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Descriptive Summary

Repository: Houghton Library, Harvard College Library, Harvard University
Location: b
Call No.: MS Am 2204
Creator: Whitney, James Edward, collector.
Title: Playing cards,
Date(s): ca 1500-1920.
Quantity: 15 boxes (16 linear ft.)
Abstract: Collection of packs of playing cards, dating from the early 16th to the early 20th century, from around the world.

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Scope and Content

Collection of packs of playing cards, both manuscript and printed, from early 16th century to early 20th century. Most packs incomplete. Includes cards from Austria, China, England, France, Germany, Hindustan, Hopi Tribe, Japan, Korea, Spain, Sweden, United States, and others.

Bibliography

Note: Books referred to in this catalogue are: CHATTO. Facts and Speculations on the Origin and History of Playing Cards. By William Andrew Chatto. London: John Russell Smith, 1848. CULIN. Korean Games, with notes on the corresponding Games of China and Japan. Philadelphia; University of Pennsylvania, 1895. By Stewart Culin. The Gambling Games of the Chinese in America. By Stewart Culin. Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania, 1891. MERLIN. Origine des Cartes a Jouer. Recherches nouvelles sur les naibis, les tarots, at sur les autres especes de cartes. Par R. Merlin. Paris, 1869. O'DONOGHUE. Catalogue of the Collection of Playing Cards bequeathed to the Trustees of the British Museum by Lady Charlotte Schreiber. By Freeman Marius O'Donoghue. London: Published by order of the Trustees of the British Museum, 1901. SINGER. Researches into the History of Playing Cards, etc. By Samuel Weller Singer. London: R. Triphook, 1816. TAYLOR. The History of Playing Cards, etc. By Rev. Edward S. Taylor. London: J. C. Hotten, 1865. WILKINSON. The Chinese Origin of Playing Cards. By William Henry Wilkinson. In The American Anthropologist for January, 1895. WILLSHIRE. A Descriptive Catalogue of Playing and other Cards in the British Museum etc. By W. Hughes Willshire, M. D. London, Published by order of the Trustees of the Museum, 1876-1877.

Container List

• (1) AMERICAN PACK, ca. 1840-1870. 52 cards, and a blank card to be used as a "Mistigris", or "Joker" card. 3 1/2 x 2 1/2 in.
  The Ace of Spades is printed in blue, the pip being formed of the "Stars and Stripes," surrounded by an ornamental device, and surmounted by the American Eagle, with the motto: "E Pluribus Unum." Around and below are printed the names of the manufacturers, "Lawrence & Cohen. No. 184 William St., N. Y." The figures on the Court Cards are drawn full length, and the faces are tinted flesh colour. Corners are square. The backs are ornamented with an elaborate device printed in blue.
  The pack is enclosed in a paper wrapper, printed in blue, bearing the picture of an American eagle, and the name, "L. I. Cohen, New York. Fine Eagle Cards." On the wrapper is a five cent Internal Revenue stamp bearing the name: "Samuel Hart & Co."
  Bought of Thomas Groom & Co., Boston, May, 1901. This firm had had these cards in their shop for many years.
  Packs Nos. 1 and 2 represent the type of cards which were in common use in the United States from about 1840 to 1870, when the modern kind with "double and in reverse" figures on the Court Cards, began to displace the old "single-headed" cards.

• (2) AMERICAN PACK, ca. 1840-1870. 52 cards, and a blank card to be used as a "Mistigris", or Joker card. 3 1/2 x 2 1/2 in.
  Identical with No. 1, save that all the printing is in red, and the colouring of the Court Cards is somewhat different.
  From the same source as No. 1.
  Packs Nos. 1 and 2 represent the type of cards which were in common use in the United States from about 1840 to 1870, when the modern kind with "double and in reverse" figures on the Court Cards, began to displace the old "single-headed" cards.

• (3) ENGLISH PACK, ca. 1775-1800. 52 cards. 3 5/8 x 2 1/2 in.
  The Ace of Spades is printed: "Geo. III Rex. N. 29. Henry Hart. Exportation." The pip is surmounted by a crown, and surrounded by the Garter, with the mottoes: "Honi soit qui mal y pense," and "Dieu et mon droit."
  The figures on the Court Cards are drawn full length, and are of the quaint type common to English cards of the eighteenth century and earlier, - quite different from the later designs on the preceding packs, Nos. 1 and 2. Corners square. Backs plain white.
  The cards are badly soiled and worn. They were probably imported for use in America during the last quarter of the eighteenth century.
  Bought of J. Woods, Cambridge, Mass., May, 1902.

• (4) FRENCH MINIATURE PACK. 52 cards. 2 3/8 x 1 3/4 in.
  On each Court Card is printed the name of the manufacturer, "B. P. Grimaud, France."
  The figures on the Court Cards are drawn as busts, double and in reverse, of the type common to modern French cards. The face of each card is surrounded by a border of fine gilt lines to the depth of about 3/16ths. of an inch. Corners square. Backs plain blue.
  Packs of cards of this size are intended primarily for games of "Patience."
  Bought of a stationer in Boston, May, 1902.

• (5) AMERICAN PACK, ca. 1803-1812. 52 cards. 5/8 x 2 1/2 in.
  On the Ace of Spades is printed: "American Manufacture. N. Y. Card Manufactory. 102 John St." Above the pip is a spread eagle, surmounted by 17 stars, evidently one for each State of the Union at the time the cards were made, which would place the date between 1803 and 1812. The figures on the Court Cards, drawn at full length, resemble those on Pack No. 3. The letters "C. B." are printed on each of the figures. Corners square. Backs marked with fine dotted blue lines, in small diamond figures.
  The cardboard is thin and of poor quality, and the cards are soiled and worn.
  Gift of Mrs. M. H. Fowler, Newburyport, September, 1902.

• (6) SPANISH PACK, from PUERTO RICO, 1889. 48 cards. 3 5/8 x 2 1/4 in.
  The suit-marks are of the Spanish type, -Oros= Money Copas = Cups, Espadas = Swords, Bastos = Clubs. The Court Cards are Rey = King, Caballo = Knight, Sota = Attendant, or, Page. The Ace of Oros is printed: "Rl. Ea. de Md. 1889." The second contracted word is misspelled, and should be "Fa.", the inscription signifying, "Real Fabrica de Madrid." On the suit-mark of the Ace of Oros is figured the Lion of Leon, and on the central suit-mark of the 5 of Oros the crowned Lion of Castile. On the 4 of Copas is printed: "Naypes Finos" = "Fine Playing Cards." The numeral value of each card is marked by Roman numerals in diagonally opposite corners of the card. Corners square. Backs covered with fine interlacing lines in pink.Around the face of each card is a narrow border line of black, surrounding the design. In the suit of Oros this line is broken once, above and below: in Espadas, twice: and in Bastos, three times. This is a common, but not an invariable, characteristic of Spanish cards.
  The material of the cards is a thick paper, instead of cardboard. The pack is enclosed in a paper wrapper, printed in pink. On the face is a sun, with the words: "A todos alumbre" = "It shines for all,"-and four Oros suit-marks: on each side are the words: "Naipes Finos."
  Gift of Charles B. Howard, September, 1902.

• (7) ITALIAN PACK, 40 cards. 3 11/16 x 1 15/16 in
  The suit-marks are of the Italian type, -Denari = Money: Coppe = Cups: Spade = Swords: Bastoni = Clubs. The Court Cards are Re = King: Cavallo =Knight: Fante = Attendant, or, Knave. On the Ace of Denari is pictured a crowned eagle, bearing on its breast the suit-mark, on which is imprinted the Duty Stamp, a head of Mercury, with the words: "Regno d'Italia. Centesimi 30." and the maker's name, "Gius. Beghi, Piacenza." The designs of the figures on the Court Cards and of the suit-marks in this pack closely resemble those of Spanish cards. In the typical Italian cards the Kings are seated, and in the suits of Bastoni and Spade the suit-marks are intertwined and curved, while in Spanish cards the Kings are standing, and the Clubs are separate, thick, knobbed bludgeons: the Swords, short-bladed Roman swords, just as in this pack. The Italian packs of 40 cards were originally made up for games of Ombre, and followed the Spanish type, and although used to-day for other games, it still seems to be the custom to adhere to Spanish characteristics in packs of this number. Corners square. Backs are printed with an ornamental device in blue. The cards are very thick and clumsy. The back layer of paper is brought over and folded around the edge of each card, so as to form a raised border of about 3/8 of an inch wide, - a common characteristic of Italian cards.
  Gift of Frederick W. Bancroft, who got the pack in Florence in 1902.

• (8) ENGLISH PACK, ca. 1776-1789. 52 cards. 3 1/2 x 2 3/8 in.
  The Ace of Spades is printed: "Geo. III Rex. Hunt & Sons. Duty One and Sixpence. No. 71." and is surmounted by a crown and surrounded by a Garter, with mottoes, as in Pack No. 3. The figures on the Court Cards are drawn at full length and are similar to those on Pack No. 3. Corners square. Backs plain white.
  Bought of James Tregaskis, London, 1902.

• Shelved with item (11) (9) ENGLISH PACK, ca. 1776-1789. 52 cards. 3 5/8 x 2 1/2 in.
  The Ace of Spades is printed: "Geo. III Rex. Hall & Son. Duty One and Sixpence. No. 54." and is ornamented with a crown, the Garter and mottoes, as is the corresponding card of the preceding pack. The figures on the Court Cards are slightly different in design from those of Pack No. 8.
  According to the dealer from whom I bought these cards the amount of the duty places the date of Packs Nos. 8 and 9 between 1776 and 1789, but I have not confirmed this assertion.
  Bought of James Tregaskis, London, 1902.

• (10) GERMAN PACK, ca. 1800-1825. 36 cards. 3 5/8 x 2 1/4 in.
  The suit-marks are of the German type which superseded the Italian type very soon after cards were introduced into Germany. They are, Eicheln = Acorns: Schellen = Bells: Roth or Herzen = Hearts: Grün or Laub = Leaves. The numerals are Daus or Deuce, which ranks highest, and 6 to 10. The Court Cards are König = King: Obermann, and Untermann. In cards of the true German type there is no Queen, her place being taken by the Obermann, while the third Court Card, corresponding to the English Knave, is represented by the Untermann. On the former card the suit-mark appears in the upper right-hand corner, above the honour figure, and on the latter the suit-mark is placed in the lower right-hand corner.
  On the Daus of Hearts is printed the maker's name: "v. d. Osten. Stralsund," and the Duty mark, a circular black imprint bearing the Imperial Eagle and the words: "Stralsund Drei S: Gr:" The name of the maker is also engraved on the 8 of Herzen. The figures on the Court Cards are drawn at full length. The Kings are in royal dress, but the figures on the other cards are men of all classes, and are not, as in Italian and Spanish cards, confined to persons of the military orders, knights and pages. Each Daus bears a picture of some historical building or a monument. On every other numeral card is, in addition to the suit-marks, a fanciful coloured picture, - sportsmen, peasants dancing, etc. This is a common feature of German cards. This custom of adorning the cards with small pictures may be compared with the fashion of portraying little figures on certain cards of Italian Minchiate packs: in the latter, however, the pictures are always the sameand are confined to particular cards, while on German cards the design is varied at the whim of the artist, and one is pictured on each numeral. Corners square. Backs figured in pink.
  The cards are in perfect condition, although they date from the first quarter of the nineteenth century.
  Bought of James Tregaskis, London, 1902.

• (11) GERMAN PACK, probably before 1840. 36 cards. 4 x 2 3/8 in.
  The Suits, Court Cards and Numeral cards are of the German type, as in the preceding pack.
  On the Daus of Herzen is the maker's name and place of manufacture: "Fabrik in Berlin von C. A. Müller," and the Duty mark, - the Imperial Eagle and the words: "Berlin. Drei S. Gr." The numeral cards, except the Daus, are adorned with small coloured pictures.
  This pack resembles the preceding one, but the designs are of much inferior execution and the cards are not of so good a quality. The date is probably prior to 1840. The cards are in excellent condition.
  Bought of James Tregaskis, London, 1902.

• (12) AMERICAN PACK. 52 cards. 3 1/2 x 2 1/2 in.
  The Ace of Spades is elaborately engraved and bears the maker's name etc.: "Excelsior. A. Dougherty, Manufacturer, New York." The figures on the Court Cards are drawn double busts in reverse.Corners square. Backs printed with an elaborate device in green.
  The cards are of superfine quality. The person from whom I bought them told me that he had had them in his shop since about 1875.
  These cards are of the type in use just before the introduction of the present type with rounded corners and "indicators." "Double-headed" cards began to come into general use in England and in the United States about 1870, although Continental makers had issued them a century before. The next innovation, a few years later, was the introduction of "indicators," - small figures in diagonally opposite corners of each card, shewing the value of the card. These indicator figures had been used on Spanish cards many years before they were employed by English makers. Rounded corners for playing cards had been patented by Reynolds & Sons of London prior to 1865, as Taylor notes in his "History of Playing Cards." As to the introduction of "double-headed" cards it may be noted that in 1875 one of the largest manufacturers of cards in England told Dr. Willshire that he supplied only two clubs with "single-headed" cards, i. e. those on which the figures on the Court Cards were drawn at full length. Willshire expresses the opinion that the use of double-headed cards was a passing fashion which would soon die out. The fashion has lasted, however, and "single-headers" have not been used for many years.
  Bought of Alvan Lovejoy, Boston, 1902.

• (13) GERMAN PACK. 52 cards and a "Joker" card. 3 5/8 x 2 3/8 in.
  The suit-marks are of the French type, as the pack was intended for English and American players. On the Knave of Clubs is printed the maker's name: "B. Dondorf. Frankfurt A/M." The "Joker" bears a fool's head and the title: "The Jolly Joker." The figures on the Court Cards are represented in eighteenth century costume, and are drawn double busts in reverse. A wreathed design surrounds the pip on each Ace. The face of each card is of a cream-coloured tint, surrounded by a narrow margin of white. There are small indicators in diagonally opposite corners of each card. Corners rounded. Backs elaborately ornamented in colour, and crossed by a band of roses.
  This pack is an example of a rather popular kind of fancy playing-card, such as are often given as "prizes" at card parties. The cards are of superior quality and the designs are of considerable artistic merit.
  Bought of R. Schwartz, Boston, 1901.

• (14) GERMAN PACK, ca. 1860. 32 cards. 3 7/8 x 2 1/4 in.
  The Court Cards and suit-marks are of the German type, as in Packs Nos. 10 and 11. Numerals 2 and 7-10. On the Daus and on the 8 of Herzen is printed the maker's name: "C. L. Wüst. Frankfurt A/M." The figures on the Court Cards are drawn three-quarter length, double and in reverse. The deuces bear female figures three-quarter length, double and in reverse. Indicator figures are in both lower corners of each numeral card. Corners rounded and gilt. Backs printed with an ornamental device in black, with the "Schutz Mark," a six-pointed star, in the centre, and the maker's name printed four times around the edges.
  The date of the pack is about 1860.
  Bought of James Tregaskis, London, 1902.

• (15) FRENCH PIQUET PACK 32 cards. 3 3/8 x 2 1/4 in.
  Usual French Court Cards and numerals. On each Court Card is printed the maker's name: "B. P. Grimaud. Paris." The figures on the Court Cards are double busts in reverse. Corners slightly rounded and gilt. Backs chequered in blue.
  Bought of James Tregaskis, London, 1902.

• (16) SPANISH PACK. 48 cards. 3 3/8 x 2 1/8 in.
  Usual Spanish Court Cards and numerals. On the 4 of Copas is printed the maker's name: "B. P. Grimaud. Paris." The figures on the Court Cards are drawn full- length. Indicator figures in opposite corners of each card. Corners slightly rounded and gilt. Backs plain blue.
  This is a pack made in France for the Spanish market.
  Bought of James Tregaskis, London, 1902.

• (17) AMERICAN PACK, 1895. 52 cards and "Joker." 3 1/2 x 2 1/2 in.
  The Ace of Spades bears coloured figures of "Uncle Sam" and "Columbia," and is printed: "Vanity Fair. No. 41. Copyrighted 1895 by the United States Card Co., Cinncinnati, U. S. A." The "Joker" bears the coloured picture of a devil. The figures on the Court Cards, drawn double busts in reverse, are caricatures of the conventional types. The pips on the numeral cards are incorporated into grotesque pictures of men and animals. Indicator figuresin diagonally opposite corners of each card. Corners square. Backs decorated in blue and white, with a group of four clowns' heads in the centre.
  The pack is enclosed in a cardboard box.
  This pack is interesting as a modern example of the fanciful and comic cards which have been issued by cardmakers of England, France and Germany for more than a century. The best known cards of this kind are those which Cotta of Tubingen began to issue in 1805. In his "Carten Almanach" of that year and of several succeeding years may be found a number of cards of similar type to that of this pack, in which the figures on the Court Cards are comical characters, or satirical representations of well-known persons, and in which the pips on the numeral cards are embodied in drawings of a facetious nature.
  Bought of Hooper, Lewis & Co., Boston, 1901.

• (18) AMERICAN PACK, ca. 1902. 52 cards and "Joker." 3 1/2 x 2 1/2 in.
  The pip on the Ace of Spades is surmounted by a crown and surrounded by an elaborate ornamental device in colours. On a scroll at the bottom of the card is printed: "The New York Consolidated Card Company."
  The figures on the Court Cards are drawn double busts in reverse, but each bust is different, except those on the Queen of Hearts and Knave of Hearts, on which the busts are, respectively, almost alike. These figures are of much artistic merit. They are of a mediaeval character and are done a good deal in the manner of Walter Crane. Each picture is surrounded by much decorative ornament, and bears its denomination King, Queen, or Knave, on the upper and lower portion of the card. Each card is tinted a delicate grey on its face. Indicator figures of a rather large size - 3/8 in. - are in diagonally opposite corners of each card. Corners rounded. Edges gilt. Backs gilt and coloured, with two grotesque figures holding cards in reverse to each other.
  The pack is enclosed in a cardboard box, lettered in gilt: "Mediaeval Playing Cards. The N. Y. Consolidated Card Co., N. Y."
  Bought of Jordan Marsh Co., Boston, 1902.

