|
NON-STANDARD
PLAYING CARDS |
| ITEM
No |
MAKER |
c.DATE |
DETAILS
inc. CONDITION (Mint, EF, VF with
±, Fair, Poor)
|
PRICE |
|
425
|
Daveluy Belgium
|
1870 |
Cartes
Moyen Ages. All courts in costume of the 15th/16th
centuries. All cards have a gold border printed on the
face. The cards have square corners and no indices. The
reverse is a plain turquoise blue. Ace of Spades bears the
maker’s name. This is a rare and fine item in good
condition complete with the original box which is missing
the small end piece from the bottom section. VF at least. |
£275 |
|
453
|
Fromman &Bunte Darmstadt
|
1875 |
Variation
of North West German style court
cards with scenic
aces of South America. Maker’s
name on AD and stag’s head trade mark on QC. Square corners,
double-ended pips, no indices, courts divided with horizontal line.
Reverse plaid design in red and black. 52 VF |
£225 |
| 947 |
Muller
Scaffhouse
|
1875 |
Cartes
Illustrees Vues Suisse A lovely and unusual pack of Swiss costumes
with every card back showing a different view in Switzerland. Each court
is double ended with two different regional costumes and the coat of arms.
The four aces have horizontal format views. No indices, rounded and bright
gold corners. Steel engraving and hand coloured with stencils. A beautiful
set. 52 + inner and outer box, no top flap. Some ageing but I don't think
the cards have ever been used for playing. (A similar set was later
produced by Wust.) |
£285 |
|
570
|
Grimaud |
1880 |
Cartes
Ilustrees designed
by F.Simon (name on JC, very small, also maker’s
name on JC) with
attractive courts in red, green and yellow. Aces printed in
pale brown each with 2 designs of Paris landmarks. No indices,
rounded corners. Reverse design in red. A scarce item,
52 used VF. |
£110 |
|
311
|
VSF AG Stralsund
|
1880 |
French
suited pattern
by VSSF. Double ended, no indices. Scenic aces in black and white with
views along the length of the River Rhine. Maker’s name and trade mark
on the Queen of Clubs. Plaid pattern reverse. Gilt corners (good
condition). 52. Good VF. |
£150 |
| 1047 |
Wust
|
1890 |
Album
Suisse.
A
most attractive and unusual non-standard deck in that every back is
different. The court cards are regional Swiss costumes and the Aces have
Swiss views. Each card back shows a Swiss scene, hence its common name
Album Suisse, Switzerland being an extremely popular destination at that
time for mountain walking and the mountain air. 52 Used VF |
£75 |
|
312
|
A. Camoin France |
1900 |
To
Tom, money pack.
No. 1204. Produced for export to south-east Asia. Long
slender cards with plain orange backs. Cards in mint
condition in original wrapper with exportation paper band
around wrapper. 120 cards, complete. The wrapper is opened
at one end, otherwise as issued.
Mint. |
£50 |
| 1002 |
VSSF
Altenburg
|
1915 |
17thCentury
Costumes
A
variation of the Rhineland/Frankfurt pattern. Jack of Clubs has a hunting
horn, all Kings with sceptres. Maker's name+ B on 7H, very feint tax stamp
on AH. Chromo printing. 52 no damage but heavy use + bits of the box. VF-
[According
to the previous owner this deck belonged to an engineer officer torpedoed
by U-64 on SS Minnetonka off Malta January 1918 (4 fatalities) on route
from Port Said to Marseille with mail. The officer was then a prisoner at
Karlsruhe POW camp where the cards were acquired in exchange for
cigarettes.]
|
£42 |
| 821 |
Muller
|
1910 |
Swiss
Costumes
The four aces have 8 scenes of Swiss views and each court card depicts 2
beautifully chromolithographed illustrations of Swiss regional costume. A
very attractive set. Good quality card with a glazed surface. The cards
have been played with and there is the odd minor crease but no damage. 52
+ joker. Used VF |
£48 |
|
849 |
Waddington
|
1920 |
Shakespearean playing
cards designed by F.C.Tilney. All courts are characters from
plays with named quotations. Non-standard pip shapes. Rev: Swans, flowers
and scrolls with quotation ‘Have I not here the best cards for the
game?’ from King John, plus registered design number (c.1900). 52 + J
(Touchstone from As You Like It) This set has been played with, there is
no damage but glazed surface shows usage. Gold edges are still fairly good.
