Clemente Roxas double-ended Spanish pack

Double-ended Spanish-suited playing cards published by Clemente de Roxas in Madrid, 1814. The double-ended court cards are not typical of Spanish cards and are another example of Roxas’ originality. The four aces are also double-ended but the numeral cards are single-ended.

Above: double-ended Spanish-suited playing cards published by Clemente Roxas in Madrid, 1814. Hand-coloured woodcut, total 48 cards, backs printed with a series of blue stars. The inscription on the ace of coins is unclear but looks like "Fabrica" with below the letters "D D C N . " On the suit-mark is a central shield with the arms of Castile and Léon. On the 4 of coins is a central shield surmounted by a crown lettered "Roxas AÑo De 1814". © The Trustees of the British Museum • Museum number 1876,1014.523-570►