Scarce Spanish-suited playing card deck reproducing the famous "Visca Catalunya" deck originally designed in 1935.

🔹 Published by Heraclio Fournier, Vitoria, Spain.
🔹 Artwork attributed to Molné, whose signature appears on the Four of Coins card.
🔹 Complete deck of 48 cards plus 2 Fournier information cards.
🔹 Features strong Catalan nationalist symbolism, including the Senyera flag and Catalan heraldic motifs.
🔹 Reproduced from the celebrated 1935 original, one of the most recognizable politically inspired Spanish playing card designs of the 20th century.
🔹 Card size: approximately 90 × 62 mm.
🔹 Complete with its original Fournier box.
🔹 Condition: Very good vintage condition. Cards remain clean and bright with little evidence of use. Box shows moderate age-related wear and edge rubbing consistent with storage.

🪶 Collector's Note

The original 1935 Visca Catalunya deck was produced during a period of strong Catalan cultural and political identity shortly before the Spanish Civil War. Rather than merely reproducing standard Spanish playing cards, artist Molné transformed the traditional suits into distinctly Catalan symbols, creating one of the most visually distinctive regional decks ever published. Fournier's facsimile edition preserves this remarkable historical design and has become increasingly difficult to locate complete with its original packaging.

Beautiful reproduction of a rare 17th-century Spanish playing card deck, faithfully recreated by Fournier in 1983 from an original preserved in the Museum of Playing Cards of Vitoria, Spain.

🔹 Complete deck of 40 cards featuring the traditional Spanish suits: Coins (Oros), Cups (Copas), Swords (Espadas), and Batons (Bastos).
🔹 Distinctive Gothic-style artwork inspired by Spanish Renaissance and early Baroque playing cards.
🔹 Published by Heraclio Fournier, one of Europe's most respected playing card manufacturers.
🔹 Original 1983 edition.
🔹 Square-cornered cards, as issued.
🔹 Complete with its original illustrated slide box and plastic insert tray.
🔹 Condition: Excellent / Near Mint. Opened but apparently unused. Cards remain crisp and clean. Box shows only light storage wear.
🔹 Approximate card size: 9 × 6 cm.

🪶 Collector's Note

Unlike modern Spanish decks, this reproduction preserves the elegant simplicity and medieval character of 17th-century Iberian playing cards. The archaic lettering, restrained color palette, and period court figures make it both a historical artifact and a beautiful display piece. Early Fournier museum reproductions have become increasingly sought after by collectors of traditional European card decks.

Originally published in Tübingen, Germany, in 1805 by publisher J.G. Cotta, this remarkable deck transforms the suit symbols into intricate narrative scenes. The designs are attributed to Countess von Jenison-Walworth, making this one of the earliest known transformation decks created by a female artist.

This 2013 reproduction by Éditions Atlas faithfully recreates the rare original preserved in the prestigious Kharbine-Tapabor Collection in Paris. The deck is particularly notable for its elegant neoclassical style and its inclusion of Joan of Arc, alongside historical, allegorical, and domestic scenes characteristic of early nineteenth-century European card art.

🔹 Reproduction published by Éditions Atlas in 2013
🔹 Based on the rare 1805 Tübingen edition
🔹 Artwork attributed to Countess von Jenison-Walworth
🔹 Standard 52-card deck(complete)
🔹 Card size: approximately 10.5 × 7 cm
🔹 French publication

Condition

🔹 Cards are in excellent condition
🔹 Box present with light wear and minor corner wear from storage
🔹 Clean, bright cards with sharp printing

🪶 Collector's Note

Long before modern artistic playing cards became fashionable, the creators of transformation decks were turning ordinary card symbols into miniature works of art. Instead of simply placing pips on a card, artists cleverly integrated them into scenes of daily life, mythology, literature, and history.

The 1805 Cotta deck is considered one of the masterpieces of the genre and occupies a special place in playing-card history. Surviving originals are exceptionally scarce, with examples known from major collections such as the Kharbine-Tapabor Collection in Paris and the Fournier Museum in Spain.

The elegant engraving style, subtle hand-colored appearance, and historical figures such as Joan of Arc make this deck especially desirable for collectors of antique playing cards, transformation decks, and early nineteenth-century graphic art.

A beautiful reproduction of a deck that most collectors will never encounter in its original form.

This lot includes two complete "Knowledge in a Nutshell" card packs: Presidents of the United States and Kings & Queens of England. Designed as portable reference collections, each card combines a full-color portrait with concise historical information, creating an engaging and accessible introduction to political and royal history.

