Lot 351
351
A rare set of Beggar's Opera playing cards
No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VA… Read more TRADITIONAL TOYS
A rare set of Beggar's Opera playing cards

Details
A rare set of Beggar's Opera playing cards
printed for Carrington Bowles, No.69 St.Pauls Church Yard, London, each card with the words and music of the songs from the famous Opera by Gay, coloured heart and diamond pips with square corners and blank reverses, circa 1728 (slightly dirty)
Special notice
No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 17.5% will be added to the buyer's premium, which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis.

Lot Essay

The Beggar's Opera was written by the poet John Gay (1685--1732) and was first performed on 29 January 1728. The opera was an immediate success. Merchandise like fans, parlor screens and playing cards were imprinted with scenes or lyrics from the opera. The playing cards were first produced by John Bowles in 1728, the same year of the first production of the opera.

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