A charming vintage wooden board game featuring the classic Jeu de l’Oie (Goose Game) on one side and a checkers/chess board on the other.
This versatile piece comes in a sturdy wooden case with two sliding compartments containing 40 wooden pawns (20 white, 20 black) and 2 wooden dice.

Perfect for both gameplay and display, this set carries the charm of French family evenings and mid-century craftsmanship. A wonderful gift for collectors, game enthusiasts, or vintage décor lovers.

Details:
🔹 Condition: Good vintage condition with some traces of use, consistent with age and children’s play
🔹 Contents: Wooden box, Goose Game board, Checkers/Chess board, 40 pawns, 2 dice
🔹 Dimensions: 35 × 28 cm (13.7″ × 11″)
🔹 Weight: approx. 500 g
🔹 Origin: France, circa 1950s–1960s

🪶 Collector’s Note:
An authentic example of mid-century French toy craftsmanship, combining two beloved classics in one elegant wooden case. Scarce in such complete condition — a nostalgic treasure for any vintage game collection.

Step into the charm of late-19th-century learning with Lustiges Ein-Mal-Eins, a beautifully illustrated German educational game designed to teach multiplication through playful storytelling. Produced around 1890–1900, this set combines delightful chromolithographed scenes with numbered discs, each representing multiplication results hidden within fairy-tale style images.

Players draw and match the round tokens to the corresponding results depicted on the boards – a lively, humorous way to reinforce arithmetic. With its colourful illustrations, ornate borders, and richly detailed scenes, this game is a superb example of turn-of-the-century pedagogical design.

A rare survivor, complete with natural age patina, original box, instructional sheet, and multiple illustrated boards.

Details

• Publisher: Unmarked (Germany, ca. 1890–1900)
• Title: Lustiges Ein-Mal-Eins / Comic Multiplication
• Components:
 – Several large chromolithograph boards
 – 33 of round illustrated tokens (only 2 missing)
 – Original German instruction sheet
 – Original box with illustrated lid
• Box size: approx. 27 × 20 × 5 cm
• Language: German
• Condition:
 – Box shows wear consistent with age (surface marks, edge wear)
 – Boards beautifully preserved with vibrant colours
 – Tokens in good condition
 – A charming antique set complete for display or collection

🪶 Collector’s Note

Complete (or near-complete) educational games from the late 19th century are extremely hard to find, especially with chromolithographed plates. This example, with its whimsical illustrations and original components, is highly desirable among collectors of antique toys, children’s games, and early school materials. The near-complete token set significantly increases its value.

A rare and charming French bistro card game set from around 1900, combining both cards and tokens in a clever red case.

🔹 Deck: Includes a 32-card Belote deck with classic French court cards ("Pallas", etc.). The cards show natural yellowing from age, with one card featuring a cut corner, but remain in good playable condition.
🔹 Tokens: 95 colorful wooden chips, printed with famous aperitif brands of the early 20th century such as Rossi, Martini, Cognac Bisquit. Each chip reflects the convivial atmosphere of French cafés.
🔹 Case: Wooden box covered in red textured material, embossed in gold with “Nécessaire de Jetons” and “Jeu de Cartes.” The box includes:

- A lever system to easily lift the cards,
- Side buttons to unlock the lids,
- A betting slot on the top with side retrieval opening.

Dimensions: 15.5 × 9.5 × 4.5 cm
Condition: Overall very good for its age. Some wear to the box, consistent with use, but the mechanism and contents remain intact and functional.

A delightful collector’s piece, perfect for lovers of antique gaming accessories and the atmosphere of old French cafés.

Out of print edition. An extremely rare piece for collectors and connoisseurs.

1 UNIT
Step back in time with this charming antique French puzzle game, La Cocotte: Nouveau Casse-Tête, dating from the late 19th century. This delightful brain teaser features precision-cut wooden geometric pieces housed in their original illustrated box, accompanied by the original printed solution sheet.
Inspired by early tangram-style puzzles, La Cocotte challenges players to reassemble a stylized paper fortune-teller shape (“cocotte”) using only the provided wooden pieces. It’s a wonderful blend of elegance, logic, and timeless entertainment.

Details:
Title: La Cocotte – Nouveau Casse-Tête
Origin: France, circa 1890–1900
Materials: Wood pieces, printed paper box, original instruction sheet
Condition: Very good vintage condition; slight wear on box corners consistent with age
Language: French
Dimensions 7 cm x 7 cm x 1 cm.

A rare and charming piece of puzzle history — ideal as a gift or a conversation-starting addition to your vintage collection. Perfect for collectors of antique toys, lovers of vintage French ephemera, or anyone seeking a unique decorative curiosity for their shelf or game table.