No box. (There are 1980s reprints.) |
£225 |
|
1012 |
Belgium?
|
1920 |
Belgian
version of the Frankfurt pattern
with 4 illustrated Aces of Dutch buildings in Scheveningen,
Amsterdam, Hilversum and Gravenhage. 32 card deck with original box
and the 6 of Hearts (often included in continental 32 card decks as a
spare or joker). Unused condition EF. |
£36 |
| 909 |
Dondorf
|
1920 |
Dondorf
Rococo (No
178) which seems to be a rather mixed sort of design with elements
of the 15th to 19th century. Gold borders, no indices. The cards are
slightly smaller than full size, ladies' whist size at 83x56mm. Maker's
name on Jack of Clubs. A scarce set. The cards are in very good condition
but have been played with. 52 VF/VF+ |
£65 |
| 979 |
Arpak
|
1930 |
No
revoke deck
Each suit a different colour to prevent mistakes at the Bridge party.
This was one of a number of fairly short lived experiments in the UK and
US with non-standard suit colours. (It prevented players making mistakes -
or pretending to - and retrieving or discarding a card during games such
as whist or bridge when appearing to follow suit with the right colour but
wrong symbol ie. playing a Spade when Clubs were the lead (revoking). This
is the second of two designs by Arpak (differences in size of frame, index
and image). 52 complete with box and joker and the clipped sample card
which is actually from the first design. Cards lightly used VF with a
couple of minor creases, otherwise good. |
£42 |
| 978 |
Arpak
|
1930 |
No
revoke deck
Each suit a different colour to prevent mistakes at the Bridge party.
Second of two designs by Arpak (differences in size of frame, index and
image). 52 complete without box or joker. Cards Used VF with the odd
crease or two, otherwise very good. (See 979 above about revoking) |
£14 |
| 958 |
Fournier
Spain
|
1955 |
America's
Colonizers and Discoverers A double set of this fairly scarce Fournier
production. This is a courtesy gift from Schlumbergers the oilfield
services corporation (since 1921). Both sets are complete 52 with 2 jokers
and a title card (making 110 in all) gold corners. Exportation tax stamp
on 4 of Clubs. No leaflets. Original box with small piece missing. Traces
of revenue stamps on the box. Cards VF- have been used. A fair example for
a collector, sensibly priced, but not suitable as a gift for someone. |
£16 |
| 661 |
Piatnik
|
1960 |
The
Wars of the Roses Based on the Shakespearean plays performed by the Royal Shakespeare Company
the courts feature characters from that turbulent time. Unusual and very
collectable design. Double set with the original box. 2x 52 and each pack
with 2 jokers. Good condition. VF. |
£35 |
| 910 |
Cape Times
|
1960 |
South
African Playing Cards produced for the 50th anniversary of the Union.
The suits represent Boer artefacts and the courts are KVB Kommandant, Vrou
and Boer, the Ace is replaced with P for President representing Paul
Kruger. A very desirable and scarce non-standard pack. Good complete set
52 cards, joker (Eenheid 50 Union card), 2 explanation cards and the box
(missing top flap). VF |
£80 |
|
75
|
Humor House (USA)
|
1963 |
Kennedy
Kards. Court cards depict members of the Kennedy family
and administration including John F. Kennedy as JH and
Jackie Kennedy (Onassis) as QH. Non-std AS and Joker.
