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Packs of Transformation Playing Cards
Two original uncut sheets from the Nixon Fores
Transformation Playing Cards of 1808
These sheets cover 26 of the possible 40 transformed playing cards
There are four sheets in the British Museum of which two are in the same format and content of these above.
The cards are printed on thick paper – uncoloured with the pips hand coloured for the red suits.
There is a crease/bend across the Ace of spades.
Transformation Playing Cards – Albert Field – 1987
Catalogue of the Schreiber Playing Cards in the British Museum, Department of Prints and Drawings – F M O’Donoghue 1901
Transformation Playing Cards - Albert Field - 1987
Catalogue of the Schreiber Playing Cards in the British Museum, Department of Prints and Drawings - F M O’Donoghue 1901
Postage at cost
REF: nixon-fores-sheet
£600.00
Three sheets of Transformation Playing Cards
Nixon-Cowell-Jones c1820
Often referred to another Metastasis these cards were, in part, designed and etched by I L S Cowell, you can see the ‘Signature’ on some of the cards on these sheets.
32 cards are depicted – the twelve court cards and 20 transformed cards.
These sheets are fragile and flaky due to the thinness of the paper and age.
Transformation Playing Cards - Albert Field - 1987
Catalogue of the Schreiber Playing Cards in the British Museum, Department of Prints and Drawings - F M O’Donoghue 1901
Postage at cost
REF: nixon-cowell
£200.00
Complete deck of 1817 Baron Louis Atthalin’s Transformation playing cards
This is the first French Transformation Playing Cards –
somewhat unique as it has contemporary manuscript annotations on the reverse to describe the scene depicted by each card.
somewhat unique as it has contemporary manuscript annotations on the reverse to describe the scene depicted by each card.
It is recorded that Baron Atthalin designed these cards whilst on a sea crossing from Palermo to Marseilles in 1814.
[ Elsewhere this pack is described as issued in 1815 and 1832 but the BNF records the correct date as 1817 – see http://catalogue.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/cb40918910z ]
The cards have plain backs and court cards depict historical figures
the cards are finely etched “showing a high level of artistic ability … with considerable detail’. [ Albert Field ] and when you examine the cards closely you have to agree with that comment.
the cards are finely etched “showing a high level of artistic ability … with considerable detail’. [ Albert Field ] and when you examine the cards closely you have to agree with that comment.
The Jack of Clubs is really interesting as it is a self portrait with Atthalin designing playing cards and his son [?] examining the cards. The name ‘Louis Atthalin” appears in the shield on the legendary knight – Lancelot.
I love some of the transformed images, many of which appear in much later editions of Transformed Playing Cards – the originality is to be admired.
I love some of the transformed images, many of which appear in much later editions of Transformed Playing Cards – the originality is to be admired.
I have detailed all 52 cards and the reverses with the French notations so that they can be viewed by all – they will remain on site wether they sell or not.
The cards are in very good condition; the nine of clubs is missing a coloured club pip [ this doesn’t make it more valuable ! ] and the five of Hearts has a weak upper left corner.
Move mouse over these two images to see both sides
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1818 / 1819 Beatrice, or the Fracas Transformation Playing Cards
Plates bound in a book
udolf Ackermann published a popular monthly periodical titled “Repository of Arts, Literature, Fashion etc” and in 1818 and 1819 he included plates of original transformation playing cards the topic being in vogue since transformations playing cards were first appeared in 1801 in Germany,
Four cards, fully coloured, were included each months therefore the January 1819 was the thirteenth and last issue to complete a set of 52.*
In the first four issues of the magazine there was a narrative which attempted to weave the cards into the story, not always successfully, unfortunately this did not continue for the other nine issues.
[ The table below shows the Issue Date, Plate, Volume and Page where the sheets occur – the first four plates have a write up of the cards ]
This book contains all 13 plates, in full colour, with the refereed to narrative.
The Frontispiece for the Ackerman Volume is also included
One of the most popular Transformation subjects of the 19th Century the cards also being produced in Austria, America and France
Plates are in a very fine condition and have been professional bound to form this one volume – quite unique.
Volume Data from TRANSFORMATION PLAYING CARDS by Albert Field
REF: Ackerman_Bounds
£900.00
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c1840 Transformed Aces and Faces
being an Ace of Hearts in many vogues.
Published c1840 this book is titled “ACES AND FACES OR THE ODD TRICK IN HEARTS.”
The OCLC WorldCat ( the central database listing the world’s libraries contents ) lists only one other copy known – their listing is as follows –
“London E Dangerfield ( 1900?-2000? ) – Caricatures and cartoons – Great Britain – English wit and humor – Pictorial. 28 leaves of hand coloured illustrations. The book being at the University of Victoria Libraries, Victoria, BC V8W 3AH Canada.”
They obviously have the date incorrect, one by the style of the book and it’s characters and costume and two, Dangerfield was publishing maps in 1831 from the same address – 22 Bedford St, Covent Garden.
The item on offer lacks three sheets of characters – i.e. Having 25 intact sheets – would love to know the subject matter of the missing three!
