1807 Cotta Transformation Cards
45/52, without box or almanac
Published by J.C. Cotta,
Tübingen, 1807
Designed by Christian Wilhelm von Faber du Faur, (1780-1857)
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Deck: 1807 "Wallenstein," carte almanach
Description: Published in 1807, the court cards of this almanac deck were designed after the characters in Friedrich Schiller's play trilogy, "Wallenstein." The deck was the third in a series issued annually by J.C. Cotta to mark the New Year between 1805 and 1811 (except 1808)."(P)ublished as almanacs, each card correspond(s) to one of the 52 weeks of the year."
"In 1804, J. C. Cotta, a publisher and bookseller in Tübingen, Germany, produced the first set of transformation cards that was published as an actual deck of playing cards...This art form probably began as a parlour game in late 18th century England for the entertainment of ladies and gentlemen, but since then transformation cards have become one of the most popular fantasy creations in playing cards and often showcase a high level of creative art and skill" [Whittle, WOPC, 2014 (2019)].
Deck Identifiers:
· Borders: single black line framing illustration
· Reverses: blank white reverses
· Pips: one-way
· Indices: no indices
· Style: transformation, with standing courts and decorated French suit markers
References:
Bibliothèque nationale de France, département Estampes et photographie, RESERVE BOITE ECU-KH-167 (9, 363-366);
Whittle, Simon. "Cotta Transformation playing cards, 1804," WOPC, 2014 (2019).
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CONDITION: Very good condition; incomplete (45 of 52 cards), without box or almanac; some minor signs of wear and stains; slight soiling from use; missing 4 & 5 of Diamonds, 2, 3, and 7 of Spades, 2 of Clubs, 6 of Hearts; see photographs. |