• (19) GERMAN PACK for the Saxon game of "Schwerdterkarte." 32 cards. 4 1/4 x 2 5/8 in.
  Court Cards and suit-marks of the German type. Numerals, 2 and 7-10. The Deuce of Herzen bears the maker's name: "C. L. Wüst. Frankfurt A/M.", and the Deuce of Eicheln is printed: "Schwerdterkarte. C. L. W." The numeral cards bear small fanciful pictures, as is common on old German cards. The figures on the Court Cards are drawn full-length. Indicators in lower left-hand corner of each card. Rounded corners. Backs red and green plaid.
  Bought of James Tregaskis, London, 1902.

• (20) SWEDISH PACK, 1900. 52 cards. 3 1/2 x 2 3/8 in.
  French suit-marks. The Ace of Hearts bears two circular imprints: "Lithografiska Aktiebolaget. Norrköping, 1900," and "Manuf. Stampel. Norrköping." The figures on the Court Cards resemble in design those on modern German cards with French suits. They are drawn double busts in reverse. The Knaves are not named, but the Kings and Queens have printed above them the same names that are given on old, and occasionally on modern, French cards, viz.: King of Diamonds, "CESAR:" King of Hearts, "CHARLES:" King of Clubs, "ALEXANDER:" King of Spades, "DAVID:" Queen of Diamonds, "RACHEL:" Queen of Hearts, "JUDITH:" Queen of Clubs, "ARGINE:" Queen of Spades, "PALLAS." The designs are lithographed in a rather poor fashion.Corners rounded. Backs ornamented with dotted blue lines.
  The pack is enclosed in a thin paper wrapper, printed in black, with a circular opening in the face to shew the duty mark on the Ace of Hearts. The wrapper bears a yellow "Manufacturer's Stamp."
  Gift of William F. Richards, who got the pack in Sweden in 1902.

• (21) ITALIAN PACK, for the game of "Cucco." 40 cards. 3 5/8 x 2 in.
  On one of the "Cucco" cards is the maker's name: "P. Massenghini, Bergamo," and the duty stamp, a head of Mercury with the words: "Regno d'Italia. 30 centesimi." There is a series of twenty cards in duplicate, the first ten being marked in large Roman numerals I to X. The next five bear, in addition to numerals, the following pictures and legends: XI An Inn, and the motto, "Fermatevi alquanto," XII A Cat, "Gnao," XIII A Horse, rearing, "Salta," XIIII A Man holding a large nosegay, "Hai pigliato bragon," XV An Owl, "Cucco." This card usually bears the picture of a bird with a human face. The next five are not numbered, but have the following pictures and mottos: A Devil's Head, "Mascherone manco di secchia," A Pail, "Secchia meno di nulla," A Fool, "Matto," A Disk, "Nulla," A Lion rampant with a shield before him and a comet above him. I cannot place the value of this last card and I do not find any mention of it in descriptions of the game.Corners rounded. Backs ornamented with a device in blue, surrounded by a narrow margin on which the maker's name is printed twice. The cards are very thick and clumsy.
  These cards are interesting as being independently derived from Tarocchi cards. They have no relation to ordinary cards, but their origin from Tarocchi is shewn by the retention of the "Matto," or "Fool" card, by the numbering in Roman figures, and, possibly, by the designs of certain of the cards, such as the Devil. As the game played with these cards is unique I give a description of the method of play, taken from Merlin. The cards run in value upward from Mascherone, Secchia, Nulla, I to XV. Each player at the beginning of the game receives 4 counters. At the end of each hand the player who holds the lowest hand puts a counter into the basket. When a player gets rid of all his counters he drops out of the game, and the one who remains to the last with a counter before him wins the game and takes all the counters. One card is dealt to each player, who, if not satisfied, may, without shewing his card, demand an exchange of his right-hand neighbour. The latter must either exchange or pay a counter into the pool, unless he holds one of the cards numbered XI - XV. Thus, suppose you hold XI: your neighbour demands an exchange, and you reply, "Fermatevi alquanto." He insists, and, without shewing his card says, "If I have `Nulla' will you pay for me?" You, wishing to keep your card, agree. If when cards are shewn he holds "Nulla" you must pay for him, but not unless he has made the request. The same process is gone through with if you hold XII, XIII, or XIIII. If you hold "Cucco," however, your neighbour need pay nothing if you refuse the exchange. If there is but one "Matto" when the cards are shewn the holder pays one counter into the pool. Should there be two each holder takes a counter from the pool.
  Bought of James Tregaskis, London, 1902.

• (22) SWEDISH PACK, for the game of "Cambio." 42 cards, in a double series of 21. 3 1/2 x 2 3/8 in.
  On the Ace is stamped in red the name of the maker: "A. Boman. Stockholm," and the Duty-stamp in blue: "Manuf. stampel, Stockholm." The numeral cards have the value indicated by the number of fleurs-de-lis which are printed on them in black. These run in value from 1 to 12. The other cards bear no numbers, but have pictures and inscriptions as follows: An Inn, "Wärdshaus," A Knight on horseback, "Cavall," A Boar and Dog, "Husu," A Hussar, "Husar," A Harlequin, "Arlequin," A Cuckoo, "Cucu," A Fool's head, "Blaren," One of the remaining two cards bears a wreath, the other a vase of flowers, but neither has any inscription. All the designs are printed in black. Corners square. Backs pink.
  This game, like the German "Vogelspiel" and the Danish "Gniao," is derived from the original Italian game of "Cucco," shown by the preceding pack. The Swedish and Italian cards correspond in value as follows:

  • Wärdshaus = Fermatevi alquanto,
  • Husu = Gnao,
  • Cavall = Salta,
  • Husar = Bragon,
  • Cucu = Cucco,
  • Vase of Flowers = Secchia,
  • Wreath = Nulla,
  • Blaren = Mascherone,
  • Arlequin = Matto.
  Bought of James Tregaskis, London, Dec., 1902.

• (23) ITALIAN TAROCCHI PACK, 1880. 78 cards. 4 1/4 x 2 1/2 in.
  The pack consists of 22 cards bearing various pictures, which rank above all the others and are called "Atutti," and 56 cards, divided into four suits of 14 cards each, known as "Cartaccie". The suits of the cartaccie are of the usual Italian type, - Coppe, Denari, Bastoni, Spade. On the Ace of Denari is printed the name of the makers, "Stabilimento Fratelli Armanino, Genova", with date stamp, 30 Apr., 80", i. e. 1880. The Duty stamp is also on this card a head of Mercury and "30 centesimi."
  The Atutti are numbered with Arabic numerals in diagonnally opposite corners and bear pictures and names as follows:

  • 1 Bagatto. A juggler, with instruments spread out before him.
  • 2 La Papessa. A mitred woman. "Pope Joan."
  • 3 L'Imperatrice. An Empress.
  • 4 L'Imperatore. An Emperor.
  • 5 Il Papa. The Pope.
  • 6 Gli Amati. Two lovers and a man with a crown on his head. Above is a Cupid, shooting an arrow.
  • 7 Il Carro. The Chariot, usually known as "The Charioteer." A crowned figure seated in what is intended for a chariot, but which resembles rather a pavilion.
  • 8 La Giustizia. Justice, with scales and sword.
  • 9 L'Eremita. A hermit, with staff and lantern.
  • 10 Ruota di Fortuna. The upper half of Fortune's wheel. On each side is a head, one of a man, the other of a dragon. Above is a crowned figure holding a crown and a sword.
  • 11 La Forza. Force. A woman holding open the jaws of a lion.
  • 12 Il Penduto. A man hung by one leg. Only the lower half of the man is shewn.
  • 13. Not named. A skeleton with a scythe, representing Death.
  • 14 La Temperanza. Temperance. A woman pouring liquor from one jar into another. She is supposed to be mixing wine and water.
  • 15 Il Diavolo. The Devil.
  • 16 La Torre. A tower, the top of which has just been shattered by a thunderbolt.
  • 17 Le Stelle. The stars. Several large stars, and a woman pouring water from two jars.
  • 18 La Luna. The Moon, at which two dogs are barking.
  • 19 Il Sole. The Sun.
  • 20 L'Angelo. The Angel Gabriel, blowing a trumpet. Below are figures of men and women rising from their graves.
  • 21 Il Mondo. The World. A female figure, on the head of which is a crescent moon.
  • 22 Il Matto. The Fool. A man with a staff. Over his shoulder he carries a stick with a bag on the end of it. This card, although numbered zero, ranks above all the rest in the pack.
  All the designs on these cards are double and in reverse. The Court Cards of the cartaccie are Re = King, Dama = Queen, Cavallo = Knight, Fante = Attendant. The figures are drawn three-quarter length, double and in reverse. The numerals are 1 to 10. On the numerals of the Denari suit each card from 3 to 10 bears its value in Arabic numerals on each of the pips. In the Coppe suit each card from 3 to 10 bears its value in Arabic numerals on diagonally opposite corners of the card. In the Spade and Bastoni suits each card from 2 to 10 bears its value in Roman numerals on opposite sides of the card. The King, Queen and Knight of each suit are respectively named. Corners rounded. Backs green and black plaid.
  This is the typical Venetian Tarocchi pack, in number and arrangment. It is a good example of the modern tarocchi pack, but the designs of the Atutti are so conventionalized that they hardly do more than symbolize the pictures on the original and early cards. This is especially true of Nos. 1, 7, and 10, which suggest but little of the original figures.
  Packs Nos. 52, 71, and 77, should be compared with this pack, to show how the modern designs have been evolved from the ancient types.
  Bought of James Tregaskis, London, Dec., 1902.

• (24) AMERICAN PACK, 1887? 52 cards. 3 3/8 x 2 1/2 in.
  The Ace of Spades bears the picture of an Indian's head, with the words: "North American Card Co., Chicago. Copyrighted, 1887." (The date is not quite legible and may possibly be 1897.) This pack is of interest because of the designs of some of the Court Cards, which, in the following respects, differ from the almost invariable types of English and American cards: The King of Hearts holds his right hand uplifted, and carries a double-headed axe in his left hand. The King of Clubs is drawn in profile, facing the left, and has a triangular-headed mace before him. The orb usually held in the right hand is replaced by a flower. The Queen of Spades holds a lily in her hand instead of a sceptre. The usual flower is not held by the Queen of Hearts. The figures are drawn double busts in reverse. Corners rounded. Indicator figures, as usual. Backs dotted with small green stars.
  Gift of Mrs. C. R. Titcomb, Novr., 1903.

• (25) ENGLISH PACK. 52 cards. 3 1/2 x 2 1/2 in.
  The Ace of Spades bears an elaborate device, the pip being filled with a rose, and surrounded by thistles and shamrocks. Around the whole is an elliptical band surmounted by a crown. On this card is printed: "When used in Great Britain and Ireland Duty Threepence. De La Rue & Co., London." The figures on the Court Cards are drawn double busts in reverse. Small indicator figures in diagonally opposite corners of each card. Corners rounded. Backs purple with elaborate ornamentation in a darker shade than the groundwork.
  Bought of Thos. Groom & Co., Boston, June, 1901.

• (26) CHINESE PACK.
  30 cards. This is a pack of the cards called by Chatto, "Tseen-wan-che-pae", which are generally known in central China under the name "Kun p'ai", i. e. "Staff, or Baton cards," or "Ma Chioh," "Hempen Birds."
  The pack consists of three suits, "Ping", "Tiao", and "Wan," i. e. "Cakes", "Strings" and "Myriads." Each suit contains nine cards, running in value from 1 to 9. There are also three separate cards, "Whiteflower," "Redflower," and "Ch'ien Wan", -"a thousand myriads" - usually styled "Old Thousand." The suit of "Ping", "Cakes", was originally that of "Ch'ien," "Cash," the "Strings" are strings or rouleaux of one thousand cash, and the "Myriads" are myriads of cash.
  On the cards of the "Cakes" suit the designs are intended to represent the Chinese coins commonly called "cash", on the "Strings" suit the designs are meant to represent rouleaux of cash, although they look more like chains, and on the "Myriads" suit the value of each card is represented by the Chinese character = wan, meaning "myriads", preceded by a Chinese numeral of the value of the card. Each of the cards of this suit bears a grotesque picture of a man: these are said to represent famous gamblers of old times. On one of the separate cards is an elliptical stamp in red, and on each of the other two there are two of these stamps.
  The designs are clearly printed in black and are surrounded by a narrow border line. There is a narrow margin around three sides of the design, and at the top of each card is a blank space of about three-fourths of an inch, on which is sometimes printed an inscription.
  Several loose cards, known as "Golds", "Flyers", or "Butterflies", are often found with "Kun p'ai packs, although they are not with this one. These cards are used as "Mistrigris" cards and have no vital connexion with the games played. Kun p'ai packs, too, are usually sold in sets of four packs, although each pack is independent and suffices for the games played.
  The ends of the cards are rounded. Backs of a dark red colour of great gloss.
  Dimensions of cards: 3 1/2 x 1/2 in.
  Dimensions of designs: 2 1/2 x 1/4 in.
  Bought in the "Chinese Quarter" in Boston, Jan., 1903.

• (27) CHINESE PACK.
  30 cards. This is the same kind of pack as the preceding, but the cards are shorter, wider, and thicker, and the designs are more coarsely printed.
  Ends rounded. Backs plain white.
  Dimensions of cards: 3 5/16 x 7/8 in
  Dimensions of designs: 2 3/16 x 1/2 in
  From the same source as the preceding pack.

• (28) CHINESE PACK.
  30 cards. The same pack as the two preceding ones, but of different size.
  Ends rounded. Backs plain white. According to Mr. Culin these white backed cards are often used by "F'an T'an" players in America as counters.
  Dimensions of cards: 3 3/8 x 11/16 in.
  Dimensions of designs: 2 3/8 x 1/2 in.
  From the same source as the two preceding packs. A very detailed account and description of Chinese Playing Cards is to be found in an article by W. H. Wilkinson in "The American Anthropologist", for January, 1895. The author believes that cards originated in China, and, if he does not quite clearly prove this, his article is a very valuable contribution to the literature of the subject.

• (29) AMERICAN PACK.
  52 cards and "Joker." On the Ace of Spades is printed: "Made by Caterson & Brotz Co., New York & Philadelphia."
  This is a pack of the usual type, but it is adapted to the use of blind persons by having the value of each card stamped in an abbreviated form in raised characters of the American Braille system in diagonally opposite corners of the card.
  3 1/2 x 2 1/2 in.
  Bought of the Perkins Institution for the Blind, Boston, Feb., 1903.

• (30) FRENCH PACK, illustrating events of the Crimean War. 52 cards. 3 1/16 x 2 9/16 in.
  On the Ace of Clubs are two circular black stamps and on the Five of Clubs is one black stamp, all too faint to be legible, but apparently in Turkish characters. Each Court Card bears two busts in reverse and each Ace bears two coloured pictures of battles of the Crimean War. The pictures and inscriptions are as follows:-

  • Ace of Clubs:- Bataille d'Inkermann. 5 novembre, 1854. Bataille de l'Alma, 20 septembre, 1854.
  • Ace of Hearts: Bataille de Balaclava, novembre, 1854. Bataille d'Olteniza, 23 octobre, 1853.
  • Ace of Spades: Prise du Malakoff, 8 septbre., 1855. Défense de Silistrie, 14 juin, 1854.
  • Ace of Diamonds: Bataille navale de Sinope, 18 novembre, 1853. Le Bombardment de Bomarsund, 21 juin, 1854.
  • King of Clubs: Nicolaus I, Czar de Russie. Alexandre II, Czar de Russie.
  • Queen of Clubs: Alexandrova, Imperatrice de Russie.
  • Knave of Clubs: Maréchal St. Armand. le Prince Gortschakoff
  • King of Hearts: Napoleon III empereur.
  • Queen of Hearts: Eugénie, impératrice des Français.
  • Knave of Hearts: Maréchal Pelissier. Maréchal Canrobert.
  • King of Diamonds: Victor Emmanuel, roi de Sardaigne.
  • Queen of Diamonds: Victoria, reine d'Angleterre.
  • Knave of Diamonds: Amiral Sir B. Lyons. Lord Raglan.
  • King of Spades: le Sultan, Abdul Medschid, empereur de Turquie.
  • Queen of Spades: la Sultane.
  • Knave of Spades: Schamil. Omer (sic) Pascha.
  On the Kings a crown, with suit-mark beneath, is printed on diagonally opposite corners. The Queens and Knaves have small suit-marks as indicators in diagonally opposite corners. Corners slightly rounded. Backs printed with fine blue dotted circles around a blue dot in centre. A small piece is torn off of one corner of the King of Clubs, and the pack is badly soiled and worn. (This pack, like No. 75, is classified as French, but was probably manufactured at Frankfurt-am-Main.)
  Bought of J. Woods, bookseller, Cambridge, Feb., 1903.