Produced just before his assassination and not released
until later. 52+1+J+box. EF |
reserved
£80 |
| 1055 |
De La Rue
|
1963 |
De
La Rue brand 63. Gold
edged plastic finish playing cards. A special edition marketed with the
brand name 63.in an unusal oblong box of poor design as the inner has
insufficient strength and is prone to bending (this one has been taped).
The Ace of Spades has a silhouette of Thomas De La Rue the founder,
without duty (post 1960) and before the addition of the white collar to
the image. Both decks 52 +2J (108 cards) + quality control slips. Cards
used VF These boxed sets are scarce. |
£20 |
| 796 |
Waddington
|
1965 |
The
Elements by Siriol Clary A very distinctive and attractive
design on this non-standard Waddington pack with each suit representing
one of the four elements - earth, fire, air and water. This is a mint
sealed pack with the cellophane around the box completely intact. There is
the Waddington quality sticker on the box end which was introduced
immediately after the abolition of card tax in 1960. If you are not
familiar with the designs for this pack here is an example. |
£45 |
|
1015 |
Waddington
|
1965 |
'The
Hoovermatic Ace of washing machines' incorporating a spin dryer. Wow!
Every home needed one of these... This is an amusing non-standard
advertising design showing 'Hoovers' on the court cards (each suit similar
design) and the washing machine on the Ace of Spades. Telescopic box has
an embossed paper Hoover logo. 52+2J (standard jokers)+box. Cards VF
lightly used. |
£45 |
| 641
|
Fournier
Spain
|
1965 |
Famous bull fighters
Illustrations
of by Antonio Casero, all 52 cards depict bull
fighters past and present of the 20thC. Full colour pictures giving
the name and the date at which they became matadors. There is an
indistinct tax stamp on the 4 of clubs. Complete set (as originally
issued) of 52 cards + 2 jokers + bridge score card + leaflet + packing
slip + original plastic case with 'gold' inner lining. The cards and case
are all in very good condition.
|
£25 |
| 965 |
Fournier
Spain
|
1968 |
Europe a
very good complete mint single deck depicting European style in the 17th
century. 52 + J + leaflet in Spanish English and French with the original
presentation box and maker's quality control slip. The whole set is in
mint condition. An excellent gift. |
£25 |
| 863 |
Amalgamated
PCCo
|
1970
|
Circular
playing cards a
very nice set in extremely good condition with a good box. 52 + 2J + box.
Reverse: design with clock wheels on black background. A Waddington
production with gold seal on the box. Scarce set with the Amalgamated
Playing Card Company Ace. A collectors item. VF+/EF |
£22 |
|
1032 |
US Games
|
1974 |
American
Historical Playing Cards Depicting 52 portraits of famous Americans
The four suits represent Colonial, Civil War, Federal and Frontier.
Illustrations by Douglas Gorsline. First edition published in
1974.Complete set 52 + 2J + 160 page booklet + box. Very good clean
condition VF+. Large cards size 82x120mm. Original label price on box
£2.25 |
£30 |
|
502 |
Grimaud
|
1975
|
Rois
de France reproduction of the Jeu Historique of 1856.
Reverse, ornate floral design in shades of green. Sealed
pack in box in mint condition. |
£20 |
|
503 |
Grimaud |
1975
|
Dames
de France reproduction of an 1816 pack. Reverse,
filigree pattern in ochre and reds. Sealed pack in box in
mint condition. |
£20 |
| 1050 |
Waddington
|
1975
|
Circular Cards One of the last of
the Waddington productions made in England, with the usual gold 'Waddingtons
Fine Playing Cards' sticker and the rectangular 'Plastic Finish Made in
England' sticker on the back of the box. The reverse shows Vermeer's
picture 'Lady seated at a virginal' 52 + 2J + box. All in excellent unused
condition. |
£12 |
| 848 |
Waddington
|
1976 |
Scarce
double
pack for Queen
Elizabeth's Silver Jubilee in 1977. Non-standard pack specially
designed by Susan Rae. A limited edition not generally on sale, for
private distribution. The suits are Tudor roses, thistles, shamrocks and
daffodils for each of the four home nations. One pack is still sealed, the
other is 52 + 2J in EF condition, together with the original black flock
and silver paper box and the important 'limited edition' notice. |
£65
|
| 948 |
Waddington
|
1980
|
Special
Christmas Pack a
very scarce non-standard double set with a Christmas theme, the reverse of
the cards has a colourful 'partridge in a pear tree' design and the joker
has a snowman. Both sets sealed with the original box in mint condition and the Waddington's
compliments slip for the 'Festive season of 1980'. |
£48 |
| 1054 |
Piatnik
|
1980
|
Tudor
Rose A very
popular and enduring double set featuring English historical characters.