The Presidents of the United States set contains 41 cards covering every American president from George Washington through Bill Clinton, featuring official White House portraits or photographs alongside biographical summaries and key achievements.

The Kings & Queens of England set contains 40 cards illustrating English monarchs from the Norman Conquest (1066) to the modern era, with historical notes on each reign and major events that shaped England and later Great Britain.

🔹 Complete set of 2 educational card decks
🔹 Presidents of the United States – 41 cards
🔹 Kings & Queens of England – 40 cards
🔹 Kings & Queens of England published 1988
🔹 Presidents of the United States published circa 1995
🔹 Cards in very good vintage condition
🔹 Boxes show expected shelf wear from age and storage

🪶 Collector's Note

Before smartphones and instant online encyclopedias, educational card sets like these were a popular way to explore history. Produced during the late twentieth century, the Knowledge in a Nutshell series transformed important historical figures into collectible pocket-sized reference libraries.

Today, complete examples are becoming increasingly difficult to find, especially when both sets remain together with their original boxes. They appeal not only to collectors of vintage educational materials but also to enthusiasts of American history, British royalty, political memorabilia, historical ephemera, and unusual card collections.

August der Starke und seine Zeit
(Augustus the Strong and His Era)

A fascinating historical playing card deck published in East Germany (DDR) in 1985, celebrating the life and times of Augustus II the Strong (1670–1733), Elector of Saxony and King of Poland.

Designed by renowned German graphic artist Günter Schmitz (1909–2002), the deck features richly illustrated court figures, historical personalities, heraldic emblems, military themes, and scenes inspired by the magnificent Baroque court of Dresden.

🔹 Complete deck of 32 cards + special cards as issued
🔹 Standard German Skat-size format (not miniature)
🔹 Published in East Germany (DDR), 1985
🔹 Designed by Günter Schmitz (1909–2002)
🔹 Manufactured by Altenburger Spielkartenfabrik
🔹 Original booklet included
🔹 Original plastic case included
🔹 Historical theme dedicated to Augustus the Strong and 18th-century Saxony
🔹 Excellent vintage condition

🪶 Collector's Note

Issued during the final decade of the German Democratic Republic, this deck forms part of a series of educational and historical playing cards produced by Altenburger Spielkartenfabrik. The artwork of Günter Schmitz vividly recreates the world of Augustus the Strong, one of the most fascinating rulers of Baroque Europe and the architect of Dresden's golden age.

Complete examples with their original booklet and plastic case are increasingly difficult to find today, making this a desirable collectible for enthusiasts of German history, DDR memorabilia, Skat decks, and historical playing cards.

A beautiful and uncommon Italian collector's deck reproducing a series of romantic scenes from daily life and theatre in Milan during the second half of the 19th century.

Published in 1984 by Edizioni del Solleone, this deck reproduces artwork by an anonymous artist dating from around 1870, preserved in the personal collection of Italian collector Vito Arienti.

Each card features elegant Victorian-era scenes, theatrical interiors, aristocratic figures, city views, and glimpses of everyday life in historic Milan.

🔹 Limited numbered edition: 293/999
🔹 Published by Edizioni del Solleone, Italy (1984)
🔹 Complete deck: 52 cards + 4 Jokers
🔹 Includes original explanatory leaflet in Italian
🔹 Original collector's box
🔹 Reproduces artwork from circa 1870
🔹 Based on an original deck from the Vito Arienti collection
🔹 Cards and box in very good condition

A wonderful acquisition for collectors of historical playing cards, Italian ephemera, Victorian art, theatre memorabilia, and unusual limited-edition decks.

🪶 Collector's Note

During the 1980s, Italian publisher Edizioni del Solleone produced a number of highly regarded historical card reproductions drawn from private collections. This edition is particularly desirable because it was issued in a strictly limited run of only 999 numbered copies and preserves a rare visual record of Milanese society and theatrical culture during the late nineteenth century.

The delicate illustrations evoke the atmosphere of Belle Époque salons, opera houses, aristocratic residences, and city life, making this deck as much an art object as a playing-card set.

A charming and unusual deck celebrating the famous cats of the Greek islands. Each card features a different cat photograph, ranging from adorable kittens to the iconic street cats often seen wandering through the whitewashed villages of Greece.

