Première Guerre Mondiale

This collectible and educational set of playing cards, titled "Première Guerre Mondiale 1914-1918," was published by Éditions J.C. Dusserre, Paris, in around 1981. The deck is effectively a series of beautifully illustrated historical art cards detailing military uniform studies from that era. All indices and captions are in French • See the box

The illustrations employ naturalistic figure drawing combined with a deliberately muted colour palette of greys, khakis, and blues that echo the look of contemporary lithography, evoking a sense of historical remembrance. The court cards are particularly striking, showcasing soldiers from France, Germany, the U.S.A. and England prominently positioned against delicate backdrop sketches of battlefields, hospitals, and airfields. In contrast, the scenic aces focus on illustrations of military hardware and action from the First World War.

Above: “Première Guerre Mondiale 1914-1918” playing cards published by Éditions J.C. Dusserre, printed by Maitres Cartiers Boéchat Frères, Mérignac, c.1981. 55 cards in tuck box; two different back colours are blue or khaki.

Right: the two jokers and the back design.