Swiss Regional Costumes Playing Cards, c.1890
This Swiss Regional Costume pack can be seen as an early form of tourist souvenir which subsequently developed into the photographic souvenir pack.
Regional Costumes Playing Cards with scenic Aces, made by Müller, c.1890. The local costumes are different at each end. Müller's recent investments in updated machinery were paying off and the company was now able to commence the export of playing cards to foreign markets.
Packs with conventional courts and scenic aces were already being produced by card makers in Belgium, Austria, Holland and France for the new trend in tourism. The Aces would depict geographical or historical scenes and picturesque views. This Swiss Regional Costume pack also features colourful regional dress and canton shields and can be seen as an early form of tourist souvenir which evolved into the souvenir packs we see today.
Note from Roddy Somerville
Each of the backs of these cards features a different souvenir view of a named tourist destination within an oval frame. The style is very similar to that used on Wüst's Swiss Album patience cards. All the views are listed in alphabetical order on an extra card which has a plain back. The box is also remarkably similar to the one housing the Wüst pack, having the arms of the Swiss cantons on one side and a romantic pastoral view on the other - RS.
Above: Swiss Regional Costumes Playing Cards manufactured by Müller, c.1890.
By Simon Wintle
Spain • Member since February 01, 1996 • Contact
I am the founder of The World of Playing Cards (est. 1996), a website dedicated to the history, artistry and cultural significance of playing cards and tarot. Over the years I have researched various areas of the subject, acquired and traded collections and contributed as a committee member of the IPCS and graphics editor of The Playing-Card journal. Having lived in Chile, England, Wales, and now Spain, these experiences have shaped my work and passion for playing cards. Amongst my achievements is producing a limited-edition replica of a 17th-century English pack using woodblocks and stencils—a labour of love. Today, the World of Playing Cards is a global collaborative project, with my son Adam serving as the technical driving force behind its development. His innovative efforts have helped shape the site into the thriving hub it is today. You are warmly invited to become a contributor and share your enthusiasm.
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