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Click here to subscribeA George II walnut fold over card table, the bur, cross banded, and ebony strung top with lobed corners, opening to a red baize lined playing surface, counter recesses and candle stands, above a frieze drawer, raised on acanthus carved cabriole supports with pad feet. H74cm, W97cm, D97cm/50cm.
A WALNUT CARD TABLE IN GEORGE I STYLEBY W. CHARLES TOZER, EARLY 20TH CENTURYthe interior with a needlework playing surface decorated with flowers, the underside with an ivorine trade label inscribed 'W. Charles Tozer 25, Brook Street, London, W.1.'73.1cm high, 77.2cm wide, 38.5cm deep ProvenanceThe Old Rectory, Bradenham, Buckinghamshire.
Republic Bank of Burundi, an original design essay of a 100 Francs bank note, the art work done at Bradbury Wilkinson, possibly by Derek Friday, the hard card backing laid with paper, 15.2cms x 7.2cms, glued to rough blue card backing, the hand drawn , mostly red artwork of a man playing drums with other designs, is stencil numbered A000000, with pseudo signatures of the President and Vice President and date 1.1.1967, pencil marked litho 9 red to top right corner, overall good condition, some minor dirt but overall very good
An Edwardian satinwood heart-shaped bijouterie table in the manner of Druce & Co of London, inlaid with feathery scrolls, supported by slender shaped legs with an elliptical stretcher, 52 cm long x 45 cm deep x 76 cm overall height, together with an unusual 1920s circular walnut card table the inner portion of the decorative veneered top flipping to reveal a baize lined playing surface, supported by four slender cabriole legs. 69 cm diameter x 72 cm overall height.Qty: 2The display table is in very good order with no cracks or chips to the glass, the table is wobbly, as they all tend to be given the spindly nature of the legs.The flip top card table is in good structurally good with just a few slight bubbles on the veneer of the top, and a couple of small marks on the baise lining.
JAMES BOND: CASINO ROYALE (2006) - Casino Royale Playing Card Deck - A Casino Royale playing card deck from Martin Campbell's Bond movie Casino Royale. James Bond (Daniel Craig), Le Chiffre (Mads Mikkelsen) and their fellow poker competitors played a selection of high-stakes games at the Casino Royale in Montenegro.This deck of playing cards comes in a white paper box with black and gold-color graphics including the name of the casino. The box is handmarked "game 1" in black ink. The box exhibits some corner denting and small red stains. Dimensions: (in box) 3.75" x 2.75" x 0.75" (9.75 cm x 7 cm x 2 cm)Estimate: $6,000 - 12,000Bidding for this lot will end on Wednesday, June 28th. The auction will begin at 8:00AM PDT and lots are sold sequentially via live auctioneer; tune in to the live streaming broadcast on auction day to follow the pace. Note other lots in the auction may close on Thursday, June 29th or Friday, June 30th.
MARVEL'S AGENTS OF S.H.I.E.L.D. (T.V. SERIES, 2019) - Kitson Casino Sign and Poker Paraphernalia - A Kitson casino sign with poker paraphernalia from Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. In Season 6's episode "Fear and Loathing on the Planet of Kitson," Leo Fitz and Enoch gambled at a Kitson casino.This lot consists of one multicolor circular vinyl sign with Kitson's profile with edge holes for hanging, 200 multicolor urethane poker chips with holographic decals of Kitson's face; 25 multicolor cardstock betting slips; 46 multicolor acrylic alien chips; three numbered dice with foil accents; and a black cardboard box with a S.H.I.E.L.D. symbol on the front containing Kitson City playing card decks as crew gifts. The lot exhibits scratching, peeling decals, and edge denting. Dimensions: (largest) 44" x 44" (111.75 cm x 111.75 cm)Estimate: $1,500 - 3,000Bidding for this lot will end on Thursday, June 29th. The auction will begin at 8:00AM PDT and lots are sold sequentially via live auctioneer; tune in to the live streaming broadcast on auction day to follow the pace. Note other lots in the auction may close on Wednesday, June 28th or Friday, June 30th.
English School, 1779 Portrait miniature of William Sidney Smith (1764-1840), later Admiral Sir Sidney Smith, at the age of fifteen wearing the uniform of a midshipmaninscribed with the identity of the sitter and the date '1779' below the portrait; the backing of the frame bearing the card of the sitter's younger brother, John Spencer Smith, FRS (1769-1845)watercolour on ivory, oval5.5cmProvenance:Elle Shushan, Philadelphia, from whom acquired in 2016 by the late Barry Lock (1934-2021)Known for his strategic brilliance, daring exploits, and charismatic leadership, William Sidney Smith (1764-1840) played a pivotal role in several important naval battles during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Born in Westminster into a naval family with connections to the Pitt family, Smith joined the Royal Navy in 1777 at the age of thirteen and quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a lieutenant at the age of eighteen. He served with distinction in the American Revolutionary War, the French Revolutionary Wars, and the Napoleonic Wars, earning a reputation as a brilliant tactician and commander. In 1799, as a Captain of the HMS Tigre, he led an audacious attack on the French fleet at the Battle of the Nile, which resulted in a resounding victory for the British.After distinguishing himself in the Mediterranean, Smith returned to England in 1801, becoming a Member of Parliament for Rochester and the lover of Caroline of Brunswick, Princess of Wales. He returned to active duty in 1805 and sailed for Portugal. In 1807, during the Siege of Porto, Portugal, he successfully defended the city against a superior French force, earning him the title of 'Conqueror of Porto.' He also played a crucial role in the successful defence of Cádiz, Spain, against French forces during the Peninsular War. Smith was often entrusted with diplomatