Philibert "Scenes of France" Playing Cards, c.1960

Collectibles : Playing Cards France : Philibert "Scenes France"

 

Gorgeous souvenir deck by Philibert, c.1960, showing color photographic views of France. Each card has superimposed over the photograph in gold gilt, the name of the location, scene, building, monument, etc. depicted, and a coat of arms significant to the region, province, city, etc. in which the scene is located. Many of the cards also have superimposed a significant date in the history of that scene.

Each card has suit symbols in three corners – the coats of arms are in the lower left hand corner -- and indices or court designations in two corners; the upper right corner has a larger suit symbol and no number or court 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 blue gilt. The backs of the cards have the letter P – presumably for Philibert; I do not know if the beautiful pattern of the backs has significance in French history or life.

There are 52 cards, plus 2 Jokers. The cards are a small bridge size (87mm x 57mm), and they are in mint condition. The printing is simply stunning, as one would expect of a Philibert deck. They come in what I believe to be the original plastic box; the box is a little scuffed and clouded, but there are no cracks or other damage.

Reference: Fournier, Playing Cards, France 427.

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Item ID: T0000264