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Sarde Pattern

Published March 11, 2018 Updated July 04, 2023

Sarde pattern published by Modiano, c.1975, based on early XIX century Spanish model.

1975 Italy Spain Modiano Clemente de Roxas Sardinia Patterns and Suit Types

The Sarde pattern is inspired by the “Neoclásica” deck etched on copper by José Martínez de Castro and first published as a de luxe edition by Clemente Roxas in Madrid in 1810. The model was copied in Spain, Italy and France and is still used in Sardinia, where it is regarded as the standard local pattern and manufactured by local firms. The Sarde version has no ‘pintas’ (breaks in framelines) and the ace of coins has been reduced to a maker’s badge and a space for the tax stamp. Otherwise it follows the Roxas original closely.

Sarde Pattern published by Modiano, c.1975 Sarde Pattern published by Modiano, c.1975

Above: Sarde Pattern published by Modiano, c.1975. The four 4s have skilfully engraved vignettes. See the Box

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By Rex Pitts (1940-2021)

Member since January 30, 2009

Rex's main interest was in card games, because, he said, they were cheap and easy to get hold of in his early days of collecting. He is well known for his extensive knowledge of Pepys games and his book is on the bookshelves of many.

His other interest was non-standard playing cards. He also had collections of sheet music, music CDs, models of London buses, London Transport timetables and maps and other objects that intrigued him.

Rex had a chequered career at school. He was expelled twice, on one occasion for smoking! Despite this he trained as a radio engineer and worked for the BBC in the World Service.

Later he moved into sales and worked for a firm that made all kinds of packaging, a job he enjoyed until his retirement. He became an expert on boxes and would always investigate those that held his cards. He could always recognize a box made for Pepys, which were the same as those of Alf Cooke’s Universal Playing Card Company, who printed the card games. This interest changed into an ability to make and mend boxes, which he did with great dexterity. He loved this kind of handicraft work.

His dexterity of hand and eye soon led to his making card games of his own design. He spent hours and hours carefully cutting them out and colouring them by hand.

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