Hand-drawn transformation cards, c1870

If one has the good fortune to acquire an old, hand-drawn transformation pack, it can be fun trying to discover whether the artist has used an existing, printed set as a model. That is definitely the case here. The anonymous pen-and-ink drawings are clearly based on the Maclure, Macdonald & Macgregor (MMM) transformation pack which dates from soon after 1862¹. As the pack shown here includes a few unturned Goodall courts, it is quite likely that the drawings were done not long after the MMM pack was first issued, i.e., c1870. Certainly, the cards have been well loved as there is a neat, old repair to the 2 of Spades.

Comparing the drawings with those found in the MMM pack, the similarities are striking, except on the following cards. The 8 of Hearts is a totally original design, showing three ladies wearing bonnets above three gentlemen (similar to the 10 of Hearts). Was the 8 of Hearts missing from the pack being copied? The Ace of Clubs is a rather wild image but there is still a human face at its centre. Finally, the artist has made no attempt to overlap the animals on the 6 of Clubs.

Above: Hand-drawn transformation cards, anonymous artist, c1870. 43 cards out of 52 (missing: Ace, Jack of Spades; King, Queen, Jack of Hearts; King, Queen of Clubs; Queen, Jack of Diamonds). Size: 63 x 92 mm.

Mention should also be made of the delightful back design: two bullfinches in a leafy setting, with one of them sitting on a nest, against a pale pink background.

Reference

1. Field, Albert. Transformation Playing Cards. Stamford, CT, USA: U.S. Games Systems, Inc.; 1987. pp 119-126.