Quadruple Bézique sets

Published January 04, 2026 • Updated January 16, 2026

Quadruple Bézique sets with self-scoring markers published by Willis & Co, London.

Willis & Company was formed in 1869, having been preceded by Charles Steer at the same address (80 Long Acre, London). They promptly entered the Bezique market and their early lists include their own design of Patent Self-Scoring Bezique Markers. These are described in Willis' promotional material as superior and durable, “undeviatingly correct”, presented as their own patented design. No surviving patent documentation has yet been identified.

Quadruple Bézique set with self-scoring markers published by Willis & Co, London, c.1870s

This Quadruple set contains 4 "Patent Self-scoring" markers which are also mentioned on the label inside the box top. Each deck has 32 cards, with double-ended court cards but single-ended number cards. The faces are uncoloured. We estimate the date to be sometime during 1870s.

The backs have two different colours.The set includes a rules booklet and a card promoting the Patent Self-Scoring Bézique Marker as undeniably the best of its kind plus prices of different boxed sets, zoom the extra card►

Records show that Charles Steer’s firm did not advertise self-scoring markers before Willis took over. It is therefore quite possible that Willis built on pre-existing scoring devices rather than being the absolute originator. Reynolds, Goodall, and De La Rue were already producing Bezique scoring devices, making it unlikely that Willis invented the idea; more probably, they patented their own variant or improvement on an already-existing concept.

It is also puzzling that references to the Patent Self-Scoring Markers, as well as mentions of 'Entered at Stationers Hall', are not consistent on all the box labels, making it harder to date these sets more accurately.

Above: quadruple boxed set with violet & white label inside the box lid with mention of Patent Self-Scoring Markers, c.1870s. Images courtesy Fabio De Paolis.

Above: quadruple boxed set and rules booklet with large red label inside the box lid, no mention of Patent Self-Scoring Bézique Marker on the label. or of entry at Stationer's Hall, c.1870s.

Above: quadruple boxed set with brown & white label inside the box lid with mention of Entry at Stationer's Hall, c.1870s.

1,497 Articles

By Simon Wintle

Spain • Member since February 01, 1996

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.