Conrad Jegel proof sheets

Published May 30, 2022 • Updated May 31, 2023

Two uncut German-suited proof sheets by Conrad Jegel, Nuremberg.

Two uncut German-suited proof sheets in the Bavarian style published by Conrad Jegel, produced between 1874-c.1885. In both cases the vignettes on the numeral cards are similar to those on an earlier pack by Johann Conrad Jegel in c.1835►

uncut sheet containing 12 playing-cards by Conrad Jegel, produced between 1874-c.1885. © The Trustees of the British Museum

Above: uncut sheet containing 12 playing-cards produced by Conrad Jegel between 1874-c.1885. Size of sheet= 245 x 362 mms. The cards are the 6, 8 and 9 of acorns and leaves, and the 7, 8 and 10 of bells and hearts. On the 8 of leaves is a tablet inscribed "Conrad Jegel". © The Trustees of the British Museum • museum number 1896,0501.1118►

Twelve court cards, the four deuces, and the tens of acorns and leaves from an engraved proof sheet, uncut, possibly discarded due to imperfection or soiling. Uncoloured. The deuce of acorns has a lady standing by a column which is inscribed “Fabrique in Nürnberg”; that of leaves a double-headed eagle on a military trophy. The deuce of hearts has a lady adorning a monument; that of bells a temple with an altar. The 10 of acorns has a unicorn sea monster.

uncut sheet containing 18 playing-cards by Conrad Jegel, produced between 1874-c.1885. © The Trustees of the British Museum

Above: an uncut sheet containing 18 playing-cards produced by Conrad Jegel between 1874-c.1885. Size of sheet = 314 x 348 mms. The shield held by the king of hearts bears Jegel's trade mark, and in the oval on the deuce of acorns is "Fabrique in Nürnberg". © The Trustees of the British Museum • museum number 1896,0501.1119►

Further Reference

O’Donoghue, Freeman M: Catalogue of the collection of playing cards bequeathed by Lady Charlotte Schreiber, Trustees of the British Museum, London, 1901 [digital version here]

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Conrad Jegel proof sheets

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