Paris pattern by Leclaire of Paris

Let’s face it – standard French packs of the late 19th and early 20th centuries can be rather boring and often anonymous. This one at least has the maker’s name on all the court cards (“LECLAIRE, à PARIS.”). Leclaire is known to have made cards between 1873 and 1889. The things that stand out about this pack are the fresh colours (especially the vibrant yellow), the matt finish, and the stiffness of the board. Also, the court cards do not have their traditional names (Alexandre, Judith, etc.). On the undecorated Aces, the two small suit-signs in the corners – in themselves an unusual feature, more common on packs made in Belgium – are set at a jaunty angle. The back pattern is made up of tiny rose-coloured squares interspersed with dots.

Above: standard Paris pattern by Leclaire of Paris, c.1880. 32 cards. Size: 55 x 86.5 mm.