Uncut Sheet Italian Playing Cards

The earliest authentic references to European playing cards dates back to 1377. Yet, it is only in recent decades that clues a to their origins have surfaced. Cards entered Europe from the Islamic empire, where cups and swords were added as suit symbols, as well as non-figurative court cards.

The first European suit systems were Italian and Spanish.European cards featured courtly figures such as kings and their attendants, knights and foot-servants. In the latter part of the 15th century, standardized versions of the major national packs emerged. In Germany and Switzerland, the two lower court cards are both on foot, representing an 'upper' and a 'lower' rank-as stated in the 1377 description of playing-cards. Spades, hearts, clubs and diamonds first appeared in France about 1480.

We have an uncut sheet of 1936 Italian playing cards, as featured above. This Edwards Pignaloa-Napoli, Venetian pattern of a complete deck of 40 cards with gorgeous faces and attractive reverse of a woman with shield. For more information, contact George, 1-800-717-9529 for pricing information.