Les Montgolfières 1783-1983

The attractiveness of early hot-air balloons is fully conveyed in this delightful pack commemorating the bicentenary of the first balloon flights organised by the Montgolfier brothers. One learns from this pack and the accompanying booklet that there were many ascents in 1783 and the two years following. The balloons themselves form the main part of each design, with the head of the appropriate court card from a standard French pack in two corners. The images on the Aces are set within the outline of an enlarged suit-sign. In the background of each numeral card and twice on the reverse is a medallion with the heads of the Montgolfier brothers, Etienne and Joseph. Pale cream-coloured backgrounds are used throughout. Two different back colours were issued. See the box►

Above: ‘Les Montgolfières 1783-1983’ commemorative playing cards with French indices made and published by France Cartes, Saint-Max, France, 1983. 52 cards + 2 Jokers + 42-page booklet in French, English and Spanish, in tuck box. Size: 63 x 88 mm. © Ets J.-M. Simon - France Cartes - France 1983.

See the booklet►

A later edition of the same pack was produced with indices in English and the addition of a blank card.

Above: ‘Les Montgolfières 1783-1983’ commemorative playing cards with English indices made and published by France Cartes, Saint-Max, France. 52 cards + 2 Jokers + 1 blank card + 42-page booklet in French, English and Spanish, in tuck box. Size: 63 x 88 mm. © Ets J.-M. Simon - France Cartes - France 1983.