Here’s a bit of context:

- The typography and art style (Art Nouveau influences and playful hand-drawn lettering) are consistent with printed materials from the 1880s to early 1900s.
- These kinds of boxed wooden puzzles became quite popular in France during that period, influenced by the rise of recreational mathematics and puzzles in newspapers and parlors.
- The signature “JFL” on the solution sheet is associated with Jean-François Léon, a designer or printer active during that era, which further supports the 1890s–1900s origin.

So, while an exact publication year might not be printed on the box, it's safe to place La Cocotte around circa 1890–1905.

Bring the magic of old-world puppetry into your home with this Punch & Judy puppet theater—a beautifully handcrafted piece combining woodwork, textile art, and printed scenic panels.
This foldable theater was designed as a complete miniature stage, featuring embroidered curtains, Victorian-style fringe, and a vibrant hand-painted jester medallion on the façade.

When opened, the wings reveal charming mid-century paper scenes depicting villages, bridges, hot-air balloons, trains, and storybook landscapes—evoking the nostalgic charm of European children’s theater.

A striking object for collectors, decorators, or anyone passionate about vintage toys and theatrical history.

🔹 Materials: Wood, printed paper panels, decorative fabric, gilt fringe
🔹 Design: Front jester medallion, fold-out scenic wings, stage curtains
🔹 Dimensions: Approx. 75 × 55 × 34 cm (open)
🔹 Era: Mid-20th century (likely 1900s)
🔹 Origin: European
🔹 Usage: Display décor, photography prop, collector's item

Condition:
Good vintage condition with authentic patina.
Minor wear includes: small tear on the lower front panel, fraying on the upper decorative textile, aging of internal printed scenes, and some internal reinforcement (tape repairs, small cracks). The piece remains structurally sound and visually striking.

Ships securely and folded for protection during delivery.

🪶 Collector’s Note

Vintage puppet theaters like this one rarely survive in such complete form.
The mix of vivid fabrics, scenic lithographed panels, and hand-painted emblem suggests a small artisanal workshop rather than mass production, making each unit unique.
Its foldable cabinet-style structure and mid-century decorative motifs place it among the most desirable forms of European domestic puppet theaters.

A captivating piece for lovers of folk performance, children’s theater history, and antique toys.

Bring timeless French charm to your collection with this delightful vintage toy: Le Théâtre des Petits. This rare boxed set from mid-20th century France invites children to stage their own plays using colorful paper puppets and richly illustrated scenery.

The set includes:
- A foldable cardboard theater with curtains and cutout window
- Multiple shadow puppets (Guignol, Tartarin, Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, and more)
- Decorative illustrated paper backdrops with fairytale themes
- Instruction sheet in French

How it works:
Children place the theater upright and insert the scenery in back slots. Characters are introduced manually from the top or bottom, allowing for creative storytelling and improvisation. Ideal for solo play or a fun group activity.

Condition:
Used vintage condition with signs of wear due to age (creases, minor tears, edge wear on box), but all elements are present and functional. A magical collectible!

Perfect for:

• Vintage toy collectorsLovers of European children’s books and puppetry

• Display in nurseries, libraries, or creative spaces

• Educational and imaginative play

🎁 A rare and enchanting French toy that brings fairy tales to life!

1UNIT

Discover the charm of vintage French puzzles with this elegant "Jeu de la Croix" – a beautifully simple yet brain-teasing wooden dissection game from the early 20th century (circa 1900). The goal: use the included geometric pieces to recreate the shape of a cross as shown in the original printed diagram.

This rare puzzle comes in its original red box with period-style typography and includes the printed solution sheet. A delightful piece of French toy history, perfect for collectors, vintage lovers, or as a unique decorative item.

🧩 Details:
Title: Jeu de la Croix (The Cross Game)
Origin: France
Date: circa 1900
dimensions : 9,6 par 5,8 cm
Materials: Wood pieces, cardboard box, printed paper
Includes: Original box, 6 wooden puzzle pieces, printed cross solution
Condition: Very good vintage condition; minor wear consistent with age

🎁 A wonderful gift for antique game collectors, vintage décor enthusiasts, or anyone who appreciates timeless, hands-on puzzles.

Step back into the 1960s with this elegant vintage domino set of 54 pieces, housed in its original wooden box marked DOMINO.
Each black domino features white inlaid dots, beautifully preserved over time.
A timeless classic for retro gaming enthusiasts, collectors, or anyone who appreciates the charm of mid-century craftsmanship.

Details:
🔹 Complete 54-piece set
🔹 Original wooden sliding-lid box
🔹 Estimated production: 1960s
🔹 Box size: 27 × 6 × 4 cm
🔹 Condition: very good vintage condition – light wear on the box consistent with age

🪶 Collector’s Note:
A lovely authentic piece that captures the simple elegance of 1960s family games. Perfect for display, play, or gifting to a collector of classic wooden toys.

