Transformation Playing Cards, 1811

ransformation playing cards, first published in 1811, in which each card bears a picture in which the suit marks are concealed within the design. It is supposed that this artistic exercise began as a late 18th century parlour game.

The first printed 52-card Transformation pack was published in Germany in 1804 and others followed soon afterwards. A facsimile of the pack shown here is published by Harry Margary.   A new facsimile is published by the EPCS.   See also Cries of London.

Cards from the facsimile edition courtesy Giles de Margary.
Packs can be ordered directly from www.harrymargary.com