An Anonymous Belgian Transformation Pack
Anonymous Belgian transformation pack borrowing many images from earlier designs by Braun & Schneider.
Transformation packs in the 19th century frequently borrowed images from their predecessors, even from packs published in other countries. Most of the numeral cards and some of the court cards in this pack can be traced back to original designs by Braun & Schneider, first published in 1852. On the red suits, anthropomorphic animals and birds can be found on the court cards. The Ace of Hearts and the Ace of Clubs are unlike those by Braun & Schneider. In this set, the cards do not have titles; however, the courts are named in French and the remaining cards are numbered in the top left-hand corner. A pale blue background colour has been used throughout. The ‘tartan’ backs are coloured blue and black. Daveluy of Bruges is thought to have made this pack¹.
Above: an Anonymous Belgian Transformation pack probably produced by Daveluy of Bruges, Belgium, 1873. 32 cards in slipcase. Size: 64 x 93 mm.
Reference
1. Field, Albert. Transformation Playing Cards. Stamford, CT, USA: U.S. Games Systems, Inc.; 1987. pp. 95-96.
By Roddy Somerville
Member since May 31, 2022
Roddy started collecting stamps on his 8th birthday. In 1977 he joined the newly formed playing-card department at Stanley Gibbons in London before setting up his own business in Edinburgh four years later. His collecting interests include playing cards, postcards, stamps (especially playing cards on stamps) and sugar wrappers. He is a Past President of the Scottish Philatelic Society, a former Chairman of the IPCS, a Past Master of the Worshipful Company of Makers of Playing Cards and Curator of the WCMPC’s collection of playing cards. He lives near Toulouse in France.
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