Playing cards--Two sets of nineteenth-century Russian playing cards

52 cards, each 90 x 55mm., coloured lithographs, state monopoly tax stamp printed in gold on the ace of diamonds, pink and gold patterned versos, 13 mounted in a frame, the rest in a folder attached to the back of the frame

Circus trappola cards. St Petersburg: State Printing Works, [1898], 36 cards, each 99 x 62mm., coloured lithographs, orange trellis pattern on versos, 16 mounted in a frame, the rest in a folder attached to the back of the frame

1st set: Ortiz-Patiño 111; cf. All cards on the table 140 (an earlier set with cruder illustrations and the black hand-stamped tax mark); 2nd set: Ortiz-Patiño 87; Fournier, Russia 20; All cards on the table 120 (dated c. 1880)

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."

The Imperial Playing Card factory was founded in 1817 and both the profits and the tax (on both domestic and imported cards) went to support the Imperial Foundling Hospital. The factory was overseen by an English card manufacturer, Paul de la Rue, whose brother Thomas was the main producer of English cards. In the nineteenth century, Russia was the largest producer and user of playing cards.