Archaic Spanish-suited pattern from Bayonne

An archaic Franco-Spanish pattern from Bayonne by an anonymous manufacturer with the initals M.V., possibly a member of the Varangot or Volay dynasties. The pack is preserved in the British Museum, whose the curator notes: On the ace of coins are the arms of Spain with "Hispaniæ Rex Carolus Dei Gratia", referring to Charles II who died in 1700, and the letters "M V", the initials of the maker ... The letters "M V" appear also on the knave and 4 of cups and the knave of clubs. The 2 of swords is printed with "fechas en Baionne". The 4 of coins has a double triangle with an armorial shield, and the central suit-mark of the 5 has the two royal heads.

It is becoming apparent that substantial quantities of packs like this “Franco-Spanish pattern” produced by French manufacturers from the southwest region were being exported, often clandestinely and without a licence or “Con licencia del Rey”, into Spain. Often the eagle’s head on the ace of coins looks more like an owl and the maker’s name is not explicitly given, only the initials. These may have been cheaper to buy than locally produced Spanish packs as tax was being avoided.

The Ace and 5 of coins tended to imitate Double Excellent Gold Coins of the Catholic Monarchs

Above: an archaic Franco-Spanish pattern by an anonymous manufacturer from Bayonne (France) with the initals M.V., 18th C. Hand-coloured woodcut, backs plain. © The Trustees of the British Museum

References

British Museum : number 1896,0501.840►

O’Donoghue, Freeman M: Catalogue of the collection of playing cards bequeathed by Lady Charlotte Schreiber (Spain 16), Trustees of the British Museum, London, 1901 [digital version here]