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The History of Playing Cards

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The History of Playing Cards

Playing Cards have been around in Europe since the 1370s. Some early packs were hand painted works of art which were expensive and affordable only by the wealthy. But as demand increased cheaper methods of production were discovered so that playing cards became available for everyone...

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German Saxon Pattern

German Saxon Pattern

The German Saxon Pattern or “Schwerdter Karte”.

  • 1832
Giuseppe Cattino

Giuseppe Cattino

Playing cards manufactured in Italy by Giuseppe Cattino and Paolo Montanar for Spanish markets.

Gothic Spanish-suited cards

Gothic Spanish-suited cards

These cards may be a typical example of early 'standard' Spanish playing cards, maybe from before Columbus sailed for the 'New World' which were imitated by German engravers who wished to export their wares back to Spain.

  • 1515
Hans Sebald Beham

Hans Sebald Beham

Playing cards designed by Hans Sebald Beham (1500–1550).

  • 1523
Heraldic playing cards

Heraldic playing cards

Reproduction of Richard Blome’s Heraldic playing cards, 1684, presented to lady guests at WCMPC Summer Meeting in 1888.

  • 1888
Hermanos Solesio

Hermanos Solesio

“Money Bag” pattern by Hermanos Solesi, late 18th c.

Hewson Replica Pack

Hewson Replica Pack

Hand-made replica 17th century English playing cards, based on museum originals.

Hidden meanings in painting by Jheronimus Bosch

Hidden meanings in painting by Jheronimus Bosch

Medieval View of Gambling in the ‘Garden of Earthly Delights’ by Jheronimus Bosch

  • 1500
History of Blackjack

History of Blackjack

Over the years the origin of Blackjack, like many other games, has eluded researchers for a long time and which continues to be hotly debated to this day.

History of Court Cards

History of Court Cards

The court cards in English packs of playing cards derive from models produced by Pierre Marechal in Rouen around 1565. A pack of such cards is preserved in the museum at Rouen.

History of English Playing Cards & Games

History of English Playing Cards & Games

The History of English Playing Cards dates probably from the mid 15th century

History of Online Casinos

History of Online Casinos

Online casinos appeared shortly after the internet became a more mainstream tool for the public to use.

History of Playing Cards explained in 5 Minutes

History of Playing Cards explained in 5 Minutes

Video by Art of Impossible. In this video you will get a short overview of the most important historical facts about playing cards and their history.

Hofamterspiel, c.1460

Hofamterspiel, c.1460

Hofamterspiel, c.1460

  • 1460
I. Schenck, Nuremberg

I. Schenck, Nuremberg

I. Schenck, Nuremberg, late XVIIIth century

  • 1790
Illustrated Playing Cards, c.1740

Illustrated Playing Cards, c.1740

Illustrated playing cards featuring comical engravings and rhymes about saints, c.1740.

  • 1740
Impuesto de Timbre para Naipes

Impuesto de Timbre para Naipes

EL CONGRESO DE COLOMBIA. LEY 69 DE 1946, por la cual se elevan las tarifas de algunos impuestos indirectos y se dictan otras disposiciones.

  • 1946
Introduction to Collecting Themes

Introduction to Collecting Themes

Playing cards can be broadly categorised into standard and non-standard designs, with collectors appreciating their variety.

Iohann Christoph Hes Tarot c.1750

Iohann Christoph Hes Tarot c.1750

Facsimile of Tarot de Marseille by Iohann Christoph Hes, Augsburg, c.1750.

  • 1750
Italian Playing Cards

Italian Playing Cards

The first reliable evidence that playing cards were being used in Italy is from 1376, when a game called 'naibbe' is forbidden in a decree, with the implication that the game had only recently been introduced there.