🔹 Complete deck of 54 playing cards (including Jokers)
🔹 Full-color cat photographs on every card
🔹 Original "Greek Cats" box included
🔹 Plastic-coated cards
🔹 Features cats photographed in a Greek island setting
🔹Standard poker-size playing cards
🔹 Condition: Unopened New Old Stock (NOS)
🔹 Excellent collector's condition

Perfect for cat lovers, collectors of unusual playing cards, Greek travel memorabilia enthusiasts, and anyone who enjoys animal-themed decks.

🪶 Collector's Note

Animal-themed souvenir decks were popular throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, but decks dedicated entirely to Greek island cats are much less common. This deck captures a unique aspect of Greek culture, where cats have become an iconic part of the landscape, especially on islands such as Santorini and the Cyclades.

A rare and fascinating intersection of music, art, and design — this Arnold Schoenberg Playing Cards set (Piatnik, 1981) offers a unique glimpse into the visual world of one of the 20th century’s most influential composers.

Far beyond a traditional deck, these cards reflect Schoenberg’s experimental spirit. Their geometric, almost proto-digital aesthetic feels strikingly modern, echoing the same radical innovation found in his music.

This facsimile edition faithfully reproduces his original early 20th-century designs — where suits, symbols, and figures merge into a bold and unconventional visual language.

🔹 Details

🔸 Artist: Arnold Schoenberg
🔸 Edition: Piatnik (Austria)
🔸 Year: 1981
🔸 Made in Austria

🔹 Includes:

• 52 playing cards (sealed / unused)
• 72-page booklet (English & German)
• Original collector box

🔹 Card size: approx. 10.5 × 5.5 cm (elongated format)

🔹 Condition

🔸 Cards are NEW 
🔸 Box is open with minor signs of age/storage
🔸 Booklet complete and in excellent condition

🪶 Collector’s Note

This is not just a deck of cards — it is a piece of modern art history.
Its presence in institutional collections further highlights its significance.
A rare opportunity to own a museum-referenced artistic deck, preserved in unused condition.

The Game of Worlds is presented as a set of 54 cards, illustrated on the back by W. Siudmak and featuring four questions and answers on the front. A competition was held from June 1st to 30th, 1998, to invent the game's rules. The four best entries, chosen by a jury of experts, each received a copy of the books published by Pocket SF in 1998.

Featuring authors such as J. R. R. Tolkien, Frank Herbert, Isaac Asimov, H. P. Lovecraft, and Terry Pratchett, this game invites players to test their knowledge of legendary fantasy and sci-fi universes through illustrated cards and quiz questions.

A nostalgic piece blending literature, gaming, and retro design.

🔹 Includes: Complete set of illustrated cards + question/answer cards
🔸 Title: Le Jeu des Mondes
🔸 Publisher: Pocket
🔸 Theme: Fantasy & Science Fiction literature
🔸 Language: French
🔸 Format: Compact boxed card game

Good overall condition. The box shows visible wear due to age and storage. Cards remain in good condition.
⚠️One card is slightly torn (last photo)

🪶 Collector’s Note

A charming and uncommon literary-themed game, bringing together some of the greatest names in fantasy and science fiction. A perfect collectible for book lovers, retro game collectors, or fans of classic Pocket editions.

A charming vintage London playing cards set, “Circa 1970s” including:

• A genuine leather case with snap closure
• Embossed with the City of London coat of arms in gold
• A Casino 300 deck by Bancroft & Partners Ltd (London SW1)

The leather case shows a beautiful natural patina, giving it a classic and authentic vintage character.

🔹 Brand: Bancroft & Partners Ltd
🔹 Origin: London, UK - “Circa 1970s”
🔹 Deck: Casino 300 playing cards
🔹 Case: Genuine leather (gold embossed “City of London”)
🔹 Closure: Snap button

🪶 Collector’s Note

A refined vintage playing card set from the 70s featuring a genuine leather case embossed with the City of London crest, paired with a classic Casino 300 deck by Bancroft & Partners (London SW1).

This type of set was typically sold as a souvenir or gentleman’s accessory — blending practicality with understated British elegance.

The combination of aged leather, gold embossing, and vintage London branding makes it a highly collectible piece, appealing both to card enthusiasts and lovers of traditional English style.

A rare vintage Pont-à-Mousson S.A. double deck card set, presented in its original box.

This set includes two complete decks, each with a distinct back color (red and yellow), housed in a custom-designed presentation case branded with the company name.

Originally produced as a corporate gift, this deck features a unique concept where each suit represents a branch of the company’s industrial activity, making it both a functional playing card set and a symbolic promotional object.

