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Images from the Field Collection at the Rare Book & Manuscript Library

King and Queen of Spades, from a deck of engraved cards containing lessons in Latin grammar
Dutch, ca. 1650. Field Collection of Playing Cards, NL0049
Dutch, ca. 1650. Field Collection of Playing Cards, NL0049

Early printed playing card. Austria: Koller, ca 1550. Field Collection of Playing Cards, A0163.

“Mother” Jones, from a deck featuring "Trade Union Pioneers" issued by the Amalgamated Meat Cutters & Butcher Workmen of North America. US, after 1951. Field Collection of Playing Cards, USA0017.

Tobacco insert card, advertising “Trumps Long Cut.” US: Moore & Calvin, ca. 1890. Field Collection of Playing Cards, USA0497.

From a tarot deck, Florence, Italy, seventeenth century. Field Collection of Playing Cards, I0049.

Dutch, ca. 1650. Field Collection of Playing Cards, NL0049

From a deck commemorating the Spanish-American War, published by the Anhauser-Busch Company. US: U.S. Postcard Company, 1900. Field Collection of Playing Cards, USA1350

From a transformation deck called "Metastasis." England: Cowell, circa 1820. Field Collection of Playing Cards, GB0077.

An uncut, hand-colored, sheet of cards. Passau, Germany: Michael Schatzberger, circa 1830. Field Collection of Playing Cards, D0469.

From a deck made after the French Revolution, which replaces the kings with the elements, and queens with the seasons. Paris: Pinaut, 1793. Field Collection of Playing Cards, F0146.

From a deck with German suits, "Amerikanische Gaigel." US: U.S. Postcard Company, 1881.
Field Collection of Playing Cards, USA0888.
Field Collection of Playing Cards, USA0888.