This is a fun deck to own. I like it mainly because the Court Cards are full bodied. The Jacks are the only card which show the legs. The remainder of the deck has your traditional suits consisting of Hearts, Clubs, Diamonds and Spades. The only exception with the pips is they do not sport anything but the emblems.
7 of HEARTS
My google research places the original manufacturing in the 1800′s. I. Hardy was the card maker to His Majesty and the Prince of Wales of that time. The individual cards were hand painted. The deck has plain backs and is a thicker card stock. Most decks of that time had blank backs until the card makers began marking the decks with designs. Usually, the Ace of Spades was decorated with a tax stamp.
I almost don’t want to use this newly acquired deck & will probably put the cards in a plastic protective sleeve in the binder with the other rare finds.
Wow, these are striking Seaqueen. Where did you find them?
Hi: Thanks for your comment. I was able to find this rare reproduction deck on auction. Should be here any day & I plan to do a short post on them. Seaqueen.