Müller: Richelieu
This deck is named after Armand Jean du Plessis de Richelieu, Cardinal-Duc de Richelieu (1585-1642), a French Roman Catholic Clergyman and statesman, Chief Adviser to King Louis XIII, noted for the authoritarian measures he employed to maintain power.
RICHELIEU playing cards by A.G. Müller, Schaffhausen, Switzerland, 1935
The double-ended fantasy courts cards depict characters from the French court in 17th century period costume. The special Müller Ace of Spades and Joker complete the set.
Above: ‘RICHELIEU’ playing cards by A.G. Müller, Schaffhausen, Switzerland, first published in 1935. Double set: 2 x [52 cards + 2 jokers + Bridge score card] in plastic box purchased in 1959. Gold tipped corners. The 4 corner indices are somewhat overbearing. Also found in single boxes as: ''Whist Nº 451'. The Jack of Spades has the maker's name. Images courtesy Rod Starling.
By Rod Starling (1936-2023)
United States • Member since January 09, 2013
Rod Starling was one of the founding members of the 52 Plus Joker card collectors club. He authored many articles for the club's quarterly newsletter, Clear the Decks. His collection encompasses both foreign and American decks. Rod also authored a book titled The Art and Pleasures of Playing Cards.
Related Articles
Genevan Dauphiné pattern
Unusual example of a double-ended Genevan Dauphiné pattern pack from c1910.
Schweizer Trachten
Schweizer Trachten No.174 (Costumes Suisses) by Dondorf.
Ken McCarthy
An unknown deck by Ken McCarthy, c.2018.
1893 Worshipful Company Pack
Worshipful Company Pack manufactured by Chas Goodall & Son, 1893.
Fashion Face Off
“Fashion Face Off” card game illustrated by Erin Petson for Laurence King Publishing, c.2011.
Alchimistenspiel
Alchimistenspiel - Jeu des Alchimistes designed by Elfriede Weidenhaus, 1967.
Baroque No.2118
“Baroque” by Ferd Piatnik & Sons, Vienna, reflecting a bygone era of fashion.
La Suisse Historique Swiss Cantons souvenir
A masterpiece in the genre of tourist souvenir decks, “La Suisse Historique” Swiss Cantons souvenir ...
French Costumes
During the early 19th century. O. Gibert of Paris produced a series of such fashion packs, or packs ...
Marguerite
Each court figure is richly decorated and holding something different: a letter, a wreath, a quill p...
Luxus Skatkarten
The cards are from a facsimile edition published by F. X. Schmid, Munich, in 1981. The artist is unk...
New Era No.46
“New Era No.46”, based around European fashions, was soon followed with “Circus No.47”, “Hustling Jo...
Tales from the Stage
"Tales from the Stage" - an article about theatrical playing cards by Rod Starling
Jeu des Rois de France
This beautifully engraved and pleasing deck designed in 1856 has French Kings and consorts as the Ki...
Jeu de Costumes Historiques
These cards are from neatly etched plates, and are carefully coloured. The court cards present full-...
Jeu de Costumes Historiques Anglais
The courts are full-length figures of English historical personages.
Casino
“Casino” pack made by J. Müller & Cie & Cie, Schaffhouse. The pack was probably designed by Josef Ma...
Rococco
Designed by Josef Maria Melchior Annen (1868-1954) who also designed several other packs for Müller ...
Humanist pack by J. Müller & Cie
'Humanist' pack made by J. Müller & Cie (Schaffhouse), originally named 'Troubador'. The pack was d...
Most Popular
Our top articles from the past 60 days