Challenge your imagination and logic with this rare French vintage puzzle game: Le Jeu du 7 – Jeu à Combinaisons Multiples. This ingenious wooden dissection puzzle offers hours of stimulating entertainment by encouraging you to recreate over 140 unique shapes using just seven wooden pieces.

Housed in its original cardboard box, the game includes a complete instruction booklet featuring dozens of silhouette challenges and creative combinations. A beautiful example of mid-century educational games, it’s both a collector’s piece and a delightful hands-on experience for puzzle lovers of all ages.

🧩 Details:

Title: Jeu à Combinaisons Multiples – Le Jeu du 7
Origin: France
Date: Circa 1950s–1960s
Includes: 7 wooden puzzle pieces, original illustrated booklet, cardboard box
Booklet: 140+ shape challenges with diagrams

Condition: Very good vintage condition; minor wear on box and booklet consistent with age

🎁 Ideal for vintage game collectors, tangram and puzzle enthusiasts, or as a unique gift for lovers of classic logic challenges.

Add a touch of Parisian charm to your vintage game collection with this beautiful and rare Jeu de la Spirale, an early 20th-century French dexterity puzzle. The objective is to skillfully guide a small metal ring through the spiral track using precise, careful movement — a true test of patience and steady hands!

Housed in its original illustrated box with printed instructions inside, this elegant game was made in Paris by M.D., known for producing high-quality jeux d'adresse (skill games) during the Belle Époque. A delightful collectible and a wonderful display piece for lovers of antique toys and brain games.

🌀 Details:
Title: Jeu de la Spirale
Origin: France
Maker: M.D. Paris
Era: Circa 1900–1920
Objective: Thread the metal ring through the spiral rod to the end
Includes: Original box with printed instructions and metal ring
Condition: Very good antique condition; minor age wear on box (see photos)
Dimensions 9cm x 9 cm x 3 cm.

🎁 A perfect gift for collectors of vintage games, fans of old-world puzzles, or those seeking a unique decorative object with historical flair.

Discover a delightful piece of French puzzle history with Les Anneaux Récalcitrants (The Recalcitrant Rings), a rare and elegant early 19th-century dexterity game. The challenge? Use clever and precise movements to maneuver both metal rings onto the central pin — a deceptively simple task that will test your patience and skill!

This beautiful puzzle comes in its original floral-patterned box with printed instructions on the lid. A true gem for collectors of antique toys and games, it’s equally perfect as a conversation piece or decorative curio.

🔹 Details:
Title: Les Anneaux Récalcitrants
Origin: France
Era: circa 1850–1900
Objective: Guide both metal rings onto the tip using dexterity
Materials: Metal rings, printed cardboard box
Condition: Very good vintage condition with age-related wear (see photos)
Dimensions 7 cm x 7 cm x 3 cm.

🎁 A unique gift for puzzle lovers, collectors of vintage French games, or those who appreciate early 19th-century craftsmanship and design.

A rare 19th-century French card game titled “Il faut des Époux Assortis – Nouveau Casse-tête” (“You must have matched spouses – A new puzzle”). This charming parlour pastime reflects the humor and social satire of the Belle Époque.

🔹 Publisher: J.F.J. Paris (marked on rulesheet)
🔹 Date: Circa 1880–1900
🔹 Game type: Matching / patience puzzle
🔹 Contents: Illustrated box with chromolithograph lid, folded instruction sheet, and a set of pink printed cards featuring caricatured characters (Rigobert, Sophie, Irma, Maxime, Octavie, etc.)
🔹 Card size: 9 × 6 cm
🔹 Objective: Players align the cards to find the correct “married couples” among humorous or satirical figures
🔹 Condition: Box shows expected age wear, cards and leaflet complete as pictured

A beautiful collectible for enthusiasts of antique French games, early card puzzles, or 19th-century ephemera. Rare to find with box, leaflet, and cards together.

A rare antique French puzzle, Le Quart d’Heure de Rabelais (also known as Les Bourgeois Punis), produced in Paris around 1895–1910.
This charming logic puzzle was published by Jeux et Jouets Français and features beautifully printed, colourful wooden tiles depicting students and bourgeois characters.

The goal of the game is to arrange the men around a “table” so that the last one (or last two) must pay the bill — a humorous nod to the French expression “le quart d’heure de Rabelais”, meaning “the moment when it’s time to pay”.

The set includes all original tiles, the printed instruction sheet, and the original box with its period lithographed cover. A beautiful example of early French recreational mathematics and storytelling.

🔹 Publisher: Les Jeux et Jouets Français(JJF), Paris
🔹 Year: c. 1895–1910
🔹 Contents: 12 illustrated tiles + original instructions
🔹 Box: Original, with illustrated lid (visible wear as pictured)
🔹 Condition: Tiles very good for age; box worn but solid; instructions included
🔹 Type: Early mechanical/logic puzzle

A very rare and highly collectible French puzzle from the Belle Époque.