🔹 Publisher: Industrie Service (Jorg Hermle design)
🔹 Company: Pont-à-Mousson S.A. (France)
🔹 Type: Corporate / promotional playing cards
🔹 Number of decks: 2 (complete)
🔹 Colors: Red back & Yellow back
🔹 Box: Original presentation box included
🔹 Language: French
🔹 Era: c. 1960s
🔹 Size: Standard playing card size

🪶 Collector’s Note

This unique card set was specially created for Pont-à-Mousson S.A., a historic French industrial company, as a corporate gift or promotional item.

Far from a standard deck, it embodies a symbolic representation of the company’s activities, with each suit linked to a specific industrial domain:

• ♠ Spades – canalisation (pipes & infrastructure)
• ♥ Hearts – mécanique (mechanics)
• ♦ Diamonds – robinetterie (valves & fittings)
• ♣ Clubs – compteurs (meters)

Such corporate decks were never sold commercially, making them today highly collectible pieces at the crossroads of industrial history and graphic design.

A rare and unusual find, especially complete with its original presentation box and both decks intact.

Discover a remarkable historical reproduction with the Jeu de Cotta, published by Grimaud in 1984 for an exhibition in Rouen.

Originally created in 1804 by Cotta in Germany, this deck belongs to the rare category of transformation playing cards, where traditional suit symbols are artistically embedded into detailed engraved scenes.

🔹 Publisher: Baptiste Paul Grimaud
🔹 Made in France
🔹 52 cards + 2 jokers
🔹 Card size: 88 x 62 mm
🔹 Square corners

🔹 Condition:
• Cards in excellent condition
• Box shows light wear

A refined and collectible piece for enthusiasts of historical playing cards and antique reproductions.

🪶 Collector’s Note

A refined reproduction of the historic Jeu de Cotta (1804), this deck belongs to the rare tradition of transformation playing cards, where suit symbols are artistically integrated into detailed engraved scenes.

Published by Grimaud for a Rouen exhibition in 1984, this edition reflects both historical preservation and artistic heritage, making it especially appealing to collectors of early European card design.

This elegant double deck set was produced in the 90s for the Musée de l’Armée in Paris, featuring detailed illustrations of French infantry regiments from the Ancien Régime (circa 1757).

Each card showcases historical military figures, making this set both decorative and educational.

🔹 Includes:
• 2 complete decks (54 cards each)
• Original presentation box

🔹 Condition:
• Cards still sealed (new old stock)
• Box in very good condition

🔹 Made in France by HERON

A refined collectible for lovers of French history, military heritage, and vintage playing cards.

🪶 Collector’s Note

Unlike standard playing cards, this set was designed as a museum souvenir, giving it a cultural dimension tied to one of France’s most important historical institutions.

Step into a forgotten artistic tradition with this rare “Gerente” deck, published in 1983 as part of the Cartes de Fantaisie series and printed by B.P. Grimaud.
Inspired by 15th and 16th century woodcut imagery, this deck draws from the work of Alfred Gerente, whose interpretations of medieval motifs influenced stained glass designs across France.
The card backs feature the iconic labyrinth of Amiens Cathedral, symbolising the initiatory path — a powerful and rare design element.

🔹 Publisher: Moncar
🔹 Printer: B.P. Grimaud
🔹 Year: 1983

🔹 Includes:
• 52 cards + 2 jokers
• Original box
• Information card
🔹 Card size: 88 x 62 mm
🔹 Square corners
A beautiful blend of history, symbolism, and graphic elegance.

🪶 Collector’s Note

This deck belongs to a lesser-known series that bridges playing cards and historical art reproduction.

Unlike mass-market Grimaud decks, the Cartes de Fantaisie line appeals to collectors seeking:

• unique visual identities
• cultural references
• and symbolic depth

👉 The Amiens labyrinth back alone makes it stand out.

A rare and historically inspired deck titled “Jeu de cartes au portrait de Paris – Hector de Trois”, produced by B.P. Grimaud (France) around 1969.

This edition is based on a 17th-century Parisian card design, originally preserved in the archives of the Bibliothèque Nationale. It reflects the distinctive artistic style of early French playing cards, with bold figures, stylized faces, and a limited yet striking color palette.

Unlike standard decks, these cards feature a wide format (88 × 63 mm), enhancing their visual presence and historical character.

