Philibert "Paris Scenes" Playing Cards, c.1960

Collectibles : Playing Cards France : Philibert "Paris Scenes"

 

Gorgeous souvenir deck by Philibert, c.1960, showing color photographic views of Paris. Each card has superimposed over the photograph in gold gilt, both the name of the building, monument, etc. depicted, and the name and inclusive dates of a famous person from French history. However, I do not believe that the person whose name is given on each card necessarily has any relationship to the building, monument, etc. depicted. For example, the Ace of Hearts has a photograph of Notre Dame but the name and dates underneath the identification of the building are "A.-L. Breguet 1747-1823," the founder of a famous clock company that bears his name. Perhaps there is a connection between the two that would be apparent to me, if I had a better knowledge of French history.

Each card has suit symbols in all four corners, and indices in three corners; the upper right corner has a larger suit symbol and no number or court card designation. The court designations are both English (K,Q,J) and French (R,D,V). The faces of each card are rimmed in gold gilt, but the sides are red gilt. The backs of the cards have the letters of the word "Paris" in black and gold gilt, set against what appears to be an ancient explorer ship in red.

There are 52 cards, plus 2 Jokers, but oddly, the deck has 2 Nines of Hearts, and no Nine of Spades. I would say that the deck is in "as new" condition, but for very slight soiling and abrasion to the gold gilt letter "R" on the back of one of the cards (separately pictured). The cards are a small bridge size (87mm x 56mm), and there is no box. The printing is simply stunning, as one would expect of a Philibert deck.

Reference: Fournier, France 426.

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Item ID: T0000132