11 Thomas De La Rue Antique Playing Card Courts Kings Queens Jacks c1865 London For Sale

Antique group of eleven matching Victorian English playing-card court cards by Thomas De La Rue & Co., London, dating to approximately c.1865–1870.The group includes nearly the complete court-card sequence from the original pack, with 11 of the 12 Kings, Queens and Jacks/Knaves present. Only the King of Spades is missing.Included are the King of Hearts, King of Clubs, King of Diamonds, all four Queens, and all four Jacks/Knaves.The cards feature the classic mid-19th-century De La Rue double-ended English court pattern with square corners, no corner indices, richly colored costume decoration, and strong red, yellow, blue, green and black printing. The reverses all carry the same elaborate green and purple ornamental floral back design.The court artwork closely matches documented Thomas De La Rue packs from the mid-1860s, placing these within the important early period of standardized double-ended English court production.This is an especially attractive surviving group because nearly the entire original court-card set remains together. The matched backs and strong visual presentation make the group appealing not only to antique playing-card collectors, but also for framed display or study of Victorian printing and design.Condition is antique used condition with expected age toning, light edge wear, minor surface wear and handling marks. Colors remain very strong overall. Please review photographs carefully for exact condition.Maker: Thomas De La Rue & Co.Location: London, EnglandDate: approximately c.1865–1870Type: English Standard Pattern, double-ended courtsQuantity: 11 cardsMissing: King of Spades