South Sea Bubble Playing Cards, 1720

he South Sea Bubble Playing Cards were first published in London by Thomas Bowles in 1720. The cards bear satirical portrayals of the speculators involved in the South Sea Bubble of 1720, providing a unique contemporary record of the feverish atmosphere of the time, as well as the fashions of dress.

The cards were printed from copper plates, with the red suit symbols being applied later by stencil. The court cards contain interesting miniature versions of the standard full-length figures used on playing cards at the time.

A modern facsimile of the pack is part of a range published by Harry Margary. See also: Fortune-Telling Cards.

Cards from the facsimile edition courtesy Giles de Margary.
Packs can be ordered directly from www.harrymargary.com