52 +2J and 52+ 2J with box (2 corners taped, only one card stuck to back
of box) Both decks well used VF Cheap. |
£5 |
| 961 |
Carta Mundi
|
1980
|
John
Player Special 'JPS'
a scarce non-standard limited edition double set specially designed by
Nick Price for John Player (cigarette manufacturer and racing car
sponsor). Each suit has different courts and ornate Aces. Then reverse
design and the boxlid carry the distinctive JPS monogram. One pack in
gold, one in black. Each set comprises 52+J+title, both in VF condition. |
£50 |
| 911 |
Grimaud
|
1980
|
Vins
de France a rather ornate Grimaud design, the courts and aces based on
various aspects of wine growing and drinking. A double set without jokers,
52 + 52 with 2 title cards and a leaflet in French and English. Appear to
be unused. |
£14 |
| 682 |
Carta Mundi |
1980s |
Rock 'N' Pop
commissioned by Sony Tape, 18 superstars are portrayed by "8 of
Britain's leading illustrators". Stars are: Sting, Boy George, Toyah,
Elton John, Paul McCartney, Elvis, Diana Ross, Lionel Ritchie, David
Bowie, Mick Jagger, Tina Turner, Rod Stewart, Michael Jackson, Stevie
Wonder, Olivia Newton-John, Barry Manilow, Tracey Ullman and Captain
Sensible. This is complete with 52 cards + 2J + list + box, but no
leaflet. Everything is in very good condition. VF+ |
£30
|
| 683 |
Carta Mundi |
1980s |
Rock 'N' Pop as
above but without the 2 jokers |
£12
|
| 680 |
Unknown |
1980s |
New Musical Express Pop stars and legends Complete
set with 52 cards and 2 different
jokes. Every card with a photo of a pop music personality from the last 30
years, many of them looking quite young. (If you want to know if a
particular star is in the pack please email, I'm not listing 54 names! Excellent
condition, no box. |
£40
|
| 964 |
Maker
not known
|
1990 |
Tetley
teabags a fun pack of non-standard cards featuring the Tetley tea
characters from the TV adverts. The designs for the King Queen and Jack
are repeated for each of the four suits. Four good special Ace designs. 52
+ 2J + box VF |
£5 |
| 967 |
Fournier
Spain
|
1990 |
Nude in Art
a modern high quality Fournier set with each card depicting a famous
painting. The set is in mint condition, the cellophane has been carefully
opened at the end of the box and the cards. |
£8 |
| 1049 |
Nasvil
Coleccionismo
|
1990+ |
Erotic
Spanish Playing Cards of the 19thC a modern facsimile limited edition
of this outrageous deck. The total edition is 500 and this is No 274. It
was originally issued in the 19thC in book format, certainly not intended
for playing cards with! (Caution) The illustrations are extremely
explicit and some may find the deck offensive. The cards have a pink face
and a white back, reproduced on inexpensive card. 40 complete + 2
explanatory cards (in Spanish) with stamped edition number, original paper
wrapper and plastic box. All in mint condition. |
£55 |
| 992 |
John
Newman
|
1990+ |
No Revoke
a modern version of a deck with different coloured suits. Large indices.
Mint, box sealed with cellophane wrapper. |
£8 |