• (31) FRENCH PACK. 52 cards. 3 1/4 x 2 1/8 in.
  Usual French suits. The Ace of Clubs has a wreath of oak leaves around the suit-mark, and is stamped in blue: "République Français. Décret du 12 Avril, 1890."
  The Knave of Clubs holds in his right hand an elliptical medal, or shield, on which is printed: "Administ. des Contrib. indir. 1853., " and, in minute letters around a circle in the centre: "Gatteaux." The Kings and Queens and Knaves bear names such as have been given to the corresponding cards in French packs since the 17th. century, as follows: - Hearts: King, "Charles;" Queen: "Judith;" Knave "La Hire;" Spades: King: "David;" Queen; "Pallas" Knave: "Hogier:" Diamonds: King: "Cesar": Queen: "Rachel:" Knave: "Hector:" Clubs:- King: "Alexandre:" Queen: "Argine:" Knave: "Lancelot." The figures on the court cards are drawn busts double and in reverse. Corners, rounded and gilt. Backs, pink and white.
  Bought of James Tregaskis, London, July, 1903.

• (32) JAPANESE PACK. Duplicate packs of 48 cards. 2 1/8 x 1 1/4 in.
  For "Hana Garuta," or, "Hana Karuta," - The Flower Game. Each pack contains 12 suits of 4 cards each. The suits represent each month of the year, and each suit bears a flower which blooms in greatest abundance during the month represented. The eighth suit is represented also by the moon and the eleventh by rain. The order of the suits is: - Pine, Plum, Cherry, Wistaria, Sweet Flag, Peony, Lespedeza, The Moon, and Eularia, Chrysanthemum, Maple, Rain, Paullonia. The chief card of each suit bears the picture of a bird, a butterfly, a man, or some other figure, and the next card in rank, except in the eigth and twelfth suits, bears a "Tanzaku," or scroll, such as is used for writing verses on.
  The material is thick cardboard, of great gloss. The back layer of paper is brought over and pasted around the edge of the face of the card, as in Italian cards, but so smoothly as to present almost a perfectly even surface. Corners square. The backs of one pack are brown, of the other, black. The cards are enclosed in a wooden box, on which is the picture of a man and woman playing cards.
  Japanese cards are called "Karuta," which is derived from the Portuguese "Carta," or "Fuda" a bundle, or, "Bakuchi no fuda," = Gambling Packs. In Mr. Stewart Culin's "Korean Games" there is a description of the above cards which I transcribe: "A pack comprises 48 cards divided into 12 sets - - - of 4 cards each. The suit-marks are flowers and other emblems appropriate to the twelve months of the year. The cards in each suit vary in value from 1 to 20 points. - - - The "Tanzaku" count 5 each. The other cards bear other emblems in addition to that of the suit and count 10 and 20. The suit-marks and the several cards are as follows:-

  • 1. Matsu. = Pine. First month. Two matsu count 1 each.Tanzaku matsu counts 5.Matsu ni tsuru - Pine and Stork - counts 20.
  • 2 Ume = Plum. Second month. Two ume count 1 each. Tanzaku ume counts 5. Ume ni uguisu- Plum and singing-bird -counts 10.
  • 3 Sakura = Cherry. Third month. Two sakura count 1 each. Tanzaku sakura counts 5. Sakura ni maku - Cherry and curtain--counts 20.
  • 4 Fugi = Wisteria. Fourth month. Two fugi count 1 each.Tanzaku fugi counts 5. Fugi ni hototogisu- Wisteria and cuckoo - counts 10.
  • 5 Ayame = Sweet Flag. Fifth month. Two ayame count 1 each. Tanzaku ayame counts 5.Ayame ni hotaru - Sweet Flag and#Firefly counts 10. # The firefly is not on the card in this pack.
  • 6 Botan = Peony. Sixth month. Two botan count 1 each. Tanzaku botan counts 5. This card is called "awotan," or "blue tanzaku," from its colour. All the others, except rwo, are red. Botan ni cho - Peony and butterfly - counts 10.
  • 7 Hagi = Lespedeza, or Bush clover. Seventh month. Two hagi count 1 each. Tanzaku hagi counts 5. Hagi ni inoshishi - Lespedeza and boar- counts 10.
  • 8 Susuki = Eularia. Eighth month. Two susuki count 1 each. Susuki ni karigane - Eularia and wild geese - counts 10. Susuki ni tsuki - Eularia and moon - counts 20.
  • 9 Kiku = Chrysanthemum. Ninth month. Two kiku count 1 each. Tanzaku kiku, blue, counts 5. Kiku ni satasuki - Chrysanthemum and wine-cup - counts 10.
  • 10 Momiji = Maple. Tenth month. Two momiji count 1 each. Tanzaku momiji, blue, counts 5. Momiji ni shika - Maple and Deer - counts 10.
  • 11 Ame = Rain. Eleventh month. One ame, plain, counts 1. Tanzaku ame counts 5. Ame ni tsubane- Rain and swallow - counts 10. Ame ni yanagi - Rain and willow - counts 20. This card bears the picture of a frog and a man, referring to a Japanese story.
  • 12 Kiri = Paullonia. Twelfth month. Three kiri, plain, count 1 each. Kiri ni hō-ō - Paullonia and phoenix - counts 20.
  Various games are played with these cards, which form, perhaps, the most popular variety of playing-cards in Japan. A description of one of the best games may be found in Mr. Kulin's "Korean Games."
  Bought of James Tregaskis, London, July, 1903.

• (33) FRENCH PIQUET PACK, ca. 1816. 32 cards. 3 1/4 x 2 1/16 in.
  Usual French suits. The Knave of Clubs holds in his right hand an elliptical medallion, bearing the words: "Administr. des Contrib. Indir. 1816," and, in minute letters in the centre, the name "Gatteaux." The suit-mark on the Ace of Clubs is surrounded by an oak wreath. The figures on the court-cards are drawn full-length. Corners square. Backs plain white. The date of the pack is probably about the year on the duty-mark on the Knave of Clubs, i. e. 1816.
  Gatteaux père, whose name appears on these cards, was the artist appointed by Napoleon to make new designs for playing-cards. He designed figures of a classical character and of much artistic merit, which were first published in 1811. French card players are, however, as conservative as those of other nations, and the new designs met with but little favour. In 1813 Gatteaux introduced new designs, which were slightly modified from those on old French cards, and these designs, with but little change, have been used on French cards ever since.
  Bought of James Tregaskis, London, Nov., 1903.

• (34) [Native American] INDIAN CARD.
  A single [hand-painted] card - the 4 of "oros" - from a Spanish suit pack [possibly] made by the Moqui [Hopi] Indians of Arizona. The material is deerskin, or horsehide. The suit-marks are crudely drawn and coloured yellow with red centres. In the centre of the card are two rudely drawn animals, apparently rabbits, painted yellow. [See internal file in Manuscript Department for additional information].
  3 3/4 x 2 1/4 in.
  Gift of Mrs. Charles Cutting, Newburyport, Oct., 1902.

• (35) Missing as of 2003 Jan. AMERICAN PACK, 1874. Incomplete. 15 out of 52 cards. Diameter, 3 inches.
  These cards are circular in form. The cards present are: Spades, Ace, 2-4-7-9. Queen: Hearts: 3-10-King: Diamonds: 3-5-8 Clubs: 6-10-Knave.
  The Ace of Spades is printed: "I. W. Richardson, Manufacturer, No. 68 Cornhill, Boston, Mass. U. S. A. Copyright 1874 by I. W. Richardson. Patented Oct. 6, 1874."
  The suits are coloured black in Spades, green in Clubs, red in Hearts, yellow in Diamonds. Each court-card bears five small busts of the conventional type, arranged circularly around a large suit-mark in the centre of the card, and the suit-mark is repeated as a small figure around the edge of the card, between the busts. On the numeral cards the pips are arranged in the usual patterns, except the nines, which are grouped in a diamond shape, and the tens, which form a star. A numeral index is repeated five times around the edge of each card. The backs are figured in an elaborate device in brown, and are marked in small letters with the name of the maker and the date of copyright.
  These cards had a certain popularity in and near Boston at the time of their introduction, on account of their novelty, but the shape was inconvenient, and they soon went out of use. They are of some interest as an attempt to revive a very old form of playing cards. Some of the earliest German cardmakers issued circular cards, which are described in the various histories of playing cards, but they seem to have enjoyed only a limited vogue in comparison with the usual oblong cards.
  Gift of Hugo Parton, Newburyport, Oct., 1903.

• (36) Missing as of 2003 Jan. AMERICAN PACK, 1900. 52 cards and "Joker." 3 7/16 x 2 7/16 in.
  The Ace of Spades is printed in black: "Congress. No. 606. D135. Copyrighted 1900 by the U. S. Playing Card Co., Cincinnati, U. S. A." The "Joker" bears, printed in black, the picture of a young woman in so-called "Puritan" dress, seated at a spinning wheel, and the same picture, excellently printed in colours, is on the back of each card. The figures on the court cards are double busts in reverse, the faces tinted. The designs are surrounded by a margin 3/8 inch wide. Indicators in diagonally opposite corners. Corners rounded. Edges gilt. The pack is enclosed in a paper wrapper printed in yellow with the name of the maker and the title of the cards, "Priscilla," and is contained in a cardboard box, bearing on one side the same inscription as the wrapper, and on the other the same coloured picture that is on the back of each card. A two-cent Internal Revenue stamp is on the box. This is a new pack, never having been used.
  This is an example of the most popular variety of fine quality playing cards used in the United States to-day. They are sold at fifty cents a pack, and are the favourite cards with players who require the best quality of cards. The packs are of uniform design as to the faces of the cards, and are distinguished only by the pictures on the backs, which are of the finest quality of colour printing, and cover an infinite variety of subjects.
  Gift of Harriet Whitney, March, 1903.

• (37) AMERICAN PACK. 52 cards, and "Joker." 3 7/16x2 7/16 in.
  The Ace of Spades bears the suit-mark, surrounded by an elaborate ornamental device with a mermaid and a Triton, and the words: "Triton. New York Consolidated Card Company." The "Joker" bears the picture of a Triton seated on a dolphin, printed in black, and the words: "The `Triton' Joker. The New York Consolidated Card Co." The figures on the court cards are double busts in reverse, of the conventional type, but differ somewhat from the designs on the corresponding cards of Pack 36, and the faces are not tinted. Indicators in diagonally opposite corners. Corners rounded. Edges gilt. Backs ornamented with gilt fleurs-de-lis on a dark blue ground, surrounded by a red and white border with gilt decoration over all.
  Enclosed in a cardboard box marked in gilt letters with the name of the cards, "Triton" and with the name of the manufacturers. This pack represents another popular variety of American cards, but it is not quite so good in quality as Pack 36.
  Bought of Jordan, Marsh Co., Boston, 1902.

• (38) AMERICAN PACK, ca. 1902. 52 cards and "Joker." 3 1/4 x 2 1/4 in.
  The Ace of Spades is marked:- "No. 93. Ivory Whist Series of U. S. Playing Cards. Trade Mark No. 8303. The United States Printing Company, Russell & Morgan Factories,Cinncinnati, U. S. A."The "Joker" bears an elephant's head, printed in black, and is marked:- "Ivory. Joker." The court cards bear figures of the conventional type, drawn busts double and in reverse, and on a rather larger scale than usual. Indicators in diagonally opposite corners. Corners rounded. Edges gilt. Backs ornamented with decorative designs in white on a green ground.The pack is enclosed in a cardboard box, bearing the name of the cards, "Ivory," and of the makers. The cards are longer and narrower than the common packs.
  Bought of Jordan Marsh Co., Boston, 1902.

• (39) AMERICAN PACK, ca. 1903. 52 cards and "Joker." 2 7/16 x 1 11/16 in.
  The Ace of Spades bears a picture of "Little Lord Fauntleroy," and the words:- "U. S. Playing Cards. Fauntleroy, 29. The United States Playing Card Co., Cincinnati, O. U. S. A." The "Joker" bears a coloured picture of "Little Lord Fauntleroy." The court cards have the same designs as those of Pack 36, and the pack is, except in size, a duplicate of that pack. Enclosed in a paper wrapper and a cardboard box, each bearing names of the cards and of the manufacturers. Indicators. Corners rounded. Edges gilt. Backs ornamented in white on a red ground.
  Bought of Jordan Marsh Co., Boston, 1903.

• (40) AMERICAN MINIATURE PACK. 52 cards and "Joker." 1 3/4 x 1 1/4 in.
  The Ace of Spades is marked:- "Little Duke. No. 24. The United States Playing Card Company, Cincinnati, U. S. A." The "Joker" bears the picture of a small boy dressed as a soldier, and the title "Joker."The figures on the court cards are busts double and in reverse, and resemble those on modern French cards. Indicators. Corners rounded. Backs blue and white.
  Enclosed in a pasteboard box, or carton, printed in blue with names of cards and manufacturers.
  Bought of Thomas Groom & Co., Boston, Feb., 1906.

• (41) FRENCH PACK, ca. 1855. 52 cards. 3 3/8 x 2 1/8 in.
  On the Knave of Clubs is the name of the maker:- "O. Gibert, Fabt. à Paris." The Knave of Diamonds is marked "France" in the lower right-hand corner, and the Knave of Spades is marked:-"Déposé" in the same place. The suit-marks on each Ace are surrounded by an ornamental device in pink. The figures on the court cards are drawn at full length. Those on the Two higher court cards are gentlemen and ladies in the fashionable dress of about 1855, and the figures on the "Knave" or "Valet" cards represent menservants, footmen, coachmen, etc. in their appropriate dress of that period. The pack was probably made about 1855. The suitmark is on the upper right-hand corner of each court card, and the "King" cards bear a crown over the suitmark. Corners square. Backs plain pink and of great lissage.
  Bought of James Tregaskis, London, Dec., 1903.

• (42) HINDUSTANI PACK. 96 cards. Diameter: 2 1/8 inches.
  Cards are divided into 8 suits of 12 cards each. Each suit contains 2 court cards and 10 numeral cards. In the "Mahor" suit the court cards are called "Suraj"- Sun-, and "Devi" - Goddess. In the other suits they are called "Badshah" - King- and "Wazir" - Vizir. In the first four suits named below the numerals run in value from 1, lowest, to 10, highest. In the other four suits the values run inversely, from 10, lowest, to 1, highest. The suits are as follows, the names being those given by a native to the person from whom I procured the pack. A suit-mark appears on each court card.

  • TĀJ= A Crown. King seated on a throne, with four attendants. Vizir on a white horse, with two attendants. The suit-marks are crowns, or turbans, coloured gold on a bronze ground, with a border of gold, white and green.
  • SHAMSHER = A Sword. King and Vizir as in the Tāj suit. Suit-marks: Silver swords with golden handles, on a red ground, with gold, white and black border.
  • RŪP = Money. (In Chatto this suit is called "Soofed.") King and Vizir as in the Tāj suit. Suit-marks: White lacquer dots on a black ground, with gold, red, and white border.
  • GHULĀM = Slave. The highest card bears three men riding on a black elephant, followed by a grey elephant, of which only the forepart appears, ridden by a mahout. The Vizir is mounted on a red bull, and has two attendants. Suit-marks: Grotesque figures of dwarfs, dressed, alternately, in red and black. Border, gold, white and red.
  • CHANG = Harp. The King is seated on a throne, with four attendants. The Vizir is on a pink camel, with two attendants. Suit-marks: Golden harps on a green ground. Border, gold, white, and red.
  • MAHŌR= Moon. (In Chatto this suit is called "Soorkh.") The highest card, called "Suraj", represents the Sun on the back of a tiger. There are two attendants. The Vizir represents a man on a tiger, with two attendants. This card is called "Devi" = Goddess. Suit-marks: Golden dots, bordered with red, on a green ground. Border, gold, red, and white.
  • BURĀT = A Royal Diploma, or Assignment. The King is on a throne, and has four attendants. The Vizir is mounted on a cream-coloured horse, and has four attendants. Suit-marks: Black, oblong figures, bordered with gold, with gold lines on them in imitation of writing, on a red ground. Border, gold, white and green.
  • KAMĀCH = Merchandize. (In Chatto this is spelled "Quimash.") King on a throne, with four attendants. Vizir on a black horse, with two attendants. Suit-marks: Black dots, bordered with gold, and crossed by two gold lines bisected by a gold and white line. Ground, yellow. Border, gold, white and red.
  The backs are red, with a narrow white circle drawn just within the outer edge. The cards are circular in form, and are made of a material which appears either to be thin wood, or stiffened canvas. They are highly varnished, and the faces are lacquered.
  The pack is enclosed in a wooden box, lacquered, and decorated with flowers.
  This is the pack is described by Chatto under the name of "Gunjee-fu": it was called by the native who described it "Ganj-kha." This native, Mirza Mull by name, said that as a child he had often played games with such packs, but that they were unknown to the present generation. He defined the name, "Ganj-kha," as "Relieving Scalp-itch," and his tradition was that the cards were invented to amuse a certain king and, by keeping his hands employed, to prevent him from scratching his head, which suffered from the itch. This story is not unlike that given by Chatto, which is that the cards were invented by the wife of a king to distract her husband from the habit of pulling out the hairs of his beard. Historians of cards have noted that in one respect- that of the inverse value of each half of the suits- these cards have a resemblance to those used in Hombre, and that this peculiarity suggests the derivation of one from the other. It is not improbable that cards may have been introduced into India by the early Portuguese voyagers. Whether cards were known in India before Europeans visited there is quite problematical, as no prior evidence of their existence in that country has yet been discovered.
  It was obtained from Panah, Mahomud Allah Buksh & Co., Jaipúr, Rajputana India, by Mr. W. J. Bailey, of Calcutta, from whom I bought it in December, 1903.

