It's been a long time since I've found a beautiful 19th century deck of cards, despite looking for them all of the time. This one is missing one card--the seven of clubs--but more than makes up for it I think with the unusual Jack of Hearts, which shows a unique error in coloration--the red is much darker than the rest--but was kept in the deck anyway! There is an 1853 Gatteaux duty mark on the Jack of Clubs but no addition duty stamp, meaning this deck was produced from 1853 to at the latest 1889. All cards are watermarked, which was required by French law on decks for sale within French borders.
Anyway, such beauties, with lots of bleed around the borders of the pips, my favorite thing. Square corners, rich color, and terrific seaweed patterned backs, too. In very good shape, with no tears, bends or significant stains. Yum.
Cards measure 3 1/4" x 2 1/8".
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