🔸 Publisher: B.P. Grimaud, France
🔸 Year: c.1969
🔸 Format: Wide cards (88 x 63 mm)
🔸 Origin: Based on XVIIe century Paris pattern

⚠️ Condition

🔸 Cards: Very good condition
• Clean and well preserved
• Light signs of handling

🔸 Box:
• Original box included
• Visible wear due to age

🪶 Collector’s Note

This deck is part of Grimaud’s effort to revive historical French playing cards, making it especially appealing to collectors of antique patterns and museum reproductions.

The Hector de Trois design is less common than standard Grimaud decks and stands out for its authentic Parisian heritage and unusual format.

🔸 Title: Naumburg Playing Cards (C.T. Lutor reproduction)
🔸 Publisher: Franz-Josef Holler
🔸 Origin: Germany
🔸 Year: 1984
🔸 Cards: 32 cards (complete)
🔸 Card size: approx. 95 × 55 mm
🔸 Type: Historical German reproduction deck
🔸 Box: Original box (lid missing)

This deck is a reproduction of early German playing cards attributed to C.T. Lutor of Naumburg, featuring traditional German suits and finely detailed historical illustrations.

The artwork reflects early European cardmaking traditions, with elegant figures, symbolic motifs, and soft antique color tones faithfully recreated in this 1984 German edition.

🔸 Condition:
• Cards in very good condition
• Original box present but top lid is missing
• Light signs of age consistent with storage

🪶 Collector’s Note

This edition by Franz-Josef Holler (1984) is part of a series of historical reproductions preserving rare European card patterns.

The Naumburg design is particularly sought after by collectors of German regional decks, offering a glimpse into early cardmaking traditions rarely seen today.

Despite the missing lid, the deck remains a highly displayable and collectible piece, especially due to its complete card set and charming miniature format.

🔸 Title: Carte da Gioco Italiane – Tipo Bologna
🔸 Model: No. 85
🔸 Publisher: Grimaud / France Cartes
🔸 Origin: France (Italian pattern cards)
🔸 Production period: circa 2000–2010

🔸 System: Traditional Italian Bologna pattern
🔸 Cards: Standard Italian-suited deck
🔸 Card size: approx. 50 × 90 mm
🔸 Box: Original cardboard tuck box

This deck reproduces the classic Bologna Italian playing card pattern, traditionally used for games such as Scopa, Briscola, Scopone, and Tressette.

The cards were printed by France Cartes, the company that acquired Grimaud, continuing the production of traditional European playing card patterns.

🔸 Condition:
• Cards in very good condition
• Box shows minor wear from storage

🪶 Collector’s Note

These decks are still appreciated by collectors and players for their faithful reproduction of the traditional Bologna card design and the printing quality associated with the historic Grimaud name.

🔸 Title: BANCO Playing Cards
🔸 Type: Playing card deck
🔸 Origin: France
🔸 Manufacturer: BANCO
🔸 Address on box: 58-60 rue Jean-Bleuzen, Vanves (Seine), France
🔸 Cards: 33 cards
🔸 Card size: Normal format
🔸 Packaging: Original sliding cardboard tuck box

🔸 Design:
Classic French playing card design featuring traditional court cards and suits (spades, hearts, diamonds, clubs). The deck uses a simple but elegant mid-century style typography and color palette, typical of small travel decks produced in France during the mid-20th century.

🔸 Special feature:
Ultra-compact format, designed to be easily carried in a pocket or travel bag.

🔸 Condition:
• Cards show light vintage wear consistent with age
• Original box present with visible aging and wear
• Overall very good collectible condition

🪶 Collector’s Note

Small pocket decks like this BANCO card set were extremely popular in France during the 1950s–1970s, often sold in tobacco shops, kiosks, and travel stores.

Their compact format made them perfect for train journeys, cafés, and vacations, where a full-size deck would be impractical.

Today these miniature decks have become collectible curiosities, particularly when the original box survives, as many were heavily used and rarely preserved intact.

A rare and elegant reproduction of the historical Dames de France deck, originally published in Paris in 1856 by Grimaud under the name Jeu Historique. 
The “Dames de France” deck honors noble women like Jeanne d’Albret, Blanche de Castille, and Marguerite de Valois...
Each card features a detailed historical portrait inspired by 19th-century engravings, making these decks a delightful blend of history, art, and classic French design.

🔹 Publisher: Grimaud / France Cartes
🔹 Edition: Vintage reprint of the 1856 Jeu Historique
🔹 Cards: 52 suited cards + 1 explanatory card
🔹 Size: 88 × 62 mm
🔹 Condition: Cards are in good condition; outer box shows shelf wear as pictured! (see photos).