• (43) HINDUSTANI PACK. 120 cards. Diameter, 2 3/8 inches.
  Cards divided into 10 suits, each of 12 cards, each suit representing one of the incarnations of Vishnu. The suits are as follows:

  • First incarnation. Matsyavatara- The Fish. On the highest card is represented the god, the upper part of his body dark blue, with four arms, the lower part, the body of a fish, yellow and gold. There are 4 attendants. A fenced enclosure, which also appears on all the other highest cards, surrounds the lowest part of the figure. The second card bears the same figure, drawn smaller, and with two arms. There are 2 attendants. The numeral cards bear as suit-marks fishes coloured gold and yellow, the number of fishes representing the numeral value of the card. In the centre of each card is the figure of the god, represented as a crowned king, enthroned. Ground, black. Border, brown, gold and white.
  • Second incarnation. Kourmavatara- The Tortoise. On the highest card the god is portrayed as a four-armed man, the upper part of his body blue, the lower black and gold, standing on a tortoise. There are 2 attendants. On the second card the god appears as a throned king, two-armed. A tortoise is below the throne. There are 2 attendants. The suit-marks are golden tortoises, and palm leaves are scattered over the groundwork. The god is represented in the centre of each numeral card in the same figure as on the numeral cards of the first suit. Ground, brown. Border, gold and white.
  • Third incarnation. Varahavatara - The Boar. The figure of the god on the highest card is enthroned. The upper half of his body is that of a boar, four-armed, the lower that of a man. On one tusk is poised an odd-shaped figure intended to represent the Chakra. On this and the following card the Chakra resembles a melon. On the rest of the cards, except the ninth, whence, probably through accident, it is absent it appears as a disk, or circle, sometimes white, sometimes red, and sometimes white and red. The god is coloured blue in the upper half, red in the lower. There are 4 attendants. The second card is like the first, save that the god is two-armed and has two attendants. The suit-marks are conches - one of the attributes of Vishnu - and palm leaves are scattered over the card. The central figure of the god is the same as on the second card. Ground, green, with border of gold, white and green.
  • Fourth incarnation. Narasimhavatara - The Lion. On the highest card the god is represented as a lion squatting on a pedestal, presenting his face and figure in front view. There are two attendants, a man and a woman. On the second card the lion figure is in profile, enthroned. There are two male attendants. Suit-marks are gold and yellow disks. Palm leaves are scattered over the groundwork. The central figure of the god is the same as on the second card. Ground, yellow. Border, gold, white and red.
  • Fifth incarnation. Vamanavatara - The Dwarf. The highest card bears the figure of a bearded man, naked from the waist up, holding a vase shaped very much like a tea-pot, on the spout of which is poised a dwarf. There is one attendant coloured blue. The second card bears a figure similar to the first but without a beard. There are two attendants. Suit-marks are vases of the same shape as that on the first card. The figure in the centre of each card is the same as that on the second card. Palm leaves are scattered over the groundwork. Ground, dark yellow. Border, gold, white and red.
  • Sixth incarnation. Parason Rama -Rama of the axe. The god is figured on the highest card as a four-armed man, naked upward from the waist, seated on a throne. There are four attendants. On the second card and the numeral cards the same figure is represented, but has only two arms, and, on the second card has two attendants. Suit-marks are long-handled axes. Palm leaf ornaments, as on previous suits. Ground, yellow. Border, gold, white and red.
  • Seventh incarnation. Rama Chandra- Rama of the arrows. The highest card bears a four-armed figure, enthroned, like that on the first and second suits, with four attendants. On the second card is the same figure, two-armed, with two attendants. Suit-marks, arrows. Palm leaf ornaments. The same figure as on the second card is on each numeral card. Ground red. Border, gold, white and red.
  • Eighth incarnation. Krishna. The figure of the god on the highest card is the same as that on the highest card of the preceding suit, and there are four attendants. On the second card the figure is the same as on the second card of the previous suit, with two attendants, and is repeated, without attendants, on each numeral card. The suit-marks are the crude Indian plough, gold with a silver coulter. Palm leaves over the ground- work. Ground, crimson. Border, gold, white and black.
  • Ninth incarnation. Buddha. The god is represented on the highest card as a four-armed man, white, presenting a front face. Four attendants. On the rest of the cards the figure is in profile and on the second card is attended by two followers. Suit-marks are the lotus flower, pink and white. A flower ornament is scattered over the ground- work, different from the palm leaf figure on the other suits. Ground, dark yellow. Border, gold, white and red.
  • Tenth incarnation. Kalkiavatara - The incarnation which is yet to come. The god appears on the highest card as a full length figure, coloured blue, in a skirted dress, and holding a sword. In front of him is a white horse, saddled and bridled, half rearing. On the second card the same figure is enthroned. He bears a sword, and is attended by two men. The numeral cards bear the same figure, but without sword or attendants. Suit-marks: Swords with silver blades and gold handles. Palm-leaf ornaments over ground. Ground, dark brown. Border, gold, white and red.
  The backs are red, and a white flower-like ornament occupies the centre, while a white circular line is drawn just within the outer edge. The cards are circular in form. The material appears to be the same as that of the preceding pack, and the cards are similarly lacquered and varnished. The pack is enclosed in a lacquered wooden box.
  The native who described the preceding pack had never seen one like this. A similar pack is described by Chatto, however. For a description of the incarnations of Vishnu see Chatto's "Facts and Speculations regarding Playing Cards," Pp. 38-40.
  From the same source as No. 42. Decr., 1903.

• (44) JAPANESE PACK. ("Mekuri Fuda," or, Turn-over Pack?), ca. 1895. 41 cards. 2 1/8 x 1 1/4 inches.
  Cards consisting of 4 each of each of the numerals from 1 to 10, and an extra card, called the "Lieutenant Colonel Card," on which is pictured an officer in uniform. There is also an extra blank card, perhaps used as a "Joker" card. The Aces have an ornamental ground. The suit-marks 2 to 9 are crossed diagonal bars, and the cards are numbered with Japanese numerals. The Tens bear the figure of a man, double bust in reverse, which slightly resembles the Kings of English cards. Corners square. The back layer of paper is brought over and pasted around the face of each card, so as to form a narrow margin, as in Italian cards. Backs, black.
  The pack is enclosed in a pasteboard box, having on its cover the same figure as on the "Lieutenant Colonel Card," and with a Japanese inscription signifying: "Registered Trade-Mark. Wrapped in tinfoil. Lieutenant Colonel Cards. There are imitations. Please look for the mark, Kyoto Moto Komehama. Carefully made by Tamata & Brothers." This pack is of recent origin, probably dating from about the time of the Japanese-Chinese war of 1895. It is by no means a popular game. The seller described this as a "Mekuri Fuda" pack, but, I think, erroneously. Mr. Culin describes a pack of this name which is quite different.
  Bought of James Tregaskis, London, Jan., 1904.

• (45) JAPANESE PACK. "Hozuki Fuda," or "Winter Cherry" Pack. 41 cards. 2 1/8 x 1 1/4 in.
  Cards comprising 4 cards each of the numerals 1 to 10, and a Joker card bearing the head of a horned goblin. The Aces and Tens are indicated by large characters, the other numerals by balls representing the number of the card. Back layer of paper pasted around face of the card, as in the preceding pack. Corners square. Backs black. The pack is in a pasteboard box, having on the cover the name "Hozuki", in red Japanese characters. Maker's name and address are printed on the bottom of the box: "Tamata. Kyoto." This game was popular with the lower classes about 1884.
  Bought of James Tregaskis, London, Jan., 1904.

• (46) AMERICAN PACK. Issued in commemoration of the World's Fair in Chicago, 1893. 52 cards and a Joker. 3 1/2 x 2 1/2 inches.
  Each card bears a picture in colours of one of the buildings at the Fair, with the name of the building printed above, and below, the words: "Copyrighted 1893 by G. W. Clark." The value of each card is indicated by a small picture of a card of the denomination intended, in diagonally opposite corners of the card, and also by the name of the card followed by the suit-mark, at top and bottom of the card. The Joker is marked, "Joker," and bears the inscription: "Columbian Souvenir Playing Cards," with medallion portraits of Columbus and of the Goddess of Liberty. Corners rounded. Backs bear a picture of the landing of Columbus, printed in blue.
  The pack is enclosed in a pasteboard box, bearing the name of the cards and of the manufacturers, "Columbian Souvenir Playing Card Co., Chicago, Illinois."
  Gift of I. W. Crosby, June, 1904.

• (47) ITALIAN PACK. 40 cards. 3 5/8 x 2 1/4 in.
  Usual Italian suits. Figures on court cards are drawn at full length. On the Ace of Denari is a crowned eagle, bearing on its breast the duty-stamp,- a head of Mercury with the words: "Regno d'Italia. 30 centisimi," and around this the names of the makers, "Fratelli Armanino, Genova. Fabbrica di Carte da Giuoco." There is also on this card a black excise stamp on which only the word "Genova" is legible. Corners rounded. Backs blue, crossed by black intersecting lines. The figures on the court cards, like those of Pack No. 7, resemble those on Spanish cards, and the Swords and Clubs are like the corresponding Spanish figures. The back layer of paper is not brought around to the face of the card, however, as in many Italian packs.
  The pack is enclosed in a pasteboard carton, printed in blue with the makers' names etc.
  Gift of F. W. Bancroft, who bought the pack in Florence in July, 1904.

• (48) OLD ITALIAN PACK, ca. 17 th century. 39 cards. 3 3/4 x 2 1/4 in.
  Incomplete. 39 out of 40 cards, the 5 of Diamonds being absent. The suits are French,- Hearts, Clubs, Diamonds, Spades. The figures on the court cards, drawn at full length, are of a quaint type, resembling those on French cards of the 16th. and 17th. centuries. The numerals are 1 to 7. All the designs seem to have been stencilled. A scroll at the foot of the Knave of Spades and of the Knave of Hearts is inscribed, "In Fiorenza": a scroll at the foot of the Knave of Diamonds is marked, "Fortuna" and one on the Knave of Clubs is marked, "Carte Inperiale"-sic. The Knave of Hearts is stamped with a black cypher, which may be a duty stamp, and two words are written across it in ink so faded as to be indecipherable. From the right wrist of the Knave of Clubs hangs a purse or bag which bears the device of the Medici family,- six balls. The suit-marks are of a long and narrow shape, and the Spades resemble pike heads. The backs bear an ornamental device in black in the centre, surrounded by a border of small, square black dots. The back layer of paper is brought over and pasted around the face of each card, in the characteristic Italian fashion, so that the face of each card is bordered with a margin of black dots of irregular width. On the back of each card are the words, "Alla Fama." The corners were probably square, originally, but are now rounded by wear.
  The pack is much soiled and worn. I should think that it dated, probably, from the 17th. century, judging from the designs, which are those of French cards of that period. The antique spelling, "Fiorenza," should be noted.
  Gift of Frederick W. Bancroft, who bought the pack of a dealer in old books in Florence in July, 1904.

• (49) ITALIAN MINCHIATE PACK. 97 cards. 3 7/8 x 2 1/4 in.
  Minchiate is a Florentine development of the Venetian Tarocchi. The numeral cards are the same in both games, but in Minchiate the atutti are increased to 41, and the designs of several are somewhat changed from those on the corresponding atutti of the Tarocchi cards. The figures of the fante vary also as noted below. The suits of the numeral cards are Spade, Bastoni, Coppe, Denari. Court cards: Re, Dama, Cavallo, Fante. In Spade and Bastoni the Fante are men, warriors: in Coppe and Denari they are female servants. Numerals, 1 to 10.
  The atutti are as follows, those marked "T" being common to Tarocchi and Minchiate cards. Nos. I to XXXV are marked in the upper left-hand corner with Roman numerals. The remaining six bear no numbers. None bear any names.

  • I The Juggler. A juggler shewing his tricks to two persons. T.I.
  • II The Grand Duke. Enthroned, with orb and sceptre.
  • III The Emperor of the West. Enthroned, holding an orb surmounted by an eagle in his right hand.
  • IIII The Emperor of the East. Enthroned, holding an orb surmounted by a star in his left hand. In some packs the Emperor of the East is assigned to No. III and the Emperor of the West to No. IIII.
  • V The Lovers. A woman is crowning a man who kneels before her: Cupid, above, is shooting an arrow. T. 6, with a somewhat different design.
  • VI Temperance. A woman, seated, is mixing wine and water in two jars. T. 14.
  • VII Force. A woman, seated, rests her hand against a pillar. In some packs the woman is breaking the pillar in two. T. 11, with a different design.
  • VIII Justice. Seated with sword and scales. T. 8.
  • IX Fortune's Wheel. On the top of the wheel is a man with an asses head, holding an orb and sceptre: other figures are being carried up or overthrown by the wheel. T.10.
  • X The Chariot. A naked figure standing in a chariot. The figure in this case is that of a woman, but it should properly be that of a man, as it is probably derived from the old representation of Mars, as portrayed on the so-called "Tarots de Mantegna." T.7.
  • XI The Cripple. An old man on crutches. By his side lies a stag. In the upper right-hand part of the card is an hour-glass and a dart. Merlin calls this figure "Le Sablier", from the hour glass which appears. This card probably corresponds to T.9- The Hermit. Both are probably derived from the "Saturno" of the Mantegna cards.
  • XII The Hanged Man. A man hanging by one leg. In his hands he grasps two bags of gold. This figure is supposed to represent Judas. The bags do not appear on the corresponding card of the Tarocchi. T.12.
  • XIII Death. A skeleton, holding a sceptre and mounted on a horse of skin and bone. T.13.
  • XIV The devil. T.15.
  • XV Hell. A devil reaching out of a tower is seizing a naked woman. Above appears a flame. This seems to be a modification of T.16, The Tower.
  • XVI Hope. A woman, seated, with clasped hands, looking upward to a crown.
  • XVII Prudence. A woman, seated, gazing into a mirror which she holds in her right hand. In her left hand she holds a serpent by the tail.
  • XVIII Faith. A woman, seated, holding a spear and a tablet.
  • XVIIII Charity. A woman, seated, holding in her right hand a flame of fire.
  • XX to XXIII represent the four elements.
    • XX Fire. A mass of flames, in the midst of which is a small animal, looking like a lamb.
    • XXI Water. A ship, in which are two men, floating on the sea.
    • XXII Earth. In the upper part of the card are pictured castles and a tree: below is a stream from which a sheep and a dog, or wolf are drinking.
    • XXIII Air. The sky, with clouds and birds and stars. Below is the green earth, on which a dog is crouching.
  • XXIIII to XXXV represent the twelve signs of the zodiac.
    • XXIIII The Scales. A fox is poised on the balance. Below is a hedgehog.
    • XXV The Virgin. A winged woman, holding a palm branch
    • XXVI The Scorpion. At the bottom of the card is a small white duck.
    • XXVII The Ram. The animal is rearing: a white sheep is also figured.
    • XXVIII The Goat. A chimera-like figure, half goat, half fish, holding a sceptre between its forepaws, and resting on the sea.
    • XXVIIII The Archer. A Centaur bending a bow. A boar is also figured.
    • XXX The Crab.
    • XXXI The Fishes.
    • XXXII Aquarius. A husbandman, watering plants: he holds a sickle in one hand.
    • XXXIII The Lion. A lion rampant. On this and all the following ones, except the last-The Fool- the designs are relieved from a red ground. This is a characteristic of these cards in Minchiate packs.
    • XXXIIII The Bull.
    • XXXV The Twins. Two naked youths with Roman helmets on their heads.
  • The rest of the Atutti bear no numbers.
    • The Star. A king riding on a white horse: he holds a cup in his hand. Above is a large star. T.17.
    • The Moon. A large moon, with a human face. Below is seated an astronomer, with compasses and a dial. T.18.
    • The Sun. A large sun, with human face. Below are seated two lovers. T.19.
    • The World. An angel with a dart and a crown in his hands, standing on a globe marked, "Europa." T.21.
    • Fame. An angel blowing two trumpets. Below is spread out the earth with buildings upon it, and the words, " Fama volat."
    • The Fool. A fool with stick and bladders. Two boys are apparently jeering at him. T. 0.
  The numeral suits, or, cartaccie, are as follows:

  • Spade. Re and Dama, crowned and enthroned. Cavallo, a centaur with sword and shield. Fante, a Roman warrior with sword and shield. On the numeral cards the swords are long, narrow rapiers, not curved as on Tarrochi cards. On the 2, at the bottom of the card is the picture of a hart, lying down. On the 3 is the wolf suckling Romulus and Remus. On the 4 is a unicorn, lying down, at the bottom and at the top is an ape seated on a stool gazing into a mirror. On the 5 is a fox in a pulpit, preaching to fowls. On the 6 at the top is a balloon, at the bottom, a cat. On the 8, at the top is an ape gazing into a mirror: at the bottom a hedgehog. On the 10 two rats are usually pictured at the bottom, but they do not appear in this pack. These small pictures are characteristic of Minchiate cards. They are almost invariably present, the same picture being always found on the corresponding card of each pack.
  • Bastoni. Re and Dama crowned and enthroned. Cavallo, a centaur with club and shield. Fante a Roman warrior with club and shield. On the numeral cards the clubs are heavy, cylindrical staves, with a handle at each end. There are no pictures on the numeral cards of this suit
  • Coppe. Re and Dama, the former enthroned, the latter standing. Cavallo, a centaur with the body of a winged dragon. Fante, a female figure, standing. The design of the cups varies on different cards; on all they resemble covered vases. On the centre of the 3 is a lion. On the centre of the 4 is an ape, seated, looking into a mirror.
  • Denari. The Re is enthroned, the Dama is standing, leaning against a pillar. Cavallo, a centaur with the body of a lion, seated. Fante, a female figure standing. On each of the suit-marks on the court cards and on the numeral cards from 2 to 10, except on the 9 a human face is portrayed. On the 9 the suit-marks bear pictures of birds, a characteristic of the 9 of Denari in these packs, although not invariably found. In the much older pack, No. 50, the 9 of this suit bears human faces instead of birds. On the centre of the 4 is a man brandishing a dart, mounted on an elephant. On the Ace suit-mark is the Duty Stamp, a head of Mercury and the words, "Regno d'Italia. Centesimi 50." A black stamp is also on this card "Ufficio del Bollo Stra- -, Firenze, 12 Apr. [18]98" and also the name of the makers in blue, "Fabbrica Cocci & Ca., Firenze."
  The back layer of the paper is not brought around as in many Italian cards. The face of each card is surrounded by a dotted black border 1/8 of an inch wide. Corners square. Backs pink, with a small flower and leaf ornament.
  The pack is enclosed in a thin paper wrapper, printed in pink with the words, "Giuoco di Minchiate, della Fabbrica di Ferdinando Chiari, Firenze."
  Gift of Frederick W. Bancroft, who bought the pack in Florence in 1904.