🪶 Collector’s Note

Antique French puzzles from the Belle Époque almost never survive with all pieces and the original instruction sheet.
This edition of Le Quart d’Heure de Rabelais is especially sought-after due to:

• its connection to the literary legend Rabelais
• its link to the famous Josephus problem, referenced by Ahrens (1901)
• mention in Hoffmann’s Puzzles and in Slocum & Botermans
• its charming lithographic artwork

A charming survivor from the French Belle Époque: The Spider and the Fly Game, produced in Paris by Les Jeux et Jouets Français around 1895–1910.
In this strategic chase game, five flies attempt to escape across a beautifully printed web while the spider races to capture them.

🔹 Publisher: Les Jeux et Jouets Français(JJF), Paris
🔹 Year: c. 1895–1910

This complete set includes:
- the original illustrated board
- wooden playing tokens (flies & spider)
- the printed rule sheet inside the lid
- the original decorative box

📏 Box size: 21.5 × 13.5 × 3 cm

Condition: box shows age wear but remains sturdy; board and pieces complete and well-preserved. A wonderful collectible from early 20th-century French game craftsmanship.

🪶 Collector’s Note

Games by Les Jeux & Jouets Français are increasingly hard to find, especially complete examples from the Belle Époque era.
This Jeu de l’Araignée, with its original wooden pieces, intact printed rules, and decorative box, represents a rare and highly desirable collectible.
Early French boxed games in complete condition typically appreciate steadily on the market due to their scarcity and historical charm.

Travel back to the Belle Époque with this rare 1911 edition of the Jeu de l’Oie, published by the prestigious French house N.K. Atlas, Paris.
This charming early 20th-century version of the classic goose game is beautifully preserved in its original floral-patterned box, offering a complete nostalgic experience of family entertainment from the turn of the century.

🔹 Publisher: N.K. Atlas, Paris
🔹 Year: circa 1911
🔹 Format: Complete boxed set
🔹 Includes:
 • Original illustrated Jeu de l’Oie game board (63 spaces with central instructions)
 • 2 vintage dice
 • 2 faux-leather game cups
 • Assorted game tokens in a small illustrated box
 • Floral hard cardboard storage box (approx. 24 × 17 cm)

The colorful board features traditional hand-colored squares and central printed French rules, with lively scenes of travel, adventure, and chance rendered in warm Art Nouveau tones.

🪶 Collector’s Note:
A genuine treasure from the Belle Époque, this 1911 Jeu de l’Oie embodies the elegance and playfulness of early French toy-making. Complete examples in this condition are increasingly scarce and highly prized among collectors of antique games, toys & curiosités françaises.

📜 Condition: Good antique condition — some edge wear, light marks, and gentle fading consistent with age and use. The set remains solid, charming, and ready for display or gentle play.

A charming French educational game by J.L. Jullien, consisting of 20 wooden cubes covered with finely colored lithographs. Each side of a cube bears a portion of a map, allowing the assembly of six complete cartographical puzzles:

- France by départements, Europe, Asia, Africa, the Americas, the World

This type of puzzle was used in schools and parlors in the last quarter of the 19th century, a period when cartographical knowledge and colonial expansion were strong themes. The Africa map in particular shows the continent before the full Scramble for Africa, with many regions still marked as “inexplored.”

🔹 Publisher: J.L. Jullien (France)
🔹 Period: ca. 1880-1890
🔹 Material: Wood, paper lithographs
🔹 Dimensions: Box 20 × 16 × 5 cm | Cubes approx. 3.7 cm each
🔹 Condition: Used vintage condition, with signs of wear on the box and paper, but overall intact. Please see photos for details.

A very collectible geographical didactic game, rare survival in this state.

An exceptionally rare collector’s item for astrology and astronomy lovers!

This stunning set of 36 gilded cards features the 12 zodiac signs alongside 24 additional constellations, reproduced from Astrophilogeon by Charles Hodges (ca. 1828). Hand-colored with exquisite detail and preserved in a velvet-like case, these cards are based on Urania's Mirror – a celestial classic from the 19th century.

Originally part of Hodges’ astronomical treatise, these illustrations combine scientific accuracy with mythological beauty. Whether you’re a vintage tarot collector, celestial cartography enthusiast, or connoisseur of historical ephemera – this is your chance to own a magnificent piece of stargazing history.

Cards are in very good vintage condition. Box included.

Hodges’ pack dealing with astronomy, the ‘Astrophilogeon’, was first published around 1828 in conjunction with a series of map cards. These astrological cards carried diagrams of constellations and their pictorial representations. These include the twelve Zodiac signs which is the name given to that part of the sky through which the sun travels during the year:

Here is your chance to own an incredibly rare piece of history!

