Mathematical Instruments
Mathematical Instruments playing cards forming an instrument maker's trade catalogue, Thomas Tuttell, c.1700.
Mathematical Instruments, Thomas Tuttell, c.1700
An elaborately engraved pack of cards forming an instrument maker's catalogue. Each card has a title within a cartouche, with a miniature playing card in the top right corner. Illustrations of the use of the various instruments used in surveying, navigation, fortification & gunnery, mining, engineering, astronomy, etc., are shown with a description below. The Four of Diamonds features an almanac for the year 1701.
Above: Mathematical Instruments playing cards by Thomas Tuttell, Mathematical Instrument Maker to the King's most excellent Majesty, c.1700. The Nine of Clubs has a tax stamp. Plain backs.
By Simon Wintle
Member since February 01, 1996
Founder and editor of the World of Playing Cards since 1996. He is a former committee member of the IPCS and was graphics editor of The Playing-Card journal for many years. He has lived at various times in Chile, England and Wales and is currently living in Extremadura, Spain. Simon's first limited edition pack of playing cards was a replica of a seventeenth century traditional English pack, which he produced from woodblocks and stencils.
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