• (50) OLD MINCHIATE PACK, ca. 18th century (perhaps older?). 51 cards. 3 3/4 x 2 1/4 in.
  Incomplete. 51 out of 97 cards, viz 19 atutti and 32 cartaccie.
  The atutti present are the following:

  • II The Grand Duke.
  • III The Emperor of the East.
  • IIII The Emperor of the West. In the preceding pack the numbers of the corresponding cards are reversed.
  • VIII Justice.
  • VIIII Wheel of Fortune.
  • XII The Hanged Man.
  • XIIII The Devil.
  • XV Hell.
  • XVI Hope.
  • XVII Prudence.
  • XVIIII Charity.
  • XXI Water.
  • XXII Earth.
  • XXVI The Scorpion.
  • XXVIIII The Archer.
  • XXXIII The Lion.
  • XXXIIII The Bull.
  • The Star.
  • The Sun.
  The designs on these cards are in general similar to those on the corresponding cards of the preceding pack, but the drawing is extremely crude, and the pictures have faded so much through age that it is often difficult to trace the design.
  The cartaccie are as follows:

  • Spade: Re, Fante, similar to corresponding cards of No. 49. Ace, 2, (with hart lying down,) - 7, 9, 10, (at the bottom are two rats).
  • Bastoni: Re, Dama, Fante. Ace, 3, 4, 5, 9, 10.
  • Coppe: Cavallo, a figure half man, half nondescript,- the lower half is probably intended for the body of a dragon, but the drawing is very confused and it resembles as well a large snail shell. Fante, a female servant. Ace: in the centre is the picture of a lion, so faint as to be almost indiscernible. 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10.
  • Denari: Fante, a female servant. 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9. The suit-marks all bear human faces, including the 9, on which birds are usually pictured. On the centre of the 4 is a picture of a man on an elephant, a quite different drawing, however from that on the corresponding card of the preceding pack.
  On the face of each of the Atutti and court cards are the words, "Baragioli. Francia." The designs are rudely printed from wooden blocks and the drawings are very archaic. The colouring is either put on by hand or stencilled in a very clumsy fashion, often so as almost to conceal the pictures. On the back of each card is printed in black the picture of an eagle grasping thunderbolts, a crown suspended over its head. Below is the word, "Fortuna." This design is drawn within a border of two black lines and is surrounded by a margin dotted with black spots. The back layer of paper is brought over and pasted around the face of each card so as to form a narrow border of black dots.aroundits face. Corners square.
  The cards are badly worn and worm-eaten. They are probably of eighteenth century manufacture, perhaps older.
  Gift of Frederick W. Bancroft, who bought them of a Florentine dealer in antiquities in 1904.

• (51) CARDS FROM AN OLD MINCHIATE PACK. 2 cards. 3 3/4 x 2 1/4 in.
  These are one of the Atutti, The Devil, No. XIIII, and the Fante of Bastoni. They are of similar design to the cards corresponding to them in the preceding pack and are apparently of about the same age. The drawings are much clearer, however. On the face of each card are the words, "Agostini. Francia." Corners are square. Backs bear a coat of arms in black surmounted by a crown, with the word, "Etruria" printed below. The same dotted black border on back and face as in the preceding pack.
  Gift of Frederick W. Bancroft, who bought them of a Florentine dealer in antiquities in 1904.

• (52) Missing as of 2003 Jan. OLD FRENCH TAROTS PACK. 69 cards. 4 3/4 x 2 5/8 in.
  Incomplete, 69 out of 78 cards being present, viz: 19 atouts and 50 numeral cards, as described below. On the 2 of Cups is printed in irregular capital letters: "Tarots Fins Faites Par J. Jerger Fabriquant Carts (sic) A Besancon," and on each atout and court card is printed in small letters: "France. J. Jerger." The designs on the atouts are similar to those on the corresponding cards of the Italian Tarocchi packs, with the exception of those on No. II, which bears a picture of Juno, and No. V, which has a picture of Jupiter. This is a characteristic of Tarots made by old French and Flemish cardmakers, who seem to have disliked to portray the Pope and "Female Pope" on their cards.
  The Atouts are as follows, each card being numbered and each bearing a title often badly mispelled just as given:

  • II Jvnon. A female figure, with two swans.
  • III L'Imperatris. Enthroned, with sceptre, and shield bearing an eagle.
  • IIII L'Emperevr. Seated very awkwardly on the edge of his throne.
  • V Jvpiter. Poised on an eagle and brandishing thunderbolts.
  • VI L'Amovrex. The usual design, a woman and two men. Cupid above shooting at them.
  • VII Le Charior.
  • VIII La Jvstice.
  • X La Rovx de Fortune. An ape is at the top of the wheel, from which a man is being cast down on one side, while a hare is climbing up on the other.
  • XI La Force. A woman holding open the jaws of a lion.
  • XII Le Pendv.
  • XIII No name, as usual, but representing Death. A skeleton mowing with a scythe.
  • XIIII Tenperance. An angel mixing wine and water in two jars.
  • XV Le Diable. A large winged devil with two small attendant imps.
  • XVI La Maison Dieu. The same as the corresponding Italian card called "La Torre", viz a tower with the top falling from a lightning stroke. One man is falling from the tower and another is 1 ying behind it.
  • XVII Letoille. (L'Etoile.) A naked woman pouring water fromtwo jars. Above are several large stars.
  • XVIII La Lvne. A moon and two barking dogs as usual. There is also a stream of water in which is a large lobster, although it is intended to represent a crab.
  • XVIIII Le Soleil. A large sun and two naked men.
  • XX Le Jvegmant. (Le Jugement.) The usual design. Le Fou. A beggar with staff, and a wallet over his shoulder. A dog is biting his leg.
  The numeral cards are as follows, each court card bearing the name of its subject spelled exactly as given. The suits, as will be seen, are the same as those of the Italian cards, but the names are French.

  • Deniers. Le Roy de Deniers, Cavallier de Deniers, Valet de Deniers. 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10. Each numeral card bears its value in Roman figures on opposite sides of the card in each suit.
  • Coupes: Reyne de Coupes, Cavallier de Coupes, Valet de Coupes. 2 to 10, inclusive.
  • Batons: Roy de Baatons, Reyne de Baatons, Cavallier de Baatons. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10.
  • Epees: Roy de l'Epee, Reyne de l'Epee, Cavalier de l'Epee, Vale de l'Epee. 1 to 10, inclusive.
  The designs on the Atouts and court cards are fairly well drawn and coloured, and the suit-marks are of excellent design, with much graceful ornamentation on the numerals of low denomination. The lettering is very crudely printed, however, and the spelling, as has been shewn, is often abominable. All the figures are drawn at full length. The corners, originally square, are rounded by wear. Backs marbled green and white. The pack is badly soiled and worn.
  It has evidently been used for fortune-telling, for which Tarots were the favourite cards, as most of the cards bear words or marks scribbled in red and black ink and in pencil which indicate a symbolic meaning for the card: e. g. on the Valet de Batons is written, "Départ," on the 4 of Coupes is, "trop intimité," on the 7 of Coupes, "craint," etc. As to the symbolism of Tarots and their use in fortune-telling, see Willshire, Pp. 138 et sqq.Jerger, the maker of this pack was an 18th. century cardmaker. A pack by him is in the Schreiber Collection at the British Museum, and another is mentioned by Taylor, P134. It is interesting as an example of the Italian Tarocchi as used in France.
  Bought of James Tregaskis, London, Feb., 1905.

• (53) SPANISH PACK, from Cuba. 48 cards. 3 5/8 x 2 3/8 in.
  From Cuba. Usual Spanish court cards and suit-marks. The figures on the court cards are drawn at full length. On the Ace of Oros is the maker's name. "Moliner, Burgos." On the 4 of Copas "No. 4" is printed in blue in the centre of the card. On the 2 of Espadas is printed in red, "Los dibujos y respaldo son propriedad de la casa"- (The designs and back are the property of the firm.)
  Each design is surrounded by a narrow blue border line which is broken at top and bottom in three of the suits in the characteristic Spanish fashion, as described under Pack No. 6. Indicator figures 1 to 12 in each suit, as usual. Corners square.
  Backs have fine blue wavy lines on a white ground. The material is a thick paper.
  Gift of Gurdon S. Howe, who got the pack in Havana in March, 1905.

• (54) GERMAN TAROTS. 54 cards. 4 1/4 x 2 3/8 in.
  The reduced pack of 54 cards now commonly used in Germany for games at Tarots.
  There are 22 Atouts and 32 numeral cards. The Atouts bear no resemblance to the Italian Atutti, save that they are 22 in number and each is numbered except the last one, which corresponds to the Matto. The latter card bears the picture of a mediaeval cavalier playing the lute. This figure, printed in colours, is a double bust in reverse. The other Atouts bear their value in an Arabic numeral at top and bottom of each card. Each has two different pictures on it printed in tint in reverse. The subjects of these pictures vary greatly. Thus, on No. 1 is depicted a Harlequin and Columbine in one picture, and in the other two clowns and a Pantaloon. No. 4 has the interior of a merchant's office and a mother with two children. No. 12 has peasants dancing and a group at a fashionable ball. The costumes of all the figures belong to the mid-nineteenth century.
  The suit-marks are French,- Diamonds, Hearts, Clubs and Spades. Honour figures: King, Queen, Knight, Knave. In the black suits the numerals run from 7 to 10, and in the red suits from 1 to 4. The figures on the court cards are busts double and in reverse and are of the type common in modern German cards. On the Knave of Clubs is the name of the maker, "C. L. Wüst, Frankfurt a/M." On the Ace of Diamonds is the trade-mark, a black six-pointed star, bearing the name "Wüst." Corners rounded and gilt. Backs have a design of black stars on a green ground and bear the maker's name printed four times around the edges.
  The pack is enclosed in a pasteboard carton, bearing the maker's name and address and the trade-mark, with the words: "Fabrik besteht seit 1811."
  Gift of Charles B. Howard, March, 1905.

• (55) AUSTRIAN TAROTS. 54 cards. 4 7/16 x 2 9/16 in.
  The reduced pack of 54 cards as in the preceding example: 22 Atouts and 32 numeral cards.
  The Atouts from 1 to 21 bear Roman numerals denoting their value in diagonally opposite corners of the card. The "Fool" card bears the picture of a Harlequin 3/4 length, double and in reverse: in one hand he holds a hat on which is poised the tiny figure of another Harlequin. The pictures on the other Atouts are printed in colours and represent various subjects, the characters in which are usually men and women in peasants' dress. Each card has two different pictures. Suit-marks are French. The figures on the court cards are double busts in reverse, printed in colours. On the Knave of Clubs is the name and address of the maker: "Spielkarten-Fabrik des Josef Glanz. In Wien v/1 Schlossgasse 18a. Niederlage, 1 Graben 17." On the Knave of Diamonds is also the maker's name, "Josef Glanz in Wien." On the Ace of Hearts is the excise stamp, the Austrian Eagle and "K. K. Kartenstempel 60," also the maker's name and address. The Honour figures and numerals are as in the preceding pack. The King of Spades and some of the Knights are in Turkish dress, the rest of the court card figures are of conventional German type. Corners rounded and gilt. Backs have an ornamentation of red on a white ground. The pack is enclosed in a paper wrapper, printed in pink with the words, "Club-Tarok" and the maker's name and address, etc. It is a new pack and has never been used.
  Gift of Henry Bennèche, who got the pack in Vienna, April, 1905.

• (56) AMERICAN PACK, 1896. 60 cards and Joker. 3 1/2 x 2 1/2 in.
  A recent pack devised for the game of Poker. It resembles in every respect the usual pack, except that in each suit there are two extra pip cards, - an 11 and a 12. The Ace of Spades is marked: "The National Card Company, Indianapolis and New York. `Full-House.' Patented June 30, 1896." The Joker has a picture in black of three brownies playing at cards with the word, "Joker" and the name of the manufacturers. Figures on the court cards are double busts in reverse, faces tinted. Usual Indicators, except on the 11s and 12s, which have additional indicator figures in Roman numerals just below the indicator suit-mark. Corners rounded. Backs ornamented with an elaborate device in red. Enclosed in a red cardboard box, lettered in gilt: "No. 555. Full-House Poker Playing Cards. 11 and 12 Spots. Patented June 30, 1896. The National Card Co. Indianapolis & New York." There are two U. S. Internal Revenue 2 cent stamps on the box.
  Bought of a stationer in Boston, Sept., 1905.

• (57) Missing as of 2003 Jan. OLD SPANISH PACK, 1720. 51 cards. 3 1/2 x 2 1/4 in.
  51 cards out of a pack originally consisting of 52, the Ace of Bastos being lost.
  Court cards: Rey, Caballo, Sota. Suits: Oros, Espadas, Copas, Bastos. Numerals: 1 to 9. On the Ace of Oros the Arms of Spain are depicted in a circle surrounded by a wreath and surmounted by a crown on which is perched an eagle with outstretched wing: at the back of the eagle's head is a sun. Around the Spanish Arms is the motto, misspelled: "Philipus Dei Gratia Hispanie Rix." The Arms of ______ are figured on the upper coin of the 2 of Oros and those of _______ on the lower one. On the 4 of Oros, in the centre of the card is a red cross on a yellow shield, within a large six-pointed star. On the 5 of Oros the central coin is a large piece of money bearing the busts in profile of a King and Queen, intended for Ferdinand and Isabella, around which is the untranslatable motto: (which is printed just as given, there being no division between the letters): "XI YROSSUS USMONUS ENPERATORIS ROMANORUM 1720."
  The figures on the court cards are of quaint character, not of so early a type as those on the Volay cards shewn in Merlin, but similar to those of Spanish cards of the 17th. and 18th. centuries. The border line around the designs is not broken, as in modern Spanish cards, and there are no Indicators. The corners are rounded by age and wear but were originally square. Backs ornamented with red dotted interlacing lines and small diamonds.
  This is an extremely interesting example of the old Spanish packs, resembling in several particulars the oldest known cards of that country. It should be compared with the Rouen cards of Jean Volay described by Merlin, (P. 99) and with the two packs described by Willshire, (S 15, P. 93 and S 258, Part II P. 7.) and with the pack from the Schreiber collection described by O'Donoghue, P. 41. No. 5b. The corrupted inscription on the 5 of Oros is much the same in all these packs save for discrepancies in a few letters, as is natural in so meaningless a motto, which was probably as unintelligible to the cardmaker as to us. In this pack, however, there are no spaces between the words as there are in Merlin's pack. The motto on the Ace of Oros is the same as on the corresponding card of the Rouen pack, but the French "Shield of Pretence" is not superimposed on the Spanish Arms, as one would expect, since the "Philippus" of the motto evidently signifies Philip V, who reigned from 1700 to 1745. On the Rouen cards this shield appears, but it is of course absent from the pack of Charles II in the Museum. Doubtless it is accidentally omitted from the Arms in this pack, as the armorial design is rudely drawn, and not quite accurately in the lower right-hand quartering. I think that it may be safely assumed that the date 1720 on the 5 of Oros is the date of manufacture. It was very likely brought to America by some seafaring man early in the 18th. century. It is unusual to find Spanish packs of 52 cards, but as Willshire notes, it is very probable that Spain manufactured packs of this number for exportation.
  The cards are badly soiled and worn, as is natural.
  Bought of Norman F. Kelsea, who bought the pack from an old lady in Duxbury, Masstts., in whose family the cards had been for many years. August, 1905.

• (58) JAPANESE PACK. 47 cards. 2 3/4 x 1 7/8 in.
  Iroha Garuta, or, Syllabary cards. 47 - there should be 48- cards, each bearing a brightly coloured picture representing a Japanese proverb, and one of the characters of the Iroha or Japanese syllabary, and 48 cards, each inscribed with a proverb, the first word of which begins with one of the characters of the syllabary.
  The cards are of pasteboard covered with paper. The back layer of paper is brought over and pasted around the face of the card, so as to form a narrow border. Corners square. Backs plain brown.
  The game played with the above cards is a favourite one with Japanese children. The usual method of play is to lay out the picture cards, face up. One person reads the proverbs to the players who endeavour to select the cards with the corresponding initial.
  Bought of James B. Goddard, Boston, Sept., 1905.

• Shelved at end of collection (59) JAPANESE CARDS. 200 cards. 2 5/8 x 1 7/8 in.
  Uta Garuta, or, Poem Cards. On each card of half the pack is a coloured picture representing a Japanese poet, and the first two lines of one of his poems: each card of the other hundred contains the rest of the poem begun on a picture card. On the poem cards the lines are written in black on a white ground, on which plants, clouds, stars, etc. are sketched in silver. The cards are of the same material and appearance as the preceding pack. Corners square. Backs brown. The pack is in a wooden box, in the shape of a cabinet, divided into two compartments.
  This is a popular game in Japan, especially with women. It is played in a similar manner to the preceding. One player reads the poems and, as they are read, each player tries to be the first to touch the picture card relating the poem. When a card is touched the one who touches it gives three cards to his opponent. The one who first disposes of all his cards wins the game.
  Bought of James B. Goddard, Boston, Sept., 1905.

