Two of Swords: P.2-1940(44)

Titles

Two of Swords
Baker and Co's Eclectic Cards

Maker(s)

Printmaker: Unknown
Publisher: Baker & Co

Entities

• Playing card

Categories

• Print

Description

A hand-coloured etching and engraving on pasteboard of the pips; two large, shovel/sword-like black objects with serrated edges and a snake wound around the hilt. A border of a leek and mistletoe with other plant stems tied with an orange bow at lower centre. The card is unnumbered. From a pack of 52 playing cards which employs fanciful suits based on French and German models themed according to the countries of the United Kingdom: England (Acorns), Scotland (Diamonds), Wales (Spades) and Ireland (Hearts). The British Museum has a set of these cards (1848,1209.296-349) which includes an uncoloured title-card printed with the publisher's details as follows: 'Baker & Co's Eclectic Cards. For England, Ireland, Scotland & Wales. Sold Wholesale and Retail at their Manufactory, No. 2 King Arthur or New Card Court, York Street, Black Friar's Road, London.

Legal notes

Given by E. Evelyn Barron, 1940-02-06