Lombardy (or Milanesi) pattern

The origins of the Lombardy pattern, also referred to as Milanesi, probably lie in the early 19th century when it was a full-length design. Nowadays it is invariably double-ended. This pattern is also known in Ticinese in Italian speaking Switzerland which, until 1803, was part of the Duchy of Milan. The cards are French-suited, elongated and narrow, and their design is reminiscent of several used in eighteenth century south and south-eastern France (i.e. Provence and Lyons patterns which are now obsolete).

Above: double-ended Lombard pattern pack by S.D. Modiano, c.1929. 40 cards A - 7, J, Q, K. "Regno D'Italia - Lire Tre" tax stamp "Dic. 1929" on Ace or Hearts.

• See later examples

  

  Above: Lombardy pattern by Modiano, Trieste, c.1981 (essentially unchanged from the example shown above).

  Also known as Milanesi pattern

  

  Above: Milanesi pattern by Dal Negro. Images courtesy Rex Pitts.

The pack has never had indices. The example shown below is from an uncut sheet by Edoardo Pignalosa, c.1952.