• (60) JAPANESE PACK. Nichiro Garuta, or, "War Cards." 96 cards. 2 1/8 x 1 9/16 in.
  96 cards divided into two packs of 48 cards each. One of the packs has on each card a coloured picture representing naval or land battles or officers, both Russian and Japanese, of the Russo-Japanese war of 1904-1905. Each of these cards also has the first word of a verse or poem relating to the picture, the remaining part of the poem being found on one of the other 48 cards. The picture cards are printed in colours on a green ground and the cards are green bordered. The poems are printed in black on a red ground, the cards being red-bordered. The material is paper. Corners square. Backs plain, of the natural colour of the paper.
  The pack is in a pasteboard box, having on the cover a coloured picture representing a Japanese officer directing a charge of infantry.
  This is merely an adaptation of the "Proverb Game," No 58.
  Bought of James B. Goddard, Boston, Jan., 1906.

• (61) AMERICAN PACK. 52 cards and a Joker. 2 1/8 x 1 9/16 in.
  A pack by which the usual card games may be played, but in which the only thing to shew the value of each card is the figure Indicator over a small suit-mark in diagonally opposite corners of each card. The face of each card bears a picture printed by photographic process of historical scenes and buildings in Boston and towns near Boston, - Salem, Concord, Cambridge, etc. The backs bear a coloured picture of the monument on Bunker's Hill, surrounded by masses of mountain laurel in which are pictured four wheel hubs, in allusion to the popular sobriquet of Boston. Corners rounded. Edges gilt. Enclosed in a paper wrapper printed in blue: "Souvenir Playing Cards of Historic Boston and Vicinity. Published by Chisholm Bros., Portland, Me."
  The wrapper is sealed with the stamp of the U. S. Playing Card Co., who were probably the manufacturers. The pack is in a blue cardboard box, printed in gilt letters with the same inscription that is on the wrapper.
  Gift of Harriet Whitney, March, 1905.

• (62) KHANHOO CARDS. 62 cards. 3 9/16 x 2 1/2 in.
  A set of ordinary English cards, together with certain additional ones, modified for the purpose of playing the Chinese game, "K'an hu", or "Khanhoo." This game, one of the most popular in China, is played with the "Kun p'ai" cards, represented by Packs Nos. 26 to 28, with which the present pack should be compared.
  There are 62 cards in all, divided into two packs of 31 cards each. Each pack consists of three suits, Hearts, Clubs and Diamonds, and each suit contains nine numeral cards, running in value from 1 to 9. There are no "Court Cards," but there are three superior cards, a King, Queen and Knave, which are used to form combinations with other cards, and there is also a Joker card which can take the place of any other card. The numeral cards correspond to the Chinese suits of "Cakes" "Strings" and "Myriads": the King, Queen and Knave belong to no suit, and correspond to the Chinese cards, "Redflower", "Whiteflower" and "Old Thousand" the Joker corresponds to one of the "Golds" or mistigris cards which usually are found in Kun p'ai packs. The King, Queen and Knave represent Chinese figures, drawn busts double and in reverse. On each is portrayed a miniature representation of the card with which it combines. The numeral cards bear the usual pip marks, but on each card which can form a combination with others is figured a small picture of the card with which it combines. Corners rounded. Backs pink. Each pack is enclosed in a paper wrapper printed in blue.
  There are two markers to be used in keeping record of the games. A small book of directions for playing the game, written by W. H. Wilkinson, the great authority on Chinese games, accompanies the set. The game is enclosed in a pasteboard box, lettered: "The new Chinese Card Game of KHANHOO. Chas. Goodall & Son, Ltd., London."
  Bought of James Tregaskis, London, March, 1906.

• (63) ITALIAN PACK. 52 cards. 4 3/8 x 1 15/16 in.
  The usual Italian suits. Court cards, King, Knight, Attendant. Numerals: Ace to 10. The figures on the court cards are half-length, double and in reverse. The Ace of Denari bears the usual duty stamp,- a head of Mercury, with the words: "Regno D'Italia. Centesimi 30." There is also a black circular excise stamp on this card in which the only legible word is "Udine." The card is also stamped in blue: "Lit. E. Passero. Udine." The suit-marks of this pack are of the genuine Italian type- that is, the swords are curved and intertwined, the clubs are batons with knobbed ends, as in the Minchiate packs previously described, the cups are of a font-like shape.
  In the Italian packs hitherto described in this catalogue except the Tarocchi and Minchiate packs, the suit-marks are the same as those on Spanish cards, as the packs in question, being of 40 cards, were originally intended for Hombre, and followed the Spanish originals.
  The Aces of three of the suits bear mottoes which are characteristic of Venetian cards. These mottoes are as follows:-

  • Ace of Swords: "Non ti fidar di me se il cuor ti manca."
  • Ace of Clubs: "Se ti perdi tuo danno."
  • Ace of Cups: "Per un punto Martin perse la capa."
  The seven, eight, nine, and ten of each suit bear small numeral indices, in Arabic figures, in diagonally opposite corners of the card. Corners rounded. Backs bear a full-length figure of Minerva, printed in black. On a shield which she carries are the words: "Giacomo Vanelli Suc. G. Buri. Palmanova." At the bottom of the card are the words: "Litografia Ea. Passero, Udine."
  Gift of Henry Bennèche, who bought the pack in Venice in March, 1906.

• (64) SPANISH PACK, ca. 1820. 48 cards. 3 9/16 x 2 5/16 in.
  The usual Spanish suit-marks, court cards, and numerals. The figures on the court cards are drawn at full-length. On the four of oros is the name of the maker, S. Saavedra, Cadiz. On the "Caballo de Copas" is the word "Ahiva." Scrolled lines in faded ink, done with a pen are on the four of Copas. The colour is laid on heavily, and the designs on the court-cards somewhat resemble those on early Spanish cards. The border line around the face of the card in three of the suits is broken in the characteristic Spanish fashion, to indicate the suit. There are no indicator figures. Corners square. Backs printed with a blue dotted design, on a white ground. The pack is enclosed in a grey paper wrapper, printed in blue with a rather faint impression: "NAPs. FINOS. FABa D. SAAVEDRA. CALLE B L" EVI" VII, N" 126 CADIZ."
  This pack was brought to America in the first quarter of the nineteenth century, according to the tradition of the person who gave it to me. I should fancy that it dated from about 1820.
  Gift of Dr. Louis F. Mongeon, June, 1907.

• (65) Missing as of 2003 Jan. AMERICAN PACK, 1906. 52 cards and Joker. 3 1/2 x 2 1/2 inches.
  The peculiar feature of these cards consists in the huge size of the "Indicators," which constitute the main feature of each card. The design of each card occupies the centre of the card and is surrounded by a broad white margin. In diagonally opposite corners of the card are printed, in the same colour as the suit, the indicator marks - an initial or a numeral over the suit-mark, each indicator occupying one-third of the length of the card. The Ace of Spades is printed: "Jumbo Indexes. 202 Sportsman's. Copyright 1895-1899-1906 by The U. S. Playing Card Co., Cinncinnati, U.S.A. Russell & Morgan Factories."
  This is a reductio ad absurdum of the use of "indicators". Originally intended as an aid to the player in recognizing the value of a card in a closely-held hand, they here become the chief feature of the card, and the legitimate designs are merely decorative. Each indicator measures 1 5/16 inch in length. The design measures 2 1/16 x 1 1/4 inch. Corners rounded. Backs printed with a red design, surrounded by a narrow white margin.
  Enclosed in a cardboard box.
  This is merely a "sport" pack, and has never attained any popularity.
  Bought of J. L. Fairbanks Co., Boston, Sept., 1906.

• (66) ENGLISH PACK, 1897. 52 cards and a spare blank card. 3 2 7/16 inches.
  The Ace of Spades is printed: "When used in Great Britain and Ireland Duty Three Pence. De La Rue & Co. London." The figures on the Court Cards are drawn double busts in reverse, the faces tinted. Corners rounded. Backs printed in brown with an ornamental device of roses, thistles and shamrocks, surrounding a portrait bust of Queen Victoria, with the words: "Victoria Regina Imperatrix. Sixty Years Reign 1897."
  The pack is enclosed in a paper wrapper and in a cardboard box, each printed in brown with an early portrait of Queen Victoria, and the words: "Royal Victoria Playing Cards, 1837 Thos. De La Rue & Co., Ltd." The above pack was issued in commemoration of the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria, in 1897.
  Bought in Halifax, N. S. Sept., 1906.

• (67) CHINESE DOMINO CARDS. 84 cards. 3 7/16 x 13/16 in.
  Probably from Canton. Intended for the game of T'ienkiu (Tenquew). The pack, is composed of 4 cards for each of the 21 possible combinations of the domino marks. These combinations are known to the Chinese by the following names:

  • a. 6/6 "Heaven:" b. 1/1 "Earth": c.4/4 "Man":
  • d. 1/3 "Harmony or The Geese": e. 5/5 "Plums":
  • f. 3/3 "Long Threes" or "Door Chain":
  • g. 2/2 "The Bench": h. 5/6 "Tiger's Head" or "The Chopper": i. 4/6 "The Screen":
  • j. 1/6 "The Water Bucket": k. 1/5 "The Hammer":
  • l. 4/5 and m. 3/6 "Nines": n. 2/6 and o. 3/5 "Eights": p. 3/4 and q. 2/5 "Sevens": r. 1/4 and
  • s. 2/3 "Fives": t. 2/4 "Bighead Six": u. 1/2 "Three Chickens".
  The first eleven of the above combinations are known as "Civilians" and the last ten are called "The Military." The order in which they are given is that of their value. The marks are round dots, as on dice, the aces and fours and half of the dots on the double sixes being coloured red, the others, black. The combinations are printed twice on each card and between the marks is printed either a device like a pair of "Cash", as on most of the cards, or an inscription. The material is a thin pasteboard. The ends of the cards are rounded. Backs coloured a glossy black.
  It may seem that Dominos, even though made of paper, should not be included in a collection of playing cards, but in China no great distinction is made between cards derived from dominoes and those derived from coins: both varieties are known by the same term, "p'ai," and pasteboard cards are called "che p'ai"= "paper p'ai," to distinguish them from those made of ivory, bone, or wood. The dominoes are originally derived from dice, the marks of which are retained on the dominoes. Besides these two classes the Chinese also use cards derived from chessmen, and cards bearing conventional characters derived from a set form of words: the latter variety being peculiar to Western China.
  Bought in the Chinese quarter, Boston, Dec., 1906.

• (68) AMERICAN PACK, 1862. 52 cards. 3 9/16 x 2 1/2 in.
  The suits are Eagles and Shields, (Blue) Flags and Stars, (Red.) The Ace of Eagles bears a picture of an eagle with outspread wings, perching on a domed and pillared construction, perhaps intended for a cage. From his bill flies a streamer, with the motto, "E Pluribus Unum." Above is printed, "American Card Company," and below, the address, 14 Chambers St. & 165 William St., New York." "Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1862 by Benj. W. Hitchcock in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the Southern District of New York."
  The court cards in each suit are a Colonel, a Goddess of Liberty, and a Major. The designs of these are identical in each suit. The Colonel is a three-quarter-length figure, with slouch hat, epaulettes, sword and sash. Tents and trees are in the background. The Goddess of Liberty is seated, dressed in the stars and stripes. The Major is drawn full-length. He bears a pennoned lance in his right hand. An orderly is bringing up a horse, and a steamboat appears in the background, proceeding down a river. The suit-mark is printed in the right-hand upper corner. The eagles are sitting, with outstretched wings: on the breast is the United States shield, with stars above, much the same figure that appears on United States coins. The shields and flags are those of the United States. The stars are five-pointed. The backs are printed in an ornate design, comprising American flags, an anchor, a shield, etc. in blue on a white ground. Corners square. There are no indicators.
  The cards are fresh and unused, but are enclosed in a badly soiled pasteboard box. On the face of the box is printed in red the same figure of the Goddess of Liberty that is on the cards, with the following legends: "Union Cards. National Emblems!! Something New in the Card World! Time for a Change! Foreign Emblems Used Long Enough in the U. S. Nationality Everything!!" On the back of the box is printed in red the following, which sufficiently describes the purpose of the cards: "The American Card Co., confident that the introduction of National Emblems in the place of Foreign, in Playing Cards, will be hailed with delight by the American People, take pleasure in presenting the UNION PLAYING CARDS as the first and only Genuine American Cards ever produced, in the fullest conviction that the time is not far distant when they will be the leading Card in the American market.
  Explanation. The Union Cards are calculated to play all the Games [for w]hich the old style of Playing Cards are used. The [suits] are Eagles, Shields, Stars and Flags. Goddess of Liberty in place of Queen, Colonel for King, Major for [Jac]k. In playing with these cards they are to be [call]ed by the names the emblems represent, and as the Emblems are as familiar as household words, everywhere among the American people, they can be used as readily the first occasion as Cards bearing Foreign emblems." The inventor of these cards may have had the idea suggested to him by the French cards which were designed during the Revolution to supplant the ones previously in use. I cannot learn, however, that these cards ever had any vogue, and examples are now rare. An identical pack in the British Museum is described by Willshire, P. 324, v. 247.
  Bought of A. H. Rickards, Boston, June, 1907.

• (69) GERMAN PACK. 32 cards. 4 x 2 5/16 in.
  Court cards and suit-marks are of the German type, - King, Ober- and Untermann, Hearts, Leaves, Acorns, and Bells. Numerals, Deuce, and 7 - 10. The figures on the court cards are three-quarter length, double and in reverse. The deuces bear female figures. Indicator figures are in each corner of the numeral cards. On the lower part of each numeral card is a coloured view of some German town, or building. The Deuce of Hearts bears the duty stamp and the name of the maker, "Eduard Buttner & Co., Berliner Spielkartenfabrik." The name and address also appear on the 7 of Acorns. On the Deuce of Bells is printed: "Feine Deutsche Doppelbild Karte."
  Corners rounded. Backs printed in a black and white plaided design. The cards are in a paper wrapper.
  Gift of Henry Bennèche, who bought the pack in Berlin, July, 1907.

• (70) GERMAN TAROTS. 54 cards. 4 1/2 x 2 9/16 in.
  The reduced pack of 54 cards common in the German form of the pack. These cards are very similar to Nos. 54 and 55. 22 Atouts and 32 numeral and court cards. Court cards are King, Queen, Knight and Attendant. Numerals are 1 to 4 in red suits, and 7 to 10 in black suits. The suit-marks are French. Each Atout bears two pictures, usually alike on the same card. All the pictures and the figures on the court cards are printed in colours, the latter figures being half-length, double and in reverse. The duty stamp, 50 pfennige, is printed on the Ace of Hearts, as well as the "Schutzmarke," a small Cupid on an Ace of Spades. On the Attendant, or Knave, of Clubs, is printed the name and address of the makers: "Berliner Spielkartenfabrik. Eduard Buttner & Co."
  Corners rounded and gilt. Backs printed in a blue and white plaided device. The cards are enclosed in a paper wrapper marked "Kaffeehaus Tarok No. 300" and also bearing the name and address of the makers, and the whole is in a cardboard box, or slip.
  Gift of Henry Bennèche, who bought the pack in Berlin, July, 1907.

• (71) ITALIAN TAROCCHI PACK, ca. 18th century. 78 cards. 4 x 2 1/8 in.
  A complete pack of 78 cards, probably manufactured in the eighteenth century. The words "Fabricate in Padova" are printed on the Ace and 2 of Denari and on the 2 of Coppe. The atutti and cartaccie are of the usual Italian type corresponding to those No. 23, although the designs are much more archaic in drawing than those of that pack, resembling more nearly the designs of No. 52. All the figures on the atutti and cartaccie are drawn full length and the designs on these and on the numeral cards are coloured by hand. The titles of the atutti and of the court cards of the cartaccie are in French, badly mispelled, as follows:- Le Batelevr, La Papesse, L'Imperatris, Le' Emperevr Le Pape, Le Amorevx, Le Chariot, La Jvsticia, L'Eremite, Rove De Fortvne, La Force, Le Pendv, La Mort, La Temperance, Le Diable, La Maison Diev, Les Etoieles, La Lvne, Le Soleil, Le Jvgement, Le Monde, Le Fol, Roy De Bastons, Reine de Bastons, Chevalier de Bastv, Valet de Baston, Roy de Deniers, Reine de Deniers, Chevalier de Dene, Valet de Deniers, Roy De Espe, Reine de __, Chevalier de Espe, Valet De Espe, Roy de Covpes, Reine de Covpe, Chevalier de Covpe, Valet de Covpe. Each numeral card, from 2 to 10 is numbered in Roman figures on opposite sides of the card,except in the suit of Denari, in which the 2 is unnumbered. The atutti, except the "Fol", are numbered with Roman figures at the top, and No. XIII, contrary to the usual custom, is named, "La Mort."
  The back layer of paper on each card is brought around and pasted about the face of the card, in the characteristic fashion of Italian cards. The backs are printed with an ornamental device in black, a laureated bust being in the centre.
  A very interesting example of the old Tarocchi cards. The pack is in good, unsoiled condition.
  Bought of James Tregaskis, London, November, 1907.

