Archaic and Obsolete Playing Card Patterns
Playing cards have a rich and fascinating history, with a wide variety of patterns and designs having been used throughout the centuries. A lot of these early patterns have fallen out of use and are now considered archaic or obsolete. Often only one example is known.
These old, historic patterns are sometimes discovered as stiffener inside old book bindings when these are repaired, or under floorboards in old buildings during restoration. They are sometimes discovered in ancient rubbish tips. They are of great interest to collectors, historians, and enthusiasts alike.
Spanish National Pattern
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by Simon Wintle
Probably originating in Spain in the seventeenth century or even earlier, this pattern became strongly established by the Catalan cardmakers Rotxotxo of Barcelona.
The Combination of Images and Text on early playing cards
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by Simon Wintle
When playing cards have titles or legends these reference a written/literary tradition of some form. It connects the image to a wider cultural sphere, extending the visual impact.
Trappola pack by Anton Herrl
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by Simon Wintle
Trappola pack of 36 double-ended cards published by Anton Herrl, Graz, Austria.
Trappola pack by Joseph Fetscher
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by Simon Wintle
Trappola pack published by Joseph Fetscher, Graz, 1739.
Vittoriosa Church Museum
Antique playing cards in Vittoriosa Church Museum dating back to the Knights of Malta period.
XV Century Catalan playing cards
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by Simon Wintle
XV Century Catalan Playing Cards, featuring four female Sotas, four Aces and four cards from the suit of batons.
XV Century Italian Playing Cards
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by Simon Wintle
Cards from a pack of an early form of north Italian playing cards, with the swords back-to-back and curved outwards. Believed to be Venetian, dated 1462.
XV Century Spanish-suited playing cards
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by Simon Wintle
XV Century Spanish-suited playing cards with moorish influences