Florentine pattern variant
Non-standard designs by Chiari of Florence with some of the features of a traditional Florentine pattern pack.
Although these delightful designs differ from those of a traditional Florentine pattern pack, one can imagine that card players would still have accepted them without too much difficulty. Scrolls are held by the King of Clubs and the King of Spades, the Queen of Hearts reads a letter, and the Jack of Spades holds a (blank) tablet or shield. The maker’s name is clearly visible on the shield held by the Jack of Hearts. There are two stamps on the Ace of Hearts – that of the maker and a 30-centesimi tax stamp (in use from 1863 to 1874). The attractive colouring on the court cards has been added by hand, with some subtle shading.
Above: Florentine pattern variant made by Chiari of Florence, Italy, c1870. 40 cards. Size: 52 x 86 mm.
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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