Empire No.170
The Queens, who wear short sleeved dresses with bonnets adorned with chin straps and roses, hold a rose, a fan, a bird or a letter.
B. Dondorf: ‘Empire No.170/171/172’
The costumes in these luxury playing cards first published by Dondorf towards the end of the 19th century are in the style of c.1800; the days of brocades, lace and periwigs are over but costumes still look like pieces of art! The four Kings carry the usual insignia and are clean shaven. The Queens, who wear short sleeved dresses with bonnets adorned with chin straps and roses, hold a rose, a fan, a bird or a letter. The Jacks, one of whom carries a sealed letter and another holds a dagger, are reminiscent of lads from the time of the French Revolution. The four Aces are decorated with ribbons and vines. Printed by chromolithography in 13 colours with the addition of red and black suit symbols.
By Barney Townshend
Member since October 06, 2015
Retired Airline Pilot, interested in: Transformation Playing Cards, Karl Gerich and Elaine Lewis. Secretary of the EPCS. Treasurer of the IPCS.
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