• (72) FRENCH PACK, ca. 1855. 52 cards. 3 7/16 x 2 1/4 in.
  The Knave of Diamonds has the name of the maker, "Gibert, à Paris," printed in the lower right-hand corner, and the Knave of Spades has the word "France" at the bottom of the card. The figures on the court cards, drawn at full length, are in costumes of the 16th. and 17th. centuries, those on the two upper cards of each suit representing French historical characters, whose names they bear, while the Knaves, or Valets, represent servingmen of various kinds. All are very well printed in colours by lithography, and gilded. The characters represented are: Cinq-Mars, Chevalier D'Eon, Comte De Brissac, Bussy D'Amboise, Marion Delorme, Dame De Monsoreau, Diane De Poitiers, Comtesse De Rochefort. The suit-marks are in the upper right-hand corner of each court card. The suit-mark of each Ace is surrounded by an ornamental device of the same colour as the suit. Corners square. Backs, plain pink. This pack closely resembles the pack by the same maker, No. 41, ante. Both are dainty examples of a rather superior quality of cards. The date is about 1855. An identical pack with this one is in the Schreiber collection at the British Museum.
  Gift of Charles W. Sawyer, April, 1908.

• (73) AMERICAN PACK. 52 cards. 3 1/2 x 2 1/2 in.
  The Ace of Spades is printed in blue, the pip being formed of the "stars and stripes," surrounded by an ornamental device, and surmounted by an American Eagle, with the partly concealed motto: "E Pluribus Un[um.]" The name and address of the makers is printed on the face of the card: "Lawrence, Cohen & Co., No. 184 William St., N. Y."
  The figures on the court cards are drawn at full length. Corners square. Backs bear an ornamental device in red.
  This pack is very like Nos. 1 and 2, and was made by the same house, though the style of the firm, "& Co.," is slightly different. The figures are printed from different blocks than those of the first-named packs, and vary somewhat in design from the others, while the faces are not tinted.
  Gift of Charles W. Sawyer,April, 1908.

• (74) ITALIAN PACK. 40 cards. 3 1/4 x 2 1/16 in.
  The Ace of Denari bears two blank circular spaces where the duty stamp is usually placed, surrounded by an ornamental device in colours, with the name of the maker: "Eduardo Pignalosa Fu Giuspe. Napoli. Carriera Grande 3." The 4 of denari has the Italian coat-of-arms in the centre. The 4 of coppe has a picture of a white horse, rearing. Suit-marks and Court-cards are of the usual type in Italian cards of the hombre variety, i. e. the bastone and spade are of the Spanish style, - straight and separate, instead of curved and intertwined, as in the characteristic Italian fashion. There is no border surrounding the face of each card, as is usual. The drawings and printing are of the crudest sort. Backs printed with an elaborate ornamental device in red, containing birds, human, and leopards' faces. The pack is enclosed in a plain white enamelled paper wrapper, which has never been stamped. I suspect that the cards were surreptitiously manufactured or imported, as they have never been stamped, either in Italy or America.
  Bought at an Italian Bookshop in Boston, June, 1908.

• (75) FRENCH PACK, ca. 1830. 52 cards. 3 7/16 x 2 7/16 in.
  51 out of a pack of 52 cards of the usual French suits. This pack is similar in appearance to No. 30, but the pictures on the Aces illustrate the battles of Napoleon. The 9 of trefles is missing. The figures on the court cards are double busts in reverse, the Kings and Knaves being in mediaeval costume, the Queens being ladies in court costumes of about 1830, which I take to be the date of the pack.
  Each court card bears a suit-mark in diagonally opposite corners. On each Ace is depicted two battle scenes, as follows:-

  • Ace of Diamonds: Bataille des Pyramides, 22 juillet, 1798, Bataille de Marengo, 14 juin, 1800,
  • Ace of Clubs, Passage du Pont d'Ardes, 15 novembre, 1796, Bataille de Wagram, 16 juillet, 1809,
  • Ace of Hearts, Bataille de Jena, 14 octobre, 1806, Bataille de Lutzen, 2 mai, 1812,
  • Ace of Spades, Passage du Mont St. Bernard, 15 mai, 1800, Bataille d'Austerlitz, 2 decembre, 1805.
  All the designs are printed by lithography. The cards are soiled, and the corners, originally square, are rounded by wear. Backs ornamented with fine pink dots arranged in a cellular design. (See note on Pack No. 30.)
  Gift of Mrs. Clara Fuller, September, 1908.

• (76) GERMAN PACK. 32 cards. 3 7/8 x 2 3/8 in.
  32 cards, with French suit-marks. Court cards are King, Queen, Knave: numerals, Ace and 7-10. The court cards bear fanciful figures drawn as busts double and in reverse, the "Kings" wearing a small crown. Each court card has the initial of its German value, K, D., B., over a small indicator suit-mark, in diagonally opposite corners. The numeral cards also bear small indicator figures over suit-marks. The cards are beautifully printed in colours and the faces are tinted within a narrow border line. The Ace of Hearts has the German duty stamp of 30 pf. printed in black. On the 7 of Hearts is printed in red the name of the manufacturers: "Vereinigte Stralsunder-Spielkartenfabriken Act. Ges. Abt. Altenburg in Altenburg S.A." Corners rounded. The backs are printed in colours with a view of the city of Mainz, and the name of a brand of champagne which they are intended to advertise: "Kupferberg Gold." "`Das Goldene Mainz'" is printed below the picture of the city. Although these cards are intended for advertising purposes, they are of the finest quality and of superior manufacture.
  Gift of Mr. Henry Bennèche, October, 1908.

• (77) ITALIAN TAROCCHI PACK, ca. early 19th century. 19 cards. 4 3/16 x 2 1/8 inches.
  Incomplete: 19 Atutti being present, out of a complete pack of 78. The Cartaccie are the "Caval di Coppe," and the "Cav di Bastoni," so named. (These two cards have been lost.)
  The Atutti are the following, numbered and named as given, II "La Papessa," III "L'Imperatrice," IIII "L'Imperatore," V "Il Papa," VI "Gli Amanti," VII "Il Carro," VIII "La Giustizia," VIIII "L'Eremita," XI "La Forza," XII "L'Appeso," (usually called "Il Penduto,") XIII, not named, XIIII "La Temperanz.", XVI "La Torre," XVII "Le Stelle," XVIII "La Luna," XIX "Il Sole," XX "Il Giudizio," XXI "Il Mondo," "Il Matto."
  On card III appear the words: "Tarooco Fino." The designs are of the usual types, crudely drawn and coloured, and the cards resemble those of Pack 71. I should suppose the date to be early in the nineteenth century.
  The back layer of paper is pasted around the face of each card in the characteristic Italian fashion. Backs printed with a decorative design in pink, and bear the words, "Regia Fab." Corners were originally square, apparently, but are rounded by wear.
  Gift of I. W. Crosby, who bought the cards in Lucerne, in August, 1908.

• (78) ITALIAN TAROCCHINO PACK. 62 cards. 4 1/4 x 2 inches.
  62 cards, comprising 22 Atutti and 40 Cartaccie.
  The Atutti are not named, and only 5 to 16 are numbered, each bearing an Arabic numeral at top of the card. The figures on the Atutti and Cartaccie are drawn three-quarter length, double and in reverse. The other designs on the Atutti are double and in reverse. The first two Atutti bear the figure of a woman with large earrings, holding a spear, the next has a similar woman holding three arrows, the fourth has a turbaned youth bearing a spear. These designs are derived from the figures of four satraps or Moors on old Tarocchino cards. The cards correspond to Nos. 2 to 5 on Tarocchi cards.
  The correspondence of the remaining Atutti with those of Tarocchi and Minchiate cards is shown below:- Tarocchi. Minchiate. Tarocchino. VI V 5 Cupid and two lovers. VII X 6 The Chariot.XIIII VI 7 Temperance. VIII VIII 8 Justice. XI VII 9 Force. Woman against pillar, as in Minchiate card. X IX 10 Wheel of Fortune. VIIII XI 11 A winged man against a pillar The design is different, but this probably corresponds to the Hermit of Taroccho, and the Cripple of Minchiate XII XII 12 The Hanged Man. XIII XIII 13 Death. XV XIV 14 The Devil. XVI __ 15 The Tower. XVIIII The Sun. 16 The Sun. Three figures below. XVIII The Moon. __ The Moon. Two astronomers below.__ __ __ A Sun above a woman holding a distaff.XX __ __ The Angel Gabriel.__ The World? __ Mercury standing on a globe.I I __ A Juggler.Il Matto. Il Matto. ___ The Fool.
  All the designs are very much conventionalized from those on old Tarocchino cards, and, in many instances, as is true likewise of modern Taroccho and Minchiate cards, give hardly more than a suggestion of the original pictures. The numeral cards are divided into four suits, Cups, Clubs, Swords, and Money. Each suit contains four Court Cards, - King, Queen, Knight, and Knave, or, Attendant. The designs are crudely drawn and coloured. The numerals are Ace and 6 to 10 inclusive. The suit-marks are of the true Italian type, not Spanish, as in cards derived from Hombre packs. On the Ace of Coins the duty stamp - a Mercury's head, with the amount of duty, 50 centesimi - serves for suit-mark. This card also bears the name of the maker, "Murari, Cav. Guglielmo," and a black "duty paid" stamp, dated "22 Dec. [1]908."
  Corners square. Backs printed in blue with the picture of an emblematic female figure standing, and the name of the maker etc. "Stabilimento Gmo. Murari, Bari." Back layer of paper is brought around in front, in Italian fashion. The cards are enclosed in a thin paper wrapper, bearing the name and address etc. of the maker, and the words, "Prem. Stabil a vapore per le Carte da Giuoco."
  The tradition is that Tarocchino was invented by Prince Fibbia, an exile in Bologna, early in the fifteenth century, but it seems probable that the invention is of later date. The chief differences between these and Tarocchi cards are the suppression of the twos, threes, fours and fives from the numeral suits, and the substitution of the four so called "Moors or "Satraps" for the four papal and imperial Atutti of the Tarots pack.
  Gift of I. W. Crosby, who bought the pack in Bologna in May, 1909.

• (79) HINDUSTANI PACK. 94 cards. Diameter: 1 1/2 inch.
  A pack of "Gunjee-fu", or, "Ganj-kha" cards. Incomplete. 94 out of 96 cards: the Badshah and Vizir of the Rūp suit being absent. Except in size this is almost identical with Pack No. 42, the designs and colouring being almost the same in each pack.
  The chief discrepancies are as follows:- In this pack no Vizir has attendants. On the Badshah cards of the Taj, Shamsher, Chang, Burat and Kamach suits only two, instead of four attendants are pictured. On the Badshah card of the Ghulam suit but one elephant is portrayed. The Vizir of the Burat and Kamach suits is on a blue horse.
  Backs are red with a narrow white circle just within the outer edge. Cards are circular and of same material as No. 42. They were bought in Jaipur, India some ten or fifteen years ago.
  Gift of Miss Lucy Jones, Newburyport, March, 1912.

• (80) AMERICAN PACK, 1893. 52 cards and Joker. Dimensions: 3 1/2 x 2 1/2 in.
  Issued in commemoration of the Worlds Fair at Chicago in 1893.
  Each card bears a picture in colours of one of the buildings at the Fair, with the name of the building printed beneath it. The value of the card is indicated by small suit-marks with initial or numeral above it in two diagonally opposite corners and by a large suit-mark with initial or numeral imprinted in the centre in the other two corners of the card. The Kings have a bust portrait, perhaps intended for President Harrison, in two diagonally opposite corners, above the indicators, the Queens have a bust portrait of a woman, and the Knaves a bust portrait of Columbus, similarly placed. The Joker bears a full length coloured picture of "Uncle Sam" surrounded by flags of all nations, with the motto "E Pluribus Unum" above. Backs are printed with an ornamental device in red, surrounding a picture of the three caravels of Columbus. Corners rounded. The pack is enclosed in a pasteboard box printed in blue: "World's Fair Souvenir Playing Cards. World's Fair Souvenir Card Co., Chicago, Ill. Copyright & Patent applied for by H. C. Frink, 1117 The Rookery." There is a picture of three caravels on the face of the box and the back bears a fac simile of the King of Spades of the pack.
  Gift of Miss Lucy Jones, Newburyport. March, 1912.

• Shelved at end of collection (81) KOREAN PACK.
  A pack of the so-called Korean "playing sticks," known as Htou-Tjyen, consisting of 60 cards and 2 blank cards, divided into six lots numbered from 1 to 9 in Korean numerals, with a tenth card in each lot, known as the "Tjyang", or "General" card.
  The numeral cards are alike in each lot, each bearing its cardinal number with the same character beneath it. There are no suit marks, but the character on each "General" card is different. These characters are said to be corrupted symbols of pictures which were portrayed on these cards in their original form, and which represented certain emblems, - man, fish, pheasant, antelope, rabbit, and horse.
  The numerals and symbolic marks are drawn in India ink and are from 2 to 2 1/4 inches in length. The backs all bear the same design drawn in India ink, a sort of harp-like scrawl.
  The material is a thick oiled paper, or thin card, of a brownish colour. Corners square. 6 1/4 in. x 3/8 in.
  The characteristic Korean pack contained 80 cards, divided into 10 suits of 9 numeral and 1 "General" card each, but the pack has been reduced in modern times to packs of 4, or, as in this example, 6 suits. It was usual to portray the suit-mark on the numeral cards, but it is now often absent, as in this case, probably because not essential to the games commonly played. The subject of Korean cards is treated in Stewart Culin's "Korean Games", Introduction and pp. 123-127. Mr. Culin considers that these cards originate from the use of arrows used for divinatory purposes, which later developed into games.
  Gift of Hugo Parton, who obtained them through Mr. F. W. Hadley, of Ning-po, China, September, 1914.

• (82) ENGLISH (CANADIAN) PACK. 52 cards, Joker and blank card. 3 3/8 x 2 1/2".
  "The Allied Armies Playing Cards," a pack issued in commemmoration of the Great War of 1914. Usual suitmarks. The figures on the Court Cards, drawn double busts in reverse, represent the following characters, each being labelled: Spades- King, "Yoshihito, Emperor of Japan": Queen, "Sadano, Empress of Japan": Jack, "Japanese Private": Hearts- King, "Albert I, King of the Belgians": Queen, "Elizabeth, Queen of the Belgians": Jack, "Belgian Private": Clubs-King, "Nicholas II, Tsar of Russia": Queen, "Alexandra Tsaritsa of Russia": Jack, "Russian Cossack": Diamonds- King, "His Majesty George V": Queen, "Her Majesty, Queen Mary": Jack, "British Private".
  The Ace of Spades bears a portrait of President Poincaré, and the Ace of Hearts, a portrait of Peter, King of Servia, each drawn within the suit-mark, and printed in black. The Joker bears a lion's head printed in black, with title "The British Lion." Indicators. Corners rounded. Backs ornamented with flags of the Allies,-Great Britain, France, Russia, Belgium, Serbia, Japan- printed in colours.
  Enclosed in a pasteboard carton, printed in blue and white with the title, "The Allied Armies Playing Cards," on front, sides and ends, and at bottom, "Rd. 1915 by M. Liebich." The cards are of inferior quality and the likenesses on the court cards are very poor. On the back of the carton is pasted the reverse of a card. On the front is pasted a label, "Supplied by The Patriotic Playing Cards Co., Montreal."
  Gift of Edward H. Little, May, 1915.

• (83) ENGLISH (CANADIAN) PACK. 52 cards. Oval 3 5/16 x 2 1/8"
  A pack of 52 cards of the usual suitmarks, but oval in shape. The designs and shape of these cards is copied from German cards such as are issued by Dondorf of Frankfurt am Main and by Twietmeyer of Leipsic.
  The figures on the court cards, drawn double busts in reverse, are Kings, Ladies, and Knights or Squires of fanciful design. The face of each card is of a cream-coloured tint, surrounded by a narrow margin of white. There are small indicators diagonally opposite each other on each card. The backs are covered with a design of crysanthemums printed in colours. On the Knave of Clubs is stamped the number 4131 and a six-pointed star. The edges of the cards are gilded. The pack is enclosed in a pink pasteboard box, on which is printed in red: "Monte Carlo playing Cards. Oval Shape. Illuminated Faces. Gold Edges. W. B. T. & R."
  There is nothing on these cards to indicate their origin, except the initials on the cover of the box. I should guess that the pack had been made in Canada to supplant the similar class of German cards. It is possible, however, that the cards are of German origin and that a new box has been made for them, in order to conceal this, since articles "made in Germany" are taboo in English communities at this time, (1915.)
  Bought in Montreal, May, 1915.

• (84) ENGLISH PACK. 2 packs of 52 cards each. 2 3/4 x 1 15/16"
  For games of Patience. Two packs of 52 cards each. Usual court and pip cards. Rounded corners. Backs ornamented with a labyrinthine design surrounding a small picture of a lady reclining on a sofa. The packs are in a cardboard box printed in gilt," `Onoto' Patience cards. From original designs by Sir E. Poynter, Bart., P.R.A., Thomas De La Rue & Co., Ltd." In spite of the words "From Original Designs," the suitmarks and designs of the court cards are those common to the usual modern English cards.
  Bought in England, 1913.

• (85) GERMAN PACK. 2 packs of cards, 52 cards each pack. 1/2" x 11/16"
  Miniature packs of 52 cards with French suitmarks. Court cards of usual French type, drawn busts double and in reverse. On each ace are two different pictures, landscapes etc. occupying each half of the card. On the 4 of Hearts is the maker's name, "C. L. Wust, Frankfurt a.M."
  Gift of Dorothy Bass Whitney, Christmas, 1915.

