Nintendo deck with Medieval theme
Courts in medieval costume holding both French and Italian/Spanish suit-signs.
There are in fact only five principal illustrations in this pack as the courts are identical within each suit. The figures on the courts are in medieval costume and hold French suit-signs at one end of each card and Italian/Spanish suit-signs at the other. On the Spades suit is a knight in armour, on the Clubs suit a squire, on the Diamonds suit a merchant, and on the Hearts suit the lady of the castle. A jester playing the lute can be found on each Joker. On the back are two crusaders, each holding a shield and a lance. This is one of the scarcer of the early Nintendo packs as it was issued in an edition of just 2,250 packs.
By Roddy Somerville
Member since May 31, 2022
Roddy started collecting stamps on his 8th birthday. In 1977 he joined the newly formed playing-card department at Stanley Gibbons in London before setting up his own business in Edinburgh four years later. His collecting interests include playing cards, postcards, stamps (especially playing cards on stamps) and sugar wrappers. He is a Past President of the Scottish Philatelic Society, a former Chairman of the IPCS, a Past Master of the Worshipful Company of Makers of Playing Cards and Curator of the WCMPC’s collection of playing cards. He lives near Toulouse in France.
Related Articles
Woodblock and Stencil King of Diamonds
A limited edition art print of the King of Diamonds 1984 woodblock joker.
Woodblock and Stencil Jack of Clubs
A limited edition art print of the Jack of Clubs 1984 woodblock joker.
Woodblock and Stencil Joker
A limited edition art print of the 1984 woodblock joker.
Woodblock and Stencil Jack of Hearts
A limited edition art print of the Jack of Hearts 1984 woodblock joker.
Laughing Made Easy
a Victorian card game published by D. Ogilvy.
Guanlangaoshou / Slam Dunk playing cards
Basketball-themed manga animated playing cards from Japan.
Commoners playing cards
Created by Ian Cumpstey dedicated to the common land and the countryside.
Liber Ludorum
Liber Ludorum playing cards created by Ian Cumpstey in the insular style, United Kingdom, 2019.
Jeu Gothique
‘Jeu Gothique’ illustrating the Gothic period in France, published by Editions Dusserre.
Postak – Las Postas
‘Postak - Las Postas’ playing cards commemorating the history of the Basque postal service, Spain, 1...
Bischofszell
Advertising pack for the food producer Bischofszell, designed by Heinz Looser-Brenner, with non-stan...
Marcello Morandini
Modern designs by Italian artist Marcello Morandini using the simplest of forms and colours.
Sylvanian Families mini playing cards
Miniature cards in sheet form with Sylvanian Families characters on the courts and Jokers.
Tavaglione playing cards
Well-designed pack by Giorgio Tavaglione, with courts in medieval costume.
Mediaeval Playing Cards
Finely executed late 19th century pack from the USA featuring courts in medieval costume.
Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots
“Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots” video game characters on playing cards, Japan, 2008
Banjo playing cards
Banjo playing cards featuring the collection of Akira Tsumura, Japan, c. 1978.
Kyoto Souvenir Deck
Kyoto Souvenir playing cards by Nintendo aimed at the up and coming tourist industry, 1950s.
Back to the 80s Lenormand
History meets pop culture in a 36-card set that pays tribute to Lenormand's legacy and the colourful...
Seiko fashion cards
Men's and ladies fashion playing cards published for the Seiko Corporation by Nintendo, Japan, 1971....
Flora playing cards
Flora playing cards made by the Angel Playing Card Co., Kyoto, 1982.
Nippon Beer
Nippon Beer brewery playing cards published by Nintendo, Japan, 1960s.
Glico Almond Chocolate
Glico Almond Chocolate playing cards with designs by Izumi Tamai, produced by Nintendo, Japan.
Panty cards
Panty cards designed by Hide Takagaki, Japan, 1982.
Suzuki playing cards
Suzuki playing cards produced by Nintendo, Japan, 1978.
Kushimoto Marine Park
Kushimoto Marine Park souvenir playing cards published by Nintendo, Japan.
Krónikás kártya
A German-suited pack from Hungary in honour of the millennium.
Carte Bolognesi
New designs reinforcing Bologna’s reputation as the gastronomic capital of Italy.
Infirrera
Italo-Portuguese-suited cards by Andrea Infirrera with the arms of Malta, 1693.
Medieval Life playing cards
‘Medium Aevum’ (Medieval Life) playing cards designed by Violeta Monreal, published by Heraclio Four...
Chandelier No. 55 (Nintendo)
Standard international pattern playing cards made in occupied Japan, c.1950.
Tulsa City-County Library System Annual Report
Tulsa City-County Library System Annual Report playing cards, USA, 1983.
Stars of Country Music
Stars of Country Music playing cards with non-standard suit symbols, USA, 1995
New Orleans Suits
New Orleans Suits playing cards designed by Eddie Tebbe, USA, 1999.
Possible early astrological playing cards
Two early woodcuts that I believe to be playing cards.
The Fat Pack
A vastly expanded pack with 8 suits for playing traditional or new games, devised by Roger Howard Bu...
Loco Jumbo playing cards
54 different colour photographs of steam locomotives from around the world.
Haig Whisky
Japanese advertising pack for Haig Scotch whisky with modified international courts.
Kawasaki Trump
Humorous publicity pack for Kawasaki featuring some of their many products.
Maxim playing cards
Publicity pack from Nintendo for Maxim freeze dried coffee.
Ukiyo-E (Nintendo)
Classic examples of Ukiyo-E painting.
Le Burling
1960s pack from Annecy with non-standard suits all connected with the office.
Salmon playing cards
13 colour photographs showing the life cycle of the salmon by Nintendo, Japan.
Crazyrider playing cards
Stylised portrayal of rock musicians from the 1980s.