Morden, Robert

52 suit cards (51 printed, one manuscript), each 92 x 56mm., engraved maps with outline colouring, suit symbols stencilled and coloured, plain versos, edges gilt, in a contemporary English black morocco folder gilt (in the style of a bookbinding), lacking 8 of diamonds (supplied in near-contemporary manuscript facsimile), without the general map of England, edges cut close with slight loss of text, folder slightly worn and lacking a pair of ties

Bought from Charm Antiques, Leeds, 13 September 1940, for £8, by Mr Hickson of Nether Yeadon (invoice enclosed); by family descent

Skelton, County Atlases of the British Isles 94; King, Miniature Antique maps, p.116; Cary Collection 109

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."

This set of educational playing cards contains a wealth of information about principal towns, distances from London, hills and rivers. The court cards have the king depicted as Charles II, the Queen as his wife, Catherine of Braganza, and various male heads as the Jack.

For many counties the Morden playing card is the earliest separate printed county map to show any roads.