• (86) GERMAN PACK. 52 cards. 3 5/8 x 2 1/2 in.
  52 cards with French suit-marks. The four suits represent respectively, Hearts, Asia: Diamonds, Europe: Spades, Africa: Clubs, America. Aces, Kings, Queens, and Knaves are printed in bright colours with the following designs: Hearts: Ace, An elephant bearing three riders, King, The Great Mogul: Queen, An Indian queen: Knave, An Indian warrior: Diamonds: Ace, Justice, with sword and scales: King, An emperor: Queen, An Empress: Knave, An armoured warrior: Spades: Ace, A Mosque: King, Sultan: Queen, Sultana: Knave, A Janissary: Clubs: Ace, Departure of Columbus: King, King Ferdinand: Queen, Queen Isabella: Knave, Spanish Ambassador.
  Various subjects, supposedly representative of subjects peculiar to or illustrating historical subjects of the several divisions of the world are printed in tint on the background of each numeral card, while the suit-marks, enclosed in circular spaces are superimposed. Figures on court cards are three-quarter length. No indices. Corners rounded. The maker's name, "B. Dondorf. Frankfort", is printed on the aces and on the Knave of Clubs.
  The pack is enclosed in a carton bearing the maker's name and "Luxus Karten, No. 207." This is one of the immense number of fancy cards issued by German cardmakers and has no especial interest except as a type. Backs elaborately ornamented with design on tinted ground.
  Bought of Walter C. Green, 1916.

• (87) SWISS PACK. 29 cards. 3 7/16 x 2 3/16 in.
  Imperfect. 29 out of a complete suit of 36 cards. Suits: Bells, Shields, Flowers, Acorns. The missing cards are the Ace of Bells, 6 of Flowers, Ace, Ober, 6, 7, 8, of Acorns. The cards present are Bells: Deuce, König, Ober, Under, 9, 8, 7, 6, Shields: Ace, Deuce, König, Ober, Under, 9, 8, 7, 6, Flowers: Ace, Deuce, König, Ober, Under, 9, 8, 7, Acorns: Deuce, König, Under, 9. The figures on the court cards are drawn full length and bear their respective names; The Aces bear a flag on which is the suit-mark; the Deuces bear suit-marks within elaborate designs. All the cards are coloured, except the 6 to 9 of Shields, which are plain black designs. Corners rounded. On the Deuce of Shields is printed, "J. Müller & Cie.", on the Deuce of Bells, "Schaffhausen & Halle."
  Backs figured in black on a brown ground.
  Swiss cards of the old characteristic type, such as these, are fast disappearing and generally unfamiliar to the present generation. They are derived from the German type, Shields and Flowers being substituted for the Hearts and Leaves of the former type. In packs made near Schaffhausen the usual number of cards is 36; in those made in and near Soleure, the number is increased to 48 by the addition of 3s, 4s, and 5s to the numeral cards.
  Gift of Clarence K. Reiman, who obtained them from a friend in Switzerland, 1916.

• (88) FLEMISH TAROTS, ca. 1790. 56 numeral and court cards and 22 atouts. 4 1/2" x 2 1/2"
  A complete pack of Tarots. The court cards, King, Queen, Knight and Knave bear figures drawn full-length, of a distinctly Flemish cast of countenance, resembling otherwise in design French cards of the early eighteenth century.
  Suit marks are French. Designs on the atouts are all of natural history subjects, except on card XIV, which bears the picture of a huntsman blowing a horn, and I and XXII, - the latter not numbered, -which have pictures of a zany. Atouts from I to XX are numbered with Roman numerals at top and bottom. On the I of atouts is printed "Cartes finnes faites par J. J. Dubois demeurt. Rue Haute Sauveniere No. 856 a Liege." The name, J. J. Dubois, also appears on the Knave of Clubs. On the King of Diamonds is printed "A Liege I. R." The initials J.K.H. are printed on the Knave of Diamonds.
  Backs covered with a design in red of suns within hexagons. Corners square.
  An interesting pack of old tarots. The Dubois family made cards in Rouen and later in Liege, whither many of the Rouen cardmakers removed early in the eighteenth century. O'Donoghue mentions a pack by J. L. Dubois and another by J. T. Dubois, which he assigns to the eighteenth century. I should think these to be dated about 1790. It must be remembered that the same blocks were used by generations of cardmakers.
  Bought of Walter C. Green, August, 1917.

• (89) AUSTRIAN TAROK PACK, ca. 1852. 22 Atouts and 32 numeral cards. 4 1/4 x 2 1/4 inches.
  Complete pack. Suit-marks French. Figures on court cards double busts in reverse.
  Atouts numbered II to XXI bear allegorical pictures representing "Das Glück", "Der Hochmuth", Das Elend", etc. No. I bears a double figure in reverse representing a man bearing two bags, or purses, on a stick. The "Fool" card has a zany, double bust in reverse, and bears the maker's name: "Fabricirt von Anton Herrl, Senior, in Graz. Stempfergass No. 136." Ace of Hearts bears a black excise stamp and a red stamp "Anton Herrl in Gratz, 1852."
  Backs mottled green. Corners square.
  Bought of N. Posthumus, The Hague. July, 1920.

• (90) AUSTRIAN TAROK PACK, ca. 1850. 22 Atouts and 32 numeral cards. 4" x 2 1/4"
  Complete pack. Suit-marks French. Figures on court cards double busts in reverse. The atouts bear scenes in and around Vienna.On the Ace of Diamonds is printed: "Aus der K. K. Landesbesugt. Spielkarten Fabrik des C. Titze et Schinkay in Wien." The Ace of Hearts bears a black excise stamp and a stamp with the makers' names. Corners square. Backs figured black and pink. Date about 1850.
  Bought of N. Posthumus, The Hague. July, 1920.

• (91) AUSTRIAN TAROK PACK, ca. 1851. 52 cards. 4 1/16 x 2 1/8"
  Incomplete: 52 out of 54 cards, the missing cards being the Seven of Spades and King of Spades. French Suit-marks. Court cards bear figures, double busts in reverse, representing English and French historical personages of the Middle Ages and sixteenth centuries: Raleigh, Talbot, Elizabeth, William the Conqueror, Bayard, Diana of Poitiers, Francis I, etc. The Atouts bear illustrations alluding to the Revolution of 1848, with appropriate mottoes.The Ace of Hearts bears the maker's name and date: "Joseph Glanz, Wien, 1851. "
  Corners square. Backs small pink figure.
  Bought of N. Posthumus, The Hague. July, 1920.

• Shelved with item (40) (92) ENGLISH MINIATURE PACK, ca. 1850. 51 cards. 1 15/16 x 1 3/8"
  Incomplete: 51 out of 52 cards, the Ace of Diamonds missing. Figures and designs of suits of the usual English type. Figures on Court Cards drawn full length.
  Corners square. Backs, Blue diagonal lines and dots. The material is a thick paper. Enclosed in a gilt paper wrapper, marked, "Mogul Cards. J. Binning & Co., Calcutta, Sole Importers."
  I think these cards date from about 1850.
  Bought of N. Posthumus. The Hague, 1920.

• (93) SWISS PACK, ca. 1870. 35 cards. 3 7/16 x 2 3/16"
  35 out of 36 cards, the Deuce of Flowers missing. Characteristic Swiss suits- Bells, Shields, Flowers, Acorns. Figures drawn full length. On the Deuce of Hearts is printed: "J. Muller", and on the Deuce of Bells, "Schaffhausen."
  Corners square. Backs, a brown and black plaid.
  The above pack is very similar to No. 87, and was probably made by the predecessor of the maker of that pack. Circa 1870.
  Bought of N. Posthumus, The Hague, October, 1920.

• (94) GERMAN TRAPPOLA CARDS, 1782. 36 cards. 4 7/8 x 2 5/16"
  Complete pack of 36, composed of four suits, each having King, Knight and Knave, as court cards, and numeral cards, 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 10, - the 3, 4, 5, and 6 being absent in Trappola cards. The suits are Italian, - Cups, Coins, Swords, and Batons. Figures on Court Cards are drawn full length. On three of the suits the figures are in European costume of the eighteenth century: on the Swords suit the figures are turbaned Turks, wielding scimitars, reminiscent of the Moors on Tarocchino cards. The date 1782 is printed on the King of Coins. On the Deuce of Swords is printed in German characters, "Diese Trapolier Karten sin zu haben bey Leopold Milchram in Grätz." "In Graz" is printed on the Aces of Cups and Clubs.
  Square corners rounded by wear. Backs mottled brown and crimson.
  Trappola cards are of Venetian origin, according to Willshire, and result from modifying the Tarots pack by the suppression of the atutti, and four of the numerals in each suit. They were introduced into Germany at an early date and used there well into the eighteenth century, or later.
  Bought of N. Posthumus, The Hague, October, 1920.

• (95) GERMAN SOLO PACK, ca. late 18th century. 40 cards. 3 1/4 x 2 5/16"
  Complete pack of 40 cards for Solo. These cards are often known as "Piket Karten", although their composition is not suitable for the French game of Picquet. The composition is that of Ombre packs- King, Queen, Knave, Ace to 7. Suit marks, French. The designs of the Court Cards are similar to those on French cards of the eighteenth century. On the Knave of Spades is printed in German characters: "Verfertiget von Ioh. Matth. Backofen in Nürnberg." The material is thin cardboard of considerable lissage. Corners square. Backs, Diagonal dotted and starred blue lines, on a white ground.
  There were several card makers of the name of Backofen in Nürnberg, probably of the same family. In the Schreiber collection are several cards by J. M. Backofen, which the catalogue dates "late eighteenth century." I should think this pack dates about the same time.
  Bought of N. Posthumus, The Hague, October, 1920.

• (96) GERMAN PACK, ca. 1820-1860. 20 cards. 3 15/16 x 2 1/8"
  Imperfect, and composed of two packs, since the backs are different. 20 out of 32, or 36, cards. The cards present are Hearts: Deuce, King, Obermann, Untermann, 10, 9, 8. Leaves: Deuce, King, Obermann, Untermann, 9. Bells: Deuce, Untermann, 9, 6. Acorns: Deuce, Untermann, 10, 9. The designs, which are of considerable merit, are engraved. Figures on Court Cards are drawn full length. Figures and scenes on numeral cards. A border surrounds the face of each card. The figures on the Court Cards represent historical characters, and are named, "Ritter Bayard," "Kuno von Kyberg," "Herzog Burgund", etc. On the 8 of Hearts is the name of the maker, "Joseph Fetscher, Kartenfabricant in München."Corners square. Backs of most cards are marked with a design of blue circles and stars, of the rest, with a red leaf figure. Together with this pack are the following duplicate cards-Hearts Obermann, Untermann, 10. Leaves: Deuce, Obermann, Untermann. Acorns: Untermann.
  AMs note on the wrapper of these cards states that Joseph Fetscher was in business in Nürnberg from 1821 to 1861, and was the successor of Joseph Fetscher, Senior, 1792. It also notes that 11 cards like these are in the Bavarian National Museum in Munich. In the Schreiber Collection is an identical complete pack. Catalogue p. 79, No. 23.
  Bought of N. Posthumus, The Hague, October, 1920.

• (97) FRENCH PIQUET PACK, ca. 1860. 32 cards. 3 3/16 x 2 3/16"
  Complete pack of 32 cards. The figures on the court cards, drawn full length, represent the Roman deities, while the aces and numeral cards have pictures of the lesser gods or mythological scenes. The pips are surrounded by a tracery of vines and leaves. The "valet" of Clubs, represented by Triton, bears the name of the publisher, "Vve. Lange, Rue St. Honore 67, France", and on the Ace of Clubs is the name of the manufacturer, "Vve. Arout, Rue St. Honore 67."
  Corners square. Backs pink. Date appears to be about 1860.
  Gift of I. W. Crosby, December, 1923.

• (98) GERMAN PACK, ca. 1850. 32 cards.
  32 cards of the national suits, and arranged according to the usual German standard, Daus, König, Ober und Untermann, 7-10. Figures on cards drawn full length. On each numeral card appears a picture of some German castle or monument. On the Daus of Hearts is the tax stamp for 30 pfennigs and the name of the maker, C. T. Sutor, Fabrik in Naumburg a.S.
  Corners square. Backs a black plaid. Badly worn and soiled. Date about 1850.
  Gift of I. W. Crosby, December, 1923.

• (99) GERMAN PACK, ca. 1850. 52 cards. 3 7/8" x 2 5/8"
  Complete pack of 52 cards. French suit marks.
  The figures on the court cards, drawn at full length, are, like those on the numeral cards, fanciful caricatures of "bourgeois" types. The pips on the numeral cards are incorporated into the designs, as in the American pack, No. 17. As noted in the description of that pack, both are imitations of the cards first issued by Cotta of Tubingen in 1805. Brief legends, descriptive of the subject are printed on most of the cards in German or French, but there is nothing to indicate the publisher or place of origin. From the style of some of the costumes I should date the pack about 1850.
  Corners square. Backs plain white.
  Gift of I. W. Crosby, December, 1923. Obtained in Brussels.

• (100) HINDUSTANI PACK, undated. 95 cards in one lacquered box. Circular. Diameter 2 1/2 "
  This item received after the main donation: Gift of Professor G. L. Kittredge, Cambridge; received 1926 Jan. 9.

• (101) FRENCH PACK, undated. 47 cards. 3 1/2 x 2 1/8 "
  Cards housed in box with pictures of Notre Dame and the Partheon on cover.
  This item received after the main donation: Gift of Alfred C. Potter, Cambridge; received 1926 Apr. 8.

• (102) Missing as of 2003 Jan.
  This item received after the main donation.

• (103) SPANISH PACK, 1924. 40 cards. 3 1/2 x 2 1/4 "
  Paper wrapper cover marked: Marca de Fabrica. Card 1 marked RI. EA. DEMD. Ano 1924. Card 5 marked with maker: Sebastian Comas Y Ricart, Barcelona.
  This item received after the main donation: Gift of Mrs. Florence Milner, Cambridge; received 1928 Oct. 10.

• (104) ENGLISH PACKS, undated. 2 packs. 3 5/8 x 2/1/2 "
  Backs vary on these two decks. Indicators put on by hand. Ace of spades has maker: DeLarue & Co., London.
  Formerly cataloged as: B 3490.2.
  This item received after the main donation: Gift of Miss Julia Maynard, bought in Nantucket, Mass.; received 1937 Dec. 13.

• (105) AMERICAN PACK, undated. 1 pack. 3 1/2 x 2 1/2 "
  Backs of cards all have view of Old Man of the Mountain from the White Mountains in New Hampshire. Various views from the White Mountains are depicted on face side of cards.
  This item received after the main donation: Donor unknown.

• (106) Unidentified pack, undated. 1 card. 3 5/8 x 2 1/2 "
  Back of card red, off-white and black. Depicts portrait of William Shakespeare, with text: We are all players. All the worlds a stage (etc.).
  This item received after the main donation: Donor unknown.

• (107) AMERICAN PACK, undated. 1 pack. 3 1/2 x 2 1/2 "
  Face of card depicts scenes of New York City and other areas of New York state, back of card an "American patriot figure."
  This item received after the main donation: Donor unknown.

• (108) HOLLAND? MINIATURE PACK, undated. 1 pack. 1 5/8 x 1 1/4 "
  Also includes blank cards.
  This item received after the main donation: Donor unknown.

• (109) AMERICAN PACK, undated. 104 cards.
  Back of cards depicts a sheepdog and two kittens in a doorway, in violet.
  This item received after the main donation: Donor unknown.

• (110) AMERICAN PACKS?, undated. 3 1/2 x 2 1/4 "
  Partial packs with the following pictures on the back:

  • Three kittens with text: Sleep like a kitten; in pink, grey, and white.
  • Three kittens surrounded by ribbon; in peach, black and white.
  • Two scottie dogs (one black and one white) with blue frame.
  • Still-life of floral arrangement with blue frame.
  This item received after the main donation: Donor unknown.

• (111) AMERICAN PACKS?, undated. 3 1/2 x 2 1/4 "
  Partial packs with the following pictures on the back:

  • Running dog chasing ball in blue, black and white, with black frame.
  • Wagon train pulled by oxen in blue, brown, peach, and yellow with blue and silver frame. All these cards have advertising for "Congress Playing Cards" on the recto.
  • House in snow by a lake, in blue, white, yellow, with blue and white frame.
  • Two pheasants in brown and red with red and white frame.
  • Chicagoland Golden Card Tournament text in white, red and gold.
  This item received after the main donation: Donor unknown.

• (112) AMERICAN PACKS?, undated. Most are 3 1/2 x 2 1/4"
  These cards are partial packs or single cards that have been left unsorted.
  This material received after the main donation: Donor unknown.

INDEX:

• American: Nos. 1-2-5-12-17-18-24-29-35-36-37-38-39-40-56-65-73-80-
• Fanciful: Nos. 46-61-68-80-
• Chinese: Nos. 26-27-28-67-
• English: Nos. 3-8-9-25-66-82-83-84-92-
• Flemish: Nos. 88-
• French: Nos. 4-15-31-33-97
• Tarots: Nos. 52-
• Fanciful: Nos. 41-72-
• German & Austrian: Nos. 10-11-13-14-19-69-76-85-94-95-96-98-99-
• Tarots: Nos. 54-55-70-89-90-91-
• Fanciful: Nos. 30-75-86-
• Hindustani: Nos. 42-43-79-
• Italian: Nos. 7-47-48-63-74-
• Tarots: Nos. 23-71-77-78-
• Minchiate: Nos. 49-50-51-
• Cucco: Nos. 21-
• Japanese: Nos. 32-44-45-58-59-60-
• "Khanhoo Cards: No. 62
• Korean: No. 81-
• Spanish: Nos. 6-16-53-57-64-
• Swiss: Nos. 87-93-
• Swedish: No. 20
• Cambio No. 22