Each leaf has been scanned so you can enjoy the humour and wit of these transformed Aces of Hearts.
The subjects are most diverse; from Streets sellers to a priest, a mother with two babies in her arms to a French Marshall.
The book measures 22cm by 17.5cm and is relatively good condition, some pages have been remounted into the book without damaging the contents and there is the very occassional, non-distracting, brown mark.
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REF: TRO5464
£500.00
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“Jeanne L’Hachette” Transformation Playing Cards, c.1860
This is a complete deck of 52 transformation playing cards made by B. P. Grimaud & Cie in 1860
The cards were designed by E. le Tellier, and lithographed by Belin.
The Grimaud name appears on the Jack of Hearts, and the names of Tellier and Belin on the King of Hearts
All of the pip cards are transformed with some interesting designs for the higher pip cards.
The cards have been played with and bear surface marks but no bends or tears – I would rate them 6/10 with white backs.
The cards measure 71mm x 103mm
The box lacks top and bottom flap.
REF: JLH_60
£160.00
Maximilian Frommann “Jeanne Hachette”
Transformation Playing Cards, c1865
Similar to B. P. Grimaud & Cie’s earlier pack, and using 21 of the Tellier’s design, this complete deck of 52 cards was manufactured in Darmstadt c1865.
The letters M and F appear on the outer pips of the eight of diamonds.
Only ten of the designs are deemed to be original.
The cards measure 91mm x 65mm and have dark honeycomb backs.
There is no box and whilst there are a few surface marks I would rate these 8/10
REF: MF_JH
£275.00
1873 Belgian Transformation Playing Cards.
The maker of this pack is unknown but is beleived to have worked in Bruges.
This is a complete set of 32/32 playing cards and comprises cards transformed so as to produce humourious images as was becoming very popular in this quartile of the 19th Century. Just love the pips on the court cards, they are really humerious.
The cards are in good condition. The backs are tartan pattern and there is a small loss of the surface paper due to having been mounted in an album. [ The largest paper loss is shas been scannned. ]
The cards measure 93 x 64mm with square corners.
This is a scarce item.
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REF: TRO5491-089
£750.00
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1889 KINNEY TOBACCO TRANSFORMATION INSERT CARDS 53/53
This was the second issue by Kinney Brothers following the success of their 1st issue of Tobacco Insert cards a year earlier.
In this instance they included an advertising Joker – a complete set being 53 cards
We have all probably collected cigarette or bubble cards in our youth and know the challenge of completing a full set before the days of the Internet.
For those who managed to collect all 53 cards there was an opportunity to send them away in return for a complete pack of playing cards with the same images.
This makes the insert cards quite rare as a complete set.
Each Insert cards has a full listing of the 53 cards on the reverse.
The cards are in very good condition – there are a few corner bumps.
The backs are clean – one has a slight fading and one has the rubber stamp of the owners name.
POSTAGE IS ADDED AT COST – we combine postage and only charge our costs.
Insurance is an additional £5.00 to any Country for the first £250.00
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S Heilmeier Limited Edition Transformation Playing cards
A complete deck 52/52 plus four jokers contained in a lift off box with transformation of the nine of hearts on the box top.
These are original designs by this popular modern designer,
This is from a limited edition of 110 and is numbered 80/110
Cards and box are new , cards are mint and box is 9/10 with a slight mark on the base.
REF: SH_80
£150.00
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Limited Edition Prints of Semi-Transformation Playing Cards.
Joker
[ Print Size 7 3/4 x 5 1/4 inches ]
£150.00
The Nine of Hearts
[ Print Size 7 1/2 x 5 7/8 inches ]
£130.00
The Eight of Hearts
[ Print Size 7 3/4 x 5 3/8 inches ]
£130.00
The Eight of Diamonds
[ Print Size 7 3/5 x 5 3/4 inches ]
£130.00
The Six of Diamonds
[ Print Size 7 7/8 x 5 7/8 inches ]
£130.00
First Class / Air Mail Postage: to UK – £4.45 / to Europe – £8.00 / to Other £10.95 Insurance is an additional £5.00 to any Country for the first £250.00 We combine postage and only charge our costs.
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Cartes a Rire Transformation Playing Cards - reproduction
THIS IS A MODERN REPRODUCTION OF –
1819 CARTES A RIRE TRANSFORMATION PLAYING CARDS – MADE IN 1997
Well executed tasteful reproduction – LIMITED EDITION OF 1000
This is a truly great reproduction of the Cartes a Rire Transformation Playing Cards issued in 1819 by the publisher Grand Ebes, Paris.
The original deck was produced with two versions of Courts. – One displaying theatres the other newspapers of the period – this is the Newspaper Deck.
For those who don’t know this deck some of the transformed cards are quite unique as 1819 was on the cusp of the birth of the subject of Transformation Playing Cards.
Some of my favourite designs are included -the four of Hearts is a real gem with the clever use of the potty !
This is the “Jed Des Journaux” Edition
Mint deck in Book style Box with protective inner covering and tie string.
TITLE CARD HAS MANUAL NOTATION OF THE NUMBERED PACK.