A collector’s gem, preserved with the refinement and printing quality that made Grimaud famous. Perfect for lovers of French history and antique playing cards.

This elegant vintage Chinese playing card deck features traditional ink-style landscape art on the box and finely illustrated court and number cards inspired by classical Chinese history and folklore. The artwork depicts dynamic martial scenes, scholars, warriors, and legendary figures, rendered in a refined watercolor style with Chinese calligraphy inscriptions.

The deck follows a Western playing card structure (suits, court cards, Joker) while fully embracing Chinese artistic and cultural aesthetics. The box design, vertical calligraphy label, and included Chinese reference card suggest a production intended both for play and as a collectible cultural object.

This type of deck was commonly produced in East Asia during the late 20th century, often for export or cultural presentation, and is now becoming increasingly difficult to find complete with its original box.

🔹 Details

Publisher: Unknown (China / East Asia)
Game type: Playing cards (Western-style deck with Chinese artwork)
Theme: Classical Chinese history, folklore & martial imagery
Period: Late 20th century (circa 1980s–1990s)
Number of cards: Standard playing card deck with Joker
Language: Chinese characters on cards and box
Card size: Standard playing card format
Box: Original illustrated cardboard box with vertical calligraphy label

Includes:
Complete deck of cards
Original illustrated box
Chinese reference / instruction card

Condition:
Cards in good vintage condition
Box shows visible wear and edge wear consistent with age (see photos)

🪶 Collector’s Note

This deck stands out for its harmonious fusion of Western playing card structure and traditional Chinese visual culture. The dynamic figures, calligraphy accents, and landscape motifs make it appealing both as a functional deck and as a display piece. Complete examples with the original box and reference card are increasingly uncommon, making this a desirable item for collectors of Asian ephemera, vintage playing cards, or cross-cultural game design.

🔸 Title: Baraja Española Neoclásica – Reproducción Histórica de 1810
🔸 Original engraver / model: Clemente Roxas
🔸 Original year: 1810
🔸 Place of origin (model): Madrid, Spain
🔸 Type: Historical reproduction Spanish playing cards
🔸 Publisher / Manufacturer: Heraclio Fournier
🔸 Place of manufacture: Vitoria, Spain
🔸 Cards: Traditional Spanish deck (historic format)
🔸 Theme: Spanish Neoclassicism – allegorical and courtly imagery
🔸 Artwork: Faithful reproduction of early 19th-century neoclassical engravings
🔸 Iconography: Classical urns, allegories, cherubs, banners, court figures
🔸 Language: Spanish
🔸 Box: Original illustrated cardboard box with period-inspired design
🔸 Made in: Spain

🔸 Condition:
Cards are in very good vintage condition, clean, sharp, and well preserved, with strong colors and no major defects.
The original box shows visible signs of age and storage, including edge wear, light staining, and surface wear (clearly visible in photos).

🪶 Collector’s Note
This Baraja Española Neoclásica (1810) is a refined historical reproduction drawn from an original Madrid engraving by Clemente Roxas, capturing the elegance and symbolism of Spanish neoclassical design at the dawn of the 19th century. Produced by Heraclio Fournier in Vitoria, this edition reflects the publisher’s long-standing commitment to preserving Iberian card heritage with scholarly accuracy.

The restrained palette, balanced compositions, and classical motifs place this deck at the crossroads between Enlightenment order and Romantic sensibility. Highly appreciated by collectors of Spanish playing cards, neoclassical art, and historical reproductions, it stands as a dignified and culturally significant piece for any serious collection.

A charming and nostalgic vintage playing card deck illustrated in the unmistakable style of Betsey Clark, published by Hallmark Cards Inc.
This delightful deck captures the soft, innocent, and storybook-like aesthetic that made Betsey Clark illustrations beloved worldwide.

The card backs feature tender pastoral scenes with childlike characters beneath flowering trees, rendered in gentle pastel tones. The faces follow a classic French-style layout, creating a beautiful contrast between traditional playing card structure and whimsical illustration.

Produced for Hallmark and manufactured in Spain, this deck remains a sought-after collectible for lovers of vintage illustration, childhood ephemera, and decorative playing cards.

Artist: Betsey Clark
Cards: 54 playing cards
Style: Standard playing card deck

This elegant double-deck set issued by the Musée de l’Armée in Paris is a refined homage to French military history of the Ancien Régime. The cards reproduce historical uniform plates of the Régiment d’Infanterie de Lorraine, following the regulation of 1757, a pivotal period in the standardisation of French military dress.

