“Jeu des 7 Familles” by Jeux et Jouets Français

French Happy Families games, or “Jeu des 7 Familles” tend to have extended families of six members stretching across three generations, making a total of 42 cards. Playing the game encourages observation and memory skills. The set shown here was made by Jeux et Jouets Français of Paris who took over Mauclair-Dacier in 1904. They continued to make games until 1931. These cards are quite early, probably around 1910 and are one of a series of games in similarly styled boxes. The family trades depicted are: Lafleur (gardeners), Latourte (bakers), Lahure (butchers), Ducordon (caretakers), Lempeigne (shoemakers), Rapineau (artists) and Rémifat (musicians).

The rules were provided on a separate sheet→

Above: “Jeu des 7 Familles” by Jeux et Jouets Français, Paris, c.1910. 42 cards in box with rules. The backs are plain blue colour. Images courtesy Rex Pitts.