Cards by Blanchard, c.1770

The style of these cards is descended from the earlier seventeenth century cards of makers such as Hewson. In 1769 Charles Gibson took over Blanchard and was later joined by John Gisbourne in c.1780. Charles Gibson's son Matthew joined the firm in 1798 and then linked up with Joseph Hunt in 1801 so that a continuous succession of firms comprising Gibson & Gisbourne, Hunt, Hall and Bancks Brothers endured until c.1886. During this period the standard English pattern, as shown here, evolved into the modernised and double-ended version which prevailed by the end of the Victorian era.

Above: Cards supposedly manufactured by Blanchard, c.1770, but with a forged ace of spades. The King of hearts is wielding a battle axe, rather than a sword as in later examples.