First Class / Air Mail Postage: to UK – £4.45 / to Europe – £8.00 / to Other £10.95 Insurance is an additional £5.00 to any Country for the first £250.00 We combine postage and only charge our costs.
REF: TROCAR_03
£25.00
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1996 REPRODUCTION OF - TOSCANA 1850 Transformation Playing Cards
TOSCANA 1850 Transformation Playing Cards
A wonderful Limited Edition Reproduction of this – Classic Transformation Pack.
The originals were created in 1850 and were named for The Tuscan region of Italy from which they originate.
The designer of these cards was a well known – Caricaturist, Adolfo Matarelli (1832-1877)
The designs are cleverly woven into contemporary scenes and the Clown as the Ace of Spades, the three Magic performing clowns as the Five of Spades
Is such typical of the street scenes of the day.
This is full 52 card deck – plus TWO Jokers –
The cards in an exquisite hand made box. – All in mint condition
REF: TRO1288_0023
£30.00
First Class / Air Mail Postage: to UK – £4.45 / to Europe – £8.00 / to Other £10.95 Insurance is an additional £5.00 to any Country for the first £250.00 We combine postage and only charge our costs.
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Proof Sheet from Karl Gerich's
EPCS Transformation Playing Cards NR1
The “English Playing-card Society 10th Anniversary Transformation was published in 1993 – there were various proof sheets produced to establish quality.
This sheet measures 41.5cm x 30cm – and the inner frame is 30cm x 22.5cm
This is proof sheet of 9 cards including the title card.
The theme was fairy tells but you can see Margaret Thatcher found her way in there [ with her handbag ! ] – one wonders why?
Sheet is in fine condition and will be shipped flat
POSTAGE IS ADDED AT COST – we combine postage and only charge our costs.
Insurance is an additional £5.00 to any Country for the first £250.00
REF: KG_NR_1
£125.00
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Proof Sheet from Karl Gerich's
EPCS Transformation Playing Cards -NR2
The “English Playing-card Society 10th Anniversary Transformation was published in 1993 – there were various proof sheets produced to establish quality.
This sheet measures 41.5cm x 30cm – and the inner frame is 30cm x 22.5cm
This is proof sheet of 9 cards including a title card and the Ace of Spades
The theme was fairy tells – a first perhaps
Sheet is in fine condition and will be shipped flat
POSTAGE IS ADDED AT COST – we combine postage and only charge our costs.
Insurance is an additional £5.00 to any Country for the first £250.00
REF: KG_NR_2
£125.00
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Metastasis - Transformation of Playing Cards - 1811 - REPRODUCTION
First published by S & J Fuller, Rathbone Place, London, September 1st 1811.
This Nixon-Fuller deck was the first English deck now commonly known as ‘transformation playing cards’ – the first use of the term “transformation”.
A new reproduction edition of this truly rare deck is now available – 52cards plus a title card plus an explanatory leaflet plus a reproduction of the original wrapper –
plus a unique box.
First Class / Air Mail Postage: to UK – £4.45 / to Europe – £8.00 / to Other £10.95 Insurance is an additional £5.00 to any Country for the first £250.00 We combine postage and only charge our costs.
REF:TRO4272
£27.50
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c1811 Cowell Transformation Playing Card - Full set on original Sheets
Offered are the five original sheets depicting the 52 transformation cards accredited to Nixon-Cowell-Jones for the year c1811.
The cards were sold in sheets thus avoiding the tax on Playing Cards as in sheet form they were not regarded as ‘made up’.
The cards would have been cut from the sheets and hand painted by artists either for the publishers, Jones, or the purchaser.
These sheets have been cornered mounted on backing paper and are in very good condition.
POSTAGE AT COST
REF: TRO3757_05 
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c1990 NOAH's DECK - LJILJANA RYLANDS
TRANSFORMATION PACK.
c1990 A semi transformation deck picturing animals from Noah’s Ark. – Published by Alan Hutchison & Co Ltd, London
The four suits are represented by: insects (spades), terrestrial mammals (hearts), birds (clubs) and fish (diamonds)
52/52 Cards, no Jokers, cards are mint, box is complete but has had a bit of a jorney,
REF: NOAH -04
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10th ANNIVERSARY OF THE EPCS
TRANSFORMATION DECK NURSERY RHYMES.
DESIGNED AND HAND PRINTED BY KARL GERICH, IN BATH on 22nd of October 1994
Totally original designs for a transformation deck, hand crafted limited edition, this is number 31 /72, signed by the artist on the title and in gold ink on the inside base of the box and dated 30th June 1994 – he hand made the boxes and playing cards in different batches.
Tradition children’s nursery rhymes are illustrated with cleverly weaved transformations of the pip cards and hand coloured for effect though sets were sold in Black and White
I would struggle to come up with 52 Nursery Rhymes never find to see how I could allocate each to a playing card.
We have handled a couple of these and I am still amazed at the ingenuity
The court cards feature a variety of characters, Mrs Thatcher bringing the pack ‘up to date!’
Plain Yellow Backs
CLICK ON SMALL PICTURE FOR A FULL PAGE OF PICTURES
REF: epcs10th-0041
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