"Cartes à rire. [Jeu des théâtres]". Paris patterns.

Metal engraving, 52 cards, 9 x 6 cm, on stiff laid paper, patterns and court cards figures enhanced with watercolour, square corners, blank versos (sl. browning, foxing and/or spotting on a few cards).

In original ill. cardboard box (split lid, some dark stains but complete). Cards in very nice condition.

Transformation deck attributed to Baron Atthalin (1784-1856). The court cards represent Paris theatres with caricatured characters (Boïeldieu, Franconi, Talma...) and/or scenes: Odéon, Gaîté & Vaudeville (spade), Opéra, Opera Buffa & Ambigu (diamond), Feydeau, Porte Saint-Martin & Cirque olympique (club), Français, Variétés & Gymnase (heart). The number cards are charmingly fanciful, even facetious; they have the same illustrations as those in the "Jeu des journaux" published at the same time. Well preserved in the original green card box with engraved title label.
ref. D'Allemagne I:264-sq.
Prov. Susse, stationer in Paris (label on the box). - "Dr E.F." (sm. collector label with ms. number).