Product Description
This "I Hardy" Playing Cards deck is based on a card deck printed circa 1765. Our 18th-century playing cards are printed with period-appropriate colors and motifs on heavy stock paper. These reproduction playing cards are perfect for re-enacting events, gaming demonstrations at historical locations, or simply as a fun gift for card players.
Features
- Based on Playing Cards Deck circa 1765
- Uncoated Heavy Stock Paper
- Cut with Square Corners
- Embossed Tax Stamp Surrounding Package
- Tied Closed with String
- Made in USA
Inspiration
Judging from 18th-century letters and inventories, Colonial Williamsburg's citizens spent a lot of time playing cards at the card table. Playing cards were imported from England and printed on heavy paper with woodblocks. Face cards were hand-painted, and the backs were left plain.
The notorious 1765 Stamp Act levied taxes on essential (and popular) goods imported to the American colonies. This tax was collected to pay for Britain's expensive Seven Years War. Playing cards were among the taxable paper goods listed in the Stamp Act:
"...And for and upon every pack of playing cards, and all dice, which shall be sold or used within the said colonies and plantations, the several stamp duties following (that is to say) - For every pack of such cards, the sum of one shilling..."
A similar deck of cards can be found in The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation's digital collections (Object # 1967-611,1 to 52).
Playing cards likely originated in 9th century China during the Tang Dynasty with the evolution of woodblock printing.
