Maquettes for an unpublished WWI pack

Finding original artwork for a published or an unpublished pack of cards is a rare occurrence. These maquettes from World War I were purchased at an antiques fair in Paris in the early 2000s. They depict real and allegorical figures representing the Triple Entente (Russia [S], France [D], and Great Britain [C]) plus Belgium (H). Because of the addition of Belgium and the general style of the designs, it is thought that these maquettes were probably the work of a Belgian artist, although they could possibly be French. In all, there are designs for 28 cards (H = A, K, Q, J, 10, 8, 7, 6, 4; S = A, K, Q, J, 9; D = A, K, Q, J, 10, 9, 8, 7, 3; C = A, K, Q, J, 4). The court cards carry the following titles: H = ALBERT I, S.M. ELISABETH, GUIDE; S = NICOLAS II, TZARINE, COSAQUE; D = JOFFRE, RÉPUBLIQUE, POILU; C = GEORGES V, QUEEN MARY, TOMMY. Each Ace has two flags: H = Belgium, Serbia; S = Russia, Montenegro; D = France, Italy (but without the arms of Savoy); C = Great Britain, Japan. There is no artwork for any Jokers or for the back design. There is some foxing but otherwise the colours remain fresh.

Above: Russia, Montenegro.

Above: France, Italy (but without the arms of Savoy.

Above: Great Britain, Japan.

Above: Belgium, Serbia

Above: NICOLAS II.

Above: JOFFRE.

Above: GEORGES V.

Above: ALBERT I.

Above: TZARINE

Above: RÉPUBLIQUE

Above: QUEEN MARY

Above: S.M. ELISABETH

Above: COSAQUE

Above: POILU

Above: TOMMY

Above: GUIDE

Above: 16 from a total of 28 maquettes on stiff card by an unknown designer, probably Belgian, c1915. Overall size: 168.5 x 235 mm. Card size (black borders): 122 x 190 mm. From the collection of Roddy Somerville.

It is not known who the artist was or why the designs were never used for an actual pack. It could be that production simply wasn’t possible because of German confiscation of the means of production.