Portuguese cards for Brazil

Portuguese pattern playing cards made in or for Brazil with maid, caballo and king (standing) as the court cards and dragons on the aces engaging with their suit-marks. The sixes and fours of coins and cups have on them the monogram M&C (possibly C&M). The batons and swords are straight and inter-crossed with shields at the centre, the two of batons has a man behind the crossed clubs. The coins carry a female bust. The pattern is believed to have been used in Brazil until around the end of the 19th century.

Above: later Portuguese-type cards made in or for Brazil with monogram M&C, 48 cards, backs printed with red diagonal parallel lines spaced to form a diamond pattern, c.1890. © The Trustees of the British Museum • Complete pack of 48 playing-cards with Spanish suit-marks►