A rare small deck of French playing cards bearing the official tax stamp “République Française – Décret du 12 Avril 1890”, marking it as an authentic 19th-century production.
These pocket-sized cards were created during the Belle Époque, when card games were a fashionable pastime in Parisian cafés and salons.

Each card displays the classic French design with the symbolic trefoil (clover) emblem, and the court cards depict the traditional figures Argine, Judith, and David in vibrant early-industrial color lithography.
The reverse features a refined red, blue, and white mosaic pattern, typical of late 19th-century French printing.

Comes with a blue snap-case in textured plastic — a delightful relic of the 1940s–1950s era of compact leisure accessories.

Details

🔹 Origin: France
🔹 Mark: République Française – Décret du 12 Avril 1890
🔹 Era: circa 1890
🔹 Contents: Complete 32-card deck
🔹 Card size: approx. 9 × 6 cm
🔹 Box: Blue snap-case (1940s–1950s period)
🔹 Condition: Excellent antique condition – light aging consistent with age, cards crisp and clean

🪶 Collector’s Note

A genuine artifact from fin-de-siècle France, this miniature deck embodies the craftsmanship and elegance of an era when even the smallest objects were works of art.
Bearing the historical 1890 tax seal, it represents the transition between artisanal and industrial card-making, offering a rare glimpse into the golden age of French leisure culture.
An exquisite addition for collectors of antique playing cards, Belle Époque design, or French historical ephemera.

Rare and charming antique Tarot deck attributed to J. Muller & Cie, Switzerland, dated approximately 1880–1910. This exceptional tarot-style deck includes 78 cards, each richly illustrated with narrative vignettes and classic French-suited court cards (hearts, spades, diamonds, clubs). The cards show beautiful age patina, printed in the tradition of chromolithography, with iconic storytelling scenes often seen in late 19th-century cartomancy.

The set is housed in a handmade wooden treasure box, crafted with meticulous detail:
Velvet-lined interior in red
Butterfly-shaped vintage lock with chain and brass padlock + key
Secret compartment
Comes with a polished protective stone (black tiger’s eye)

This is a unique collector's piece for any lover of vintage cartomancy, fortune-telling tools, or tarot history. A true artifact of European esoteric tradition, enhanced with a beautifully designed modern display box that protects and elevates its mystical charm.

🔸 Contents:
78 antique cards (some wear and signs of age, as pictured)
Handmade custom wood box with lock, chain, key, and velvet inlay
Black stone included
Dimensions: standard card size ~6x9 cm (approx.)

⚠️ Note: Some cards show edge damage, consistent with age and use(see cards on the picture).
The deck remains complete and highly evocative.

An exceptionally rare 19th-century magnetic fortune-telling game, L’Oiseau Bleu, published by the famous Parisian game maker L. Saussine. Produced between 1870 and 1900, this magnificent set is over 120–150 years old and represents one of the earliest French mechanical divination devices.

This luxurious fortune-telling box features a magnetic pointer (the Hand) mounted under glass, designed to turn and stop in front of one of the 8 small decorated boxes, each containing printed answer slips. By placing one of the two question palettes in the centre—each divided into thematic questions—the magnet hidden inside triggers the mechanism, allowing the Hand to reveal the answer.

This game is based on the 1870 patent filed by Léon Saussine, and Saussine presented similar mechanical divination games at the Exposition Universelle of 1878.

The artwork on the lid—signed by Ludovic—depicts a magician revealing the future to members of a royal-style court. The interior is beautifully decorated with chromolithographed floral motifs, making this a highly desirable display piece.

Despite its age, the set is complete with:
– The original magnetic palette (question wheel)
– 8 original small boxes (matchbox style)
– All printed answer cards (6 per box)
– Original illustrated lid and decorated base

A superb and extremely rare example of 19th-century French parlour divination.

🔹 Publisher: L. Saussine, Paris
🔹 Date: c. 1870–1890
🔹 Components: Magnetic divination box, 8 boxes with answers, question palette
🔹 Dimensions: approx. 27 × 21.5 × 6 cm
🔹 Condition: Structurally sound; visible wear, tears, and fading consistent with age. The distressed appearance enhances its antique charm.
🔹 Origin: France
🔹 1 unit only — impossible to find today in complete form.

A remarkable museum-level piece for collectors of antique games, mechanical divination, and Saussine editions.

Step into the fascinating world of 19th-century Parisian divination with this extraordinarily rare magnetic fortune-telling game,
JE VOIS TOUT – Présent, Passé, Avenir, published by Saussine Éditeur, Paris (circa 1870–1890).