🔸 Title: French Playing Cards – 2 Jeux de 54 Cartes – Régiment d’Infanterie de Lorraine
🔸 Institution: Musée de l’Armée – Paris
🔸 Historical reference: Ancien Régime – Règlement de 1757
🔸 Type: Historical reproduction playing cards
🔸 Contents:
– 2 complete decks of 54 cards (108 cards total)
🔸 Theme: French military history – infantry regiments
🔸 Artwork: Based on period military illustrations and uniform plates
🔸 Card backs: Burgundy red with “Comédie-Française” marking (as issued)
🔸 Box: Original rigid museum presentation box with inner divider
🔸 Language: French
🔸 Made in: France
🔸 Publisher / Distributor: Réunion des Musées Nationaux / Musée de l’Armée
🔸 Safety marking: CE – HERON S.A. (as printed on box)

🔸 Condition:
Cards are in very good condition, clean, sharp, and well preserved, with no visible damage.
The original box shows noticeable wear consistent with age and storage, including edge wear, scuffs, and handling marks (clearly visible in photos).
A complete and solid museum-issued set.

🪶 Collector’s Note

Produced as a cultural and educational object rather than a commercial novelty, this set belongs to the tradition of museum-issued playing cards—objects designed to bridge history, art, and daily use. The inclusion of two full 54-card decks in a single presentation box makes this a particularly appealing item for collectors of military ephemera, historical playing cards, and French institutional editions.

Tas de beaux jeux tu sais is a vintage French standard 54-card deck, published by Studio Aventures and credited to Agatha Grizbi, as part of the Cordon Noir series.

The deck itself follows a classic French playing card structure:
52 standard cards + Jokers
Traditional suits and faces
No special rules or illustrations on the faces

What makes this deck collectible and distinctive is its unique graphic identity:
A custom card back design
A striking black-and-yellow Cordon Noir box, with minimalist typography and literary flair

This type of release was typical of late 20th-century French editorial experimentation, where standard objects were recontextualized through design, language, and presentation.

🔹 Condition
Original box present, showing visible wear and aging
Cards complete and usable
Normal wear consistent with age, no replacements

The set includes 30 beautifully illustrated cards, each featuring a real photograph of a dog breed on the front and an informative description on the back. The texts explain the origin, physical characteristics, and temperament of each breed in clear and accessible French.

“J’apprends à reconnaître… Les Chiens” is a charming French educational card set designed to help children (and curious adults) recognize and learn about different dog breeds.

Originally created as an educational tool, this vintage set also appeals to dog lovers, collectors of animal-themed ephemera, and fans of French educational games. The simple cardboard box and minimalist design reflect early 2000s educational publishing.

📌 Language: French
📌 Content: 30 cat breed dogs
📌 Format: Small card deck in original box
Box dimensions: 10 x 8 x 2 cm

The set includes 24 beautifully illustrated cards, each featuring a real photograph of a cat breed on the front and an informative description on the back. The texts explain the origin, physical characteristics, and temperament of each breed in clear and accessible French.

“J’apprends à reconnaître… Les Chats” is a charming French educational card set designed to help children (and curious adults) recognize and learn about different cat breeds.

Originally created as an educational tool, this vintage set also appeals to cat lovers, collectors of animal-themed ephemera, and fans of French educational games. The simple cardboard box and minimalist design reflect early 2000s educational publishing.

📌 Language: French
📌 Content: 24 cat breed cards
📌 Format: Small card deck in original box
Box dimensions: 10 x 8 x 2 cm

Issued in 1989 to commemorate the Bicentennial of the French Revolution (1789–1989), this special playing card deck was produced in France by Héron as a single commemorative edition.

While retaining the structure of a traditional French-suited deck, the court cards are entirely reimagined with double-ended, full-color portraits of key figures of the French Revolution, including Louis XVI, Marie-Antoinette, Robespierre, Danton, Madame Roland, and Barbaroux.
The Ace of Clubs prominently features the emblem “La Loi” (The Law), reinforcing the historical and symbolic intent of the deck.

Both historically evocative and visually striking, this deck stands at the crossroads of playing cards, political memory, and graphic heritage, making it a compelling collectible for historians and card enthusiasts alike.

Deck Details

🔹 Title: 1789–1989 Bicentennial of the French Revolution
🔹 Publisher / Printer: Héron, France
🔹 Year: 1989
🔹 Cards: 54 cards (52 + 2 Jokers) + 1 French contract bridge card
🔹 Card Size: approx. 2¼ × 3⅜ inches (57 × 86 mm)
🔹 Indices: Traditional French indices
🔹 Language: French
🔹 Condition:
Cards are used but still good; outer box shows shelf wear as pictured!

