Muller “Costumes et Vues Suisses” Playing Cards, c.1910

Antiques : Playing Cards Switzerland : Muller "Vues, Costumes Suisses"

 

Extraordinary set of Muller’s famous “Costumes et Vues Suisses” cards. The first edition of these cards was made by “Jean Muller” in 1891 to commemorate the 6th centenary of the Swiss Republic. However, the particular set here for sale was published by “J. Muller & Cie,” and per Peter Endebrock’s discussion of these cards at his excellent website, sets published by Muller under that name date c.1910.

The Aces are one-sided views of Switzerland (on the horizontal) and the court cards are two-sided designs of persons in traditional Swiss dress, identified in the upper right corner by the flag/herald of the Swiss canton to which the costumes were indigenous. The two sides of the court cards are different, not mirror images. The most distinctive feature of these cards is that the backs each have an illustration of a different view of Switzerland.

The deck contains 52 cards. Endebrock mentions that some editions of these cards came with an insert card that listed the illustrations on the backs of the cards, but there is no such insert card in this set. The cards are bridge size, measuring 89mm x 59mm, with gold gilt at the corners. They are in the original box.

The cards are in “as new” condition – truly exceptional – with all gold gilt intact. The box is in no better than fair condition. The good news is that the graphics of the box are crisp and clear; however, the top lid is missing, there are tears along the sides, and the box is quite vulnerable.

There is what I believe to be a predecessor of these cards – hand stenciled and painted – also for sale in this shop (T0000835). The final picture at this listing compares 3 of the cards in the two sets.

Thanks for visiting.

Item ID: T0000973