Antique Edwardian Card Game by Thomas De La Rue & Co. Ltd.

‘The New And Diverting Game of “Alice in Wonderland”’

Thomas De la Rue & Co’s “Alice in Wonderland” card game was based on the original designs by Sir John Tenniel that was first published in c.1898. John Tenniel had been commissioned to produce illustrations for a new book titled “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” by Charles Dodgson (Lewis Carroll), published by Macmillan & Co in 1865. The illustrations from the 1896 edition of the book were used for the De la Rue card game, after being adapted by E. Gertrude Thomson.

Lewis Carroll’s “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” turned Victorian children’s literature on its head. Unlike earlier Victorian child protagonists, Alice is critical, defiant and self-assertive. She is the only one to stand up to the arbitrary and domineering Queen. She rejects authority and asserts the rights of the child.

The pack consists of forty-eight cards arranged in sixteen sets of three cards each, all three bearing the same number. One card in each set is a “Leading” card and shows the title of the other two cards. The aim of the game is to collect sets. The full rules can be found easily online. (Reference: Adam West Watson, The World of Playing Cards)

These cards were produced by De La Rue between 1898-circa 1905. As this set is inscribed ‘Manufacturers to His Majesty’, this denotes that this set was produced after 1901 during the reign of Edward VII.

This set includes the original box, internal sleeve and the full set of 48 cards but lacks the original paper instructions. These are available online.

It is in remarkable condition for its age and use. Overall they are in great vintage condition, there is some wear as you may expect but nothing too serious. The outside packet has a couple of splits but no losses, the cards themselves are in great condition, there is one card that has a folded corner but the rest are free from damage and show minor signs of wear consistent with normal use.

Approximate measurements: Box - 10cm x 7cm x 2.5cm. Cards - 9cm x 6.25cm.

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