extremely rare.

Very little is known about this pack, we have been unable to trace it in any of the major collections.
The first spade card is very interesting as it bears no 'Spade Suit' for had it done so it would have been liable for Duty which would have place it outside the pockets of the intended audience - the children's market.

CSB 4362X

c1861 Floral Playing Cards Rock Bros

This is the TWELVE Court Cards of the Floral Suit design deck of c 1861 - Produced by Rock Brothers & Payne
It is 12 Cards only. The cards are in near mint condition.
These cards are wonderfully coloured.

The following is an extract from "The Stationer" [possibly]

""Messrs Rock, Brothers & Payne have sent us a sample pack of their - New Floral Playing Cards, published under the patronage of H.R.H. - the Princess of Wales who, more than ever at this moment*, - appropriately figures as the Queen of Hearts or, as perhaps we ought to say - of Roses. For these cards are not floral in the sense in which that word - is generally applied by our cardmakers, since the backs display that absence - of colour so much admired at the Clubs while on the faces may be - seen Roses, Pinks, Violets and Heart's-ease, in the place of hearts, - diamonds, spades and clubs - a pleasant substitution for Circles where - thoughts of sweet flowers are ever welcome and where revokes - with fear of which cards might inspire serious players, - only add to the joy of the game. The court cards are - novel in design, and, we need hardly add, - excellent specimens of colour printing"" - *[ we surmise this refers to the death of Prince Albert ]

£750.00

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1874 Playing cards to commemorate the Marriage of Prince Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh, with Grand Duchess Marie Alexandrovina of Russia

The aces have portraits of Queen Victoria, General Grant, Tsar Alexander II and Kasier William I - Kings represent - King of Belgium, Crown Prince of Prussia, Prince of Wales and King of Italy, Queens represent Princess of Wales, Empress of Austria, Queen of Greece and Crown Princess of Germany - Jacks represent Scotland, France, Spain and Switzerland - Backs are Coat of Arms of Duke of Edinburgh above Imperial Russian Arms (double -headed eagle with St George on an escutcheo of pretence - Designed by Reuben Townroe - Complete 52/52 - Blue / Gold Backs - Condition - very good - near mint - slightly concaved

£650



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