This impressive and beautifully designed game is one of the most iconic creations of Léon & Louis Saussine, pioneers of French board-game making and holders of the 1870 patent for magnetic oracle mechanisms. Saussine exhibited his games at the 1878 Paris Universal Exhibition, and early complete surviving examples are exceptionally scarce.

This 19th-century magnetic oracle is housed in a decorated box (27 × 21.5 × 6 cm), printed inside and out.
Inside you will find:

🔹 1 rotating “hand” pointer under glass, activated by hidden magnets
🔹 8 small illustrated boxes (matchbox size: 5.2 × 3.7 × 1.5 cm), each containing its 6 original fortune cards
🔹 2 decorated magnetic palettes (question wheels, 8 cm wide), used to select the question
🔹 Printed instruction label inside the lid (“Pour consulter la voyante…”)
🔹 Beautiful chromolithography details throughout the interior

Principle of the game:
Place one magnetic palette at the center with the chosen question facing Côté de la Demande. The magnetized hand beneath the glass will rotate and point to the box containing the correct answer. A second palette provides additional answers between the boxes.

A perfect blend of illusionism, magnetism, and Belle-Époque occult storytelling, designed to simulate a real séance with “La Voyante”.

Good condition for a game 120–150 years old:
🔹 Light age toning, small marks and friction on the box
🔹 Palette colors still vibrant
🔹 All small boxes present
🔹 All answer cards included (6 per box)
🔹 Mechanism and magnetic pointer complete
(See photos for exact condition)

A fully complete example is extremely rare, as most surviving sets are missing boxes or cards.

📏 Dimensions

- Box: 27 × 21.5 × 6 cm
- Small boxes: 5.2 × 3.7 × 1.5 cm
- Answer cards: 4 × 2.5 cm
- Question palettes: 8 cm wide

🪶 Collector’s Note

Saussine’s magnetic oracles almost never survive complete — especially with all 48 answer cards present.
This set is an exceptional find: intact mechanism, vibrant lithography, and both magnetic palettes.
A museum-worthy piece from the golden age of French fortune-telling games.

An exceptional and hard-to-find piece of cartomancy history: a complete set of 54 large divinatory cards in its original slipcase box, accompanied by its instruction booklet Jeux de Société et Pratiques Secrètes de Mlle Le Normand.

🔹 Publisher: B.P. Grimaud – Chartier Marteau & Boudin, Paris, 54 Rue de Lancry
🔹 Date: circa 1880–1890 (confirmed by tax stamp usage 1880–1917)
🔹 Contents: 54 illustrated cards (including 2 consultant cards) + original French booklet
🔹 Card Size: approx. 12.8 × 9 cm (5 × 3 ½ inches) – larger than standard playing cards
🔹 Condition: Cards are in remarkable condition, very crisp and thick, appearing unused. Box shows some wear as expected with age (top and bottom panels missing), but remains structurally sound.

This Grand Jeu (or “Great Game”) of the famous fortune-teller Mademoiselle Lenormand (1772–1843), the legendary sibyl of Paris, was first published in 1845, only two years after her death. It became one of the most influential cartomancy decks of the 19th century, combining imagery from Greek mythology, astrology, alchemy, allegory, and symbolic emblems to create a richly layered system of divination.

Of particular note, the deck carries the French tax stamp (“RÉPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE – DÉCRET DU 12 AVRIL 1880”) visible on the Ace of Clubs, which was in use from 1880 to 1917. This feature authenticates the production period of this edition.

A rare survivor in this condition, this set represents not only an important tool of esoteric practice but also a museum-worthy collector’s item from the golden age of French cartomancy.

Title: Curiosités théologiques. Par un bibliophile [i.e. Pierre Gustave Brunet].
Author: Gustave Brunet
Publisher: A. Delahays, 1861

🔸 Description

Curiosités théologiques is a remarkable 19th-century bibliographic and critical work dedicated to the strangest, rarest, and most controversial writings related to religion, belief, and superstition. Written under the guise of “un bibliophile,” this book offers a meticulous exploration of theological oddities drawn from ancient and modern sources alike.

The content spans a wide range of subjects, including apocryphal stories of the Old Testament, legends and miracles, religious superstitions, sacramental practices, eccentric preachers, and singular beliefs held across cultures and eras. The author examines perspectives from Brahmins, Buddhists, Africans, Mohammedans, Rabbis, Mormons, and visionaries, as well as themes related to the Devil, the afterlife, and religious texts notable for their strangeness.

Particularly noted by bibliographers (including Caillet), the third section of the book (pp. 301–352) is considered especially valuable for its analysis of rare and bizarre religious works, making this volume a key reference for collectors of occult, theological, and esoteric literature.

A fascinating witness to 19th-century scholarly curiosity and critical thought, this book stands at the crossroads of religion, folklore, and early comparative anthropology.

