Playing cards--Popish Plot cards

52 cards, each 90 x 54mm., engraved with captions, grey patterned versos, 12 mounted in a frame, the rest in a folder attached to the back of the frame,  three cards somewhat worn (two of diamonds, ten of spades and ace of hearts), king of clubs torn with loss of club symbol

Ortiz-Patiño 24; Fournier, British Isles 10; cf. All the Cards on the Table 262 ("All the Popish Plots")

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

A complete set of "the horrid Popish Plot" cards, first issued in about 1679 in the wake of the supposed conspiracy by Catholics to murder Charles II which was "discovered" by Titus Oates in 1678. The engravings were designed by Francis Barlow, whose original drawings survive in the British Museum. Sets were still on sale into the eighteenth century, along with other anti-Catholic historic cards such as the Spanish Armada and the Gunpowder Plot.

This set seems to have some cards with reworked plates, but as all the versos are uniform, it must have been issued thus. The Fournier collection has an earlier set (British Isles, 9) with text at the head of the court cards; in the present set, the text has been replaced by roundel portraits and crowns (though the knave cards still read "Knave").