🪶 Collector’s Note

This is a true period commemorative deck, not a modern reprint. Produced exclusively for the Bicentennial celebrations, it captures how late-20th-century France chose to visually reinterpret its revolutionary past.
Decks featuring named historical figures in a standard playing card format are uncommon, making this a particularly desirable piece for collectors of political ephemera, French history, and commemorative playing cards.

A charming commemorative French deck celebrating the 14 July 1789 – Prise de la Bastille, illustrated in a vintage Revolutionary style.
Each court card represents an allegorical figure tied to the ideals of the Revolution:

🔹 Kings = Génies (Peace, Arts, War, Commerce)
🔹 Queens = Liberté (Marriage, Cults, Press, Professions)
🔹 Jacks = Égalité (Rights, Duties, Rank, Colours)

The back design features crossed flags and the motto LIBERTÉ – ÉGALITÉ – FRATERNITÉ, with inscriptions marking the historic date.

A unique collector’s deck mixing history, symbolism, and patriotic charm.

🔹 Publisher: France (circa late 1980s – early 1990s)
🔹 Cards: 52 + 2 Jokers
🔹 Theme: French Revolution / Bastille Day
🔹 Condition: Cards are sealed. Box shows minor wear as pictured.

Perfect for collectors of historical playing cards, French memorabilia, or Revolutionary-era themed decks.

A rare limited-edition transformation deck published by Edizioni del Solleone in 1984, faithfully reproducing the charming 1887 Nuremberg deck known as Gatto Nero / Schwarze Katze / The Black Cat.
Printed in only 800 hand-numbered copies, this edition was curated by Vito Arienti and remains one of the most collectible Solleone releases.

The deck contains 40 + 1 transformation cards, where each card integrates its suit pips into whimsical scenes inspired by 19th-century German illustrations, Nuremberg gingerbread imagery, and the mischievous symbolism of the black cat.

This copy is No. 84 / 800.

🔹 Title: Schwarze Katze / Gioco del Gatto Nero / The Black Cat
🔹 Publisher: Edizioni del Solleone, Lissone (Italy), 1984
🔹 Original deck: Anonymous, Nuremberg 1887
🔹 Contents: 40 + 1 transformation cards (including Joker)
🔹 Languages: Italian, German, English
🔹 Card size: approx. 6.5 × 11 cm
🔹 Condition: Very good overall; cards clean and crisp, box well preserved

🪶 Collector’s Note

Solleone’s limited-edition reprints from the 1980s are now highly sought after, especially those curated by Vito Arienti.
The Gatto Nero deck stands out for its playful 19th-century transformation style, its tiny print run of only 800 copies, and its historical charm rooted in Nuremberg’s gingerbread traditions.
Copies in such good condition — and with a number as low as 84 — rarely appear on the market.

Step back into the storm and color of 1789 with this rare Jeu de la Révolution published by France Cartes (Grimaud) in 1988, created by artist Silvia Maddonni with the collaboration of Gilles Moinot.

The deck presents vivid, humorous, yet historically informed portraits of key figures of the Revolution — Louis XVI, Olympe de Gouges, Danton, Robespierre, Charlotte Corday, and many more.
Each court card includes a famous quotation associated with the character, while the Aces and Jokers depict iconic revolutionary archetypes such as sans-culottes, tricoteuses, and muscadins.

The artwork captures the movement, drama, and spirit of revolutionary France through Maddonni’s lively style, blending historical detail with playful illustration.

🔹 Publisher: France Cartes / Grimaud
🔹 Year: 1988 — Out of Print
🔹 Artist: Silvia Maddonni
🔹 Contents: Complete 52-card deck + 2 Jokers + introductory card + bilingual leaflet (FR/EN)
🔹 Card size: approx. 6.3 × 8.7 cm
🔹 Leaflet: Full descriptions of characters in French & English
🔹 Condition:
• Cards: Very Good (clean, bright, minimal wear)
• Box: Worn from storage, as shown in photos

🪶 Collector’s Note

This 1988 France Cartes edition has become increasingly hard to find, especially complete with its original bilingual leaflet.
Released for the 200th anniversary of the French Revolution, it was printed only once and never reissued.
Silvia Maddonni’s artwork has since gained a small cult following for its expressive, theatrical portrayal of Revolution-era characters.