🔸 Condition

Book in fair antique condition, consistent with age and use.
- Original cover shows visible wear, creases, and edge damage
- Binding remains intact
- Pages are complete and readable
Possible marginal notes, underlining, or light annotations
No missing pages or defects affecting the integrity of the text.

🪶 Collector’s Note
Original 19th-century works such as Curiosités théologiques are increasingly difficult to find, particularly in complete and readable condition. This volume is highly regarded among collectors of occult literature, theological curiosa, and rare religious studies, offering a window into forgotten beliefs and the intellectual climate of its time. A genuine piece of historical esoteric scholarship, long out of print.

🔸 Description

Rare and authentic 19th-century French astronomy manual, titled Manuel d’Astronomie, ou Traité Élémentaire de cette Science dans l’état actuel de nos connaissances.
Published in Paris around 1827, this work belongs to the renowned Roret encyclopedic collection, designed to popularize scientific knowledge during the early modern era.

Authored by Charles-François Bailly de Merlieux (1800–1862), lawyer turned bookseller and prolific scientific vulgarizer, this manual offers a structured and accessible overview of astronomical principles as understood in the early 19th century.

The book is richly illustrated with folding engraved plates, including:
- Solar system diagrams
- Boreal planisphere
- Astronomical instruments
-Geometrical constructions related to celestial mechanics

These plates reflect the pedagogical approach of the period, combining observation, geometry, and cosmology in a tangible and visual manner.

A genuine working manual from its time, bearing the marks of age and use, this volume stands as a compelling artifact of early scientific education and historical astronomy.

🔸 Bibliographic Details

Author: Charles-François Bailly de Merlieux
Publisher: Librairie encyclopédique Roret, Paris
Printer: Imprimerie Crapelet
Year: c. 1827 (undated)
Language: French
Format: In-12
Size: 15.5 × 9.5 cm
Pages: 296 pages (complete)
Illustrations: 4 folding plates (complete)
Weight: approx. 200 g

🔸 Condition

Modest but complete copy, consistent with its age:

- Worn original paper cover, split joints
- Foxing throughout
- Signs of past moisture on upper margins (no loss of text)
- Ink marks on plate n°1, with small tears
- Possible missing title page
- No missing pages
- Binding remains intact

Overall good and honest condition for a scientific manual over 190 years old.

🪶 Collector’s Note
Original scientific manuals of this kind are increasingly scarce, especially with all folding plates present.
A true witness of early modern astronomy, ideal for collectors of antique science books, cosmology, astrology, or historical instruments of knowledge.

From my very rare book collection — long out of print and increasingly difficult to find.

A captivating early-20th-century manual on the art of divination, offering one of the most accessible and influential introductions to French cartomancy of its time.
Published by the Parisian editor A.-L. Guyot, this rare booklet belongs to the inexpensive esoteric collections sold at newsstands and bookshops at the turn of the century—yet very few copies survived in collectible condition.

Richly illustrated on the cover, the book explores the origins and methods of fortune telling with cards, blending practical instruction with occult tradition. It examines the teachings of Etteilla, the legacy of Mademoiselle Lenormand, the symbolic structures of Egyptian Tarot, and the mystical narratives that shaped modern divination in France.

Divided into thematic chapters, it covers subjects such as the history of card reading, the interpretation of suits and spreads, the role of intuition, biographies of famous seers, and the connection between Tarot, the Book of Thoth, and the Bohemian (Romani) esoteric tradition.

🔹 Title: L’Art de Tirer les Cartes
🔹 Author: (Attributed) — Collection A.-L. Guyot
🔹 Publisher: A.-L. Guyot, 20 Rue des Petits-Champs, Paris
🔹 Year: Early 1900s (c.1900–1910)
🔹 Dimensions: approx. 18 × 12 cm
🔹 Pages: Complete
🔹 Language: French
🔹 Binding: Original softcover with illustrated chromolithographed wrapper
🔹 Condition: Adhesive marks and wear to the cover margins; light foxing on some pages; overall solid and remarkably well-preserved for a booklet of 120+ years (as pictured)

All my books are extremely rare and out of print, a great opportunity to own ancient occult wisdom which is hard to find these days.

🪶 Collector’s Note

A beautiful survivor from the early 1900s, this rare Guyot edition captures the birth of modern cartomancy through Lenormand, Etteilla, and the Egyptian Tarot revival. A charming, fragile, and culturally important manual—nearly impossible to find today in complete condition. A treasure for any Tarot or esoteric library.

B.P. Grimaud / Chartier-Marteau & Boudin — Rare French–English Fortune-Telling Deck**

A superb and extremely rare bilingual (French & English) divination deck printed by B.P. Grimaud and published by Chartier-Marteau & Boudin, Paris, circa 1900.
This early Livre du Destin edition is one of the most sought-after historical fortune-telling decks, preserved here with 32 beautifully lithographed cards + the white consultant card, all with their original Scottish plaid back.

