Early Cadiz pattern by Marchan

Bearing striking similarities to the Cadiz pattern pack by Marchand in the collection of the WCMPC in London¹ which is dated 1812, this pack includes many features typically found on early Cadiz pattern packs: the kings’ feet are not yet visible, while most of the cavaliers and sotas wear quilted knee-breeches². The date 1817, the arms of Castile and León with three fleur-de-lys, and the maker’s name can all be seen on the Ace of Coins, with ‘Cadiz’ on a ribbon across the centre of the 2 of Coins. The 4 of Coins has a crossed anchor and caduceus at its centre. The coin in the centre of the 5 of Coins includes a male Roman head. The sun rises over clouds on the 4 of Cups. There is no tax stamp present but the signatures of the tax controllers³ can be seen on the 4 of Cups. The pattern on the reverse is made up of alternate dots and dotted hexagons in blue.

Above: Cadiz pattern by Marchan, Cadiz, Spain, 1817. 46 cards of 48 (missing: Cavalier, 3 of Cups). Size: 56 x 89.5 mm.

Luis Marchand was a French card maker and several packs are known, the earliest being a Cadiz pattern dated 1812. In the very similar pack shown here his name appears without the 'd'.

References

1. Berry, John. Playing-cards of the World. Bromley, UK: John Berry; 1995. V 12 [720]. WCMPC Collection : L Marchand, Cadiz, 1812 ►
2. Denning, Trevor. The Playing-cards of Spain. London, UK: Cygnus Arts; 1996. pp 54-55.
3. On 26 September 1811, the Treasury Committe of the Cortes (the Spanish parliament) approved a law stipulating that playing cards intended for the domestic market would be subject to a tax of 18 maravedís, while those destined for export or manufactured in the Americas would be taxed at 24 maravedís: “That at the time of payment of this duty at customs, ...two signatures shall be affixed to the four of cups by the respective administrators and accountants, or other officials designated for that purpose.” The law was in force until 1833. Information courtesy Alberto Pérez González.