Catalogue of the collection of playing cards bequeathed to the Trustees of the British museum by the late Lady Charlotte Schreiber.

1USSIA4N CARDS.

153

Rl'USSIAN CARDS.15
14. Libge. J. D.; 18th century. Complete pack. On each of the
aces the suitmark is enclosed in a fanciful frame. The knave of
hearts holds a flag inscribed J. D., and on the queen of hearts is
" a Liege." Backs decorated with a pattern of hexagons enclosing
suns, in red.
41 x 21 in.
15. Set of 18 small plates containing 36 subjects of Bible history and
saints, engraved by C. and T. van Merlen, c. 1660; printed on
vellum and coloured. (Not in any sense cards.)
31 x 2' in.
RUSSIAN.
1. Moscow; c. 1820. Thirty-three of a pack of 36, composed like
German packs of that number, and with German suitmarks. The
court cards are oriental figures and the pip cards have fancy
vignettes. On the deuces of hearts and leaves is the imperial
eagle, and on those of bells and acorns a pelican in her piety, with
Russian inscriptions signifying " For the benefit of the Foundling
Hospital." The eagle on the ace of leaves bears the monogram
of the Emperor Alexander I, who died in 1825. Oni the 10 of
hearts is a figure of Mercury with bales of goods inscribed
" T. E. M." The missing cards are the king of acorns, the 8 of
leaves, and the 9 of bells. Backs decorated with a small blue
pattern.
33 x 21 in. [S. Vol. III, pl. 14.]
2. Moscow; modern. Complete pack of 36, with German suitmarks and designs; prettily engraved and coloured. The court
cards are figures in historical costumes and the pip cards have
vignettes of equestrian performers, animals, etc. On the deuce of
hearts is a cupid holding drapery, and on that of bells an elephant;
the later has also the duty stamp of the Imperial Foundling Hospital.
No inscriptions. Backs decorated with a geometrical pattern in
pink.
31 x 21 in.
3. Moscow. Geographical; 19th century. Imperfect pack, consisting
originally of 52, with French suitmarks and six extra cards without
suitmarks; all prettily engraved and coloured. The face of each
card is divided into four compartments, the first having the arms
of a Russian province, the second the suitmarks, the third a list