Each card features a charming hand-tinted illustration with dual titles (“Un Homme de Loi / A Man of Law”, “L’Amour / Love”, “Maladie / Illness”, etc.).
Card No. 16 still bears its original French tax stamp, confirming its authenticity and era.

The deck is housed in its original box, showing signs of age and handling, yet still full of charm — a perfect piece for collectors of antique cartomancy.

Deck Details:

🔹Publisher: Chartier-Marteau & Boudin
🔹Printer: B.P. Grimaud, Paris
🔹Year: circa 1900
🔹Cards: 32 + 1 white consultant card
🔹Technique: Lithographed faces, plaid backs
🔹Size: 7.2 × 11 cm
🔹Condition:
Cards: very good vintage condition—clean, vivid, and well-preserved
Box: worn with loss and handling marks as shown

🔹Rarity: Extremely rare to find complete, bilingual, and stamped

🪶 Collector’s Note

Early Grimaud divination decks printed for both French and English readers are exceptionally scarce. This Book of Fate edition, with its intact tax stamp and complete set, represents a precious survival of turn-of-the-century cartomantic history. A true treasure for advanced collectors and lovers of antique oracles.

A magnificent and very rare 19th-century French lotto game published by Léon Saussine, Paris, inspired by the timeless fables of Jean de La Fontaine.
This deluxe edition features a superb chromolithographed lid illustrated by Ludovic, depicting La Fontaine surrounded by his anthropomorphic characters—fox, donkey, lion, wolf, and more.

Inside, the box reveals 9 beautifully illustrated boards, each showing two fables at the top and eight numbered titles underneath (72 fables total).
The game also includes:

🔹72 small pink cards printed with the morals of each fable
🔹Two original cloth bags
🔹Period colored tokens
🔹Original printed rules (“Instructif. Intéressant. Facile à jouer.”)

The charm of this lotto lies in its educational twist: to win the jackpot, a player must recite the fable corresponding to the drawn moral—turning gameplay into both amusement and culture.

A rare survivor of French toy history, complete, expressive, and richly decorative.

🔹Dimensions: 37.5 × 29 × 4 cm
🔹Condition: Complete. Box shows expected age-related wear, rubbing and edge wear (see photos). Boards and cards are in very good antique condition. Tokens, bags, and printed rules all present—a remarkable find for collectors.

🪶 Collector’s Note

Games by Léon Saussine are among the most sought-after 19th-century French educational games.
Finding a complete “Jeu des Fables de La Fontaine” with all 72 moral cards, two cloth bags, tokens, and intact chromolitho lid is exceptionally rare.
A museum-worthy piece for collectors of antique games, early chromolithographs, or La Fontaine memorabilia.

🔸 Description (structured)

🔸 Title: L’Avenir Dévoilé par les Cartes
🔸 Author / Pseudonym: Astaroth
🔸 Publisher: La Renaissance du Livre
🔸 Place of publication: Paris
🔸 Estimated year: c. 1881 (late 19th century)
🔸 Language: French
🔸 Pages: 172 pages
🔸 Format: Softcover booklet
🔸 Size: Approx. 18 × 12 cm
🔸 Illustrations: Black & white illustrations of playing cards, spreads, and divinatory layouts
🔸 Subject: Cartomancy, divination by playing cards, fortune telling methods, symbolic interpretation

This rare French occult manual explores divination through playing cards, detailing the meanings of suits, court cards, reversed positions, and various traditional spreads.
The book includes explanations of the Grand Jeu, predictive techniques, symbolic readings, and even dream interpretation through cards.

Based on bibliographic references and advertised titles listed on the back cover, the book is generally dated to around 1881, though some stylistic elements suggest it may have been printed slightly later, possibly in the early 20th century. No explicit publication date is printed.

🔸 Condition

🔸 Book in good antique condition for its age
🔸 Noticeable wear to covers and spine, consistent with late 19th-century paper
🔸 Pages are complete and firmly attached
🔸 Foxing, edge wear, and small tears visible (see photos)
🔸 No missing pages
🔸 Text fully readable

⚠️ This book is entirely in French

🪶 Collector’s Note

A genuine and increasingly scarce cartomantic manual, L’Avenir Dévoilé par les Cartes stands as a fascinating witness to the popular occult literature of fin-de-siècle France. Published under the evocative pseudonym Astaroth, the work bridges folk divination and structured esoteric practice, reflecting a time when card reading was both a salon curiosity and a serious metaphysical pursuit.

Its illustrated spreads and practical tone make it particularly appealing to tarot historians, cartomancy collectors, and occult bibliophiles. Original copies in this condition are becoming difficult to source, especially complete and unrestored.

A beautiful opportunity to own an authentic piece of 19th-century French esoteric heritage.