The History of Playing Cards
Playing Cards have been around in Europe since the 1370s. Some early packs were hand painted works of art which were expensive and affordable only by the wealthy. But as demand increased cheaper methods of production were discovered so that playing cards became available for everyone...
Carel de Wagenaer
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by Simon Wintle
Facsimile edition of cards first published by Carel de Wagenaer, Amsterdam in c.1698
Cotta Transformation playing cards
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by Simon Wintle
In 1804, J.C. Cotta, a publisher and bookseller in Tübingen, Germany, produced the first set of transformation cards that was published as an actual deck of playing cards.
Cries of London
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by Simon Wintle
The cards were printed from copper plates, with the red suit symbols being applied later by stencil. The court cards contain interesting miniature versions of the standard full-length figures used on playing cards at the time
1754
Dames de France
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by Matt Probert
“Dames de France” published by J-M Simon based on originals by Armand Gustave Houbigant, Paris, c.1817
1817
David Hurter, Schaffhausen
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by Simon Wintle
David Hurter built up a playing card business in Schaffhausen during the 18th century.
De la Rue’s 125th anniversary
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by Simon Wintle
In around 1955 De la Rue introduced a new coloured joker and a series of aces of spades with a silhouette of Thomas de La Rue which coincided with their 125th anniversary
1957
Delightful Cards, c.1723
Delightful Cards, containing variety of entertainment for young Ladies and Gentlemen c.1723.
1723
Dutch costume playing cards
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by Paul Symons
Dutch costume playing cards made for the Dutch market in the second half of the 19th century.
1860
Dutch costume playing cards from an unknown maker
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by Paul Symons
Another pack of Dutch costume playing cards c.1880.
1880
Early Anglo-French Cards
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by Simon Wintle
Cards produced in Rouen during the sixteenth century. It was cards like these which were imported to England and are the ancestors of the modern 'Anglo-American' pattern.
Early English Playing Cards
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by Simon Wintle
Early examples of traditional, standard English playing cards of which the best known are those of Hewson of the seventeenth century, and Blanchard from the eighteenth century.
Early References
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by Simon Wintle
Out of an apparent void, a constellation of references in early literature emerge pointing to the sudden arrival of playing cards, principally in Belgium, Germany, Spain and Italy around 1370-1380.
Early Spanish/Portuguese type
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by Simon Wintle
Fragment of a sheet of archaic Spanish-suited 'Dragon' playing cards found during restoration of a house in Antwerp built between 1559 and 1574
Estanco de Naipes del Perú
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by Simon Wintle
In October 1888 the Republic of Peru Congress passed Law no.26 establishing taxes on playing cards, whether imported or locally produced, according to the quality of the cards.
Fake Blanchard Ace of Spades
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by Simon Wintle
Fake Blanchard Ace of Spades with court cards based on Hall.
Flemish Hunting Deck
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by Simon Wintle
Set of medieval playing cards with King, Queen, Knave and numeral cards from one to ten in each of four suits which refer to the activity of hunting, as practiced by the nobility.
Forrest Cards, c.1750s
Hand-coloured Forrest Cards produced for “Young Gentlemen & Ladys who are Lovers of Ingenuity”, c.1750s.
Fortune Telling playing cards
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by Simon Wintle
English Fortune Telling cards probably published c.1770.
Gambling and Vice in the Middle Ages
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by Simon Wintle
Gambling and Vice in the Hours of Charles V: card-playing in the local tavern
1500
Geographical Playing Cards, c.1682
Geographical playing cards sold by Henry Brome, second edition, c.1682.
1682
Georg Kapfler
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by Simon Wintle
Antique deck of old Bohemian playing cards of the German type manufactured by Georg Kapfler and dated 1611.
1611
Giuseppe Cattino
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by Simon Wintle
Playing cards manufactured in Italy by Giuseppe Cattino and Paolo Montanar for Spanish markets.
Gothic Spanish-suited cards
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by Simon Wintle
These cards may be a typical example of early 'standard' Spanish playing cards, maybe from before Columbus sailed for the 'New World' which were imitated by German engravers who wished to export their wares back to Spain.
1515
Heraldic playing cards
Reproduction of Richard Blome’s Heraldic playing cards, 1684, presented to lady guests at WCMPC Summer Meeting in 1888.
1888
Hewson Replica Pack
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by Simon Wintle
Hand-made replica 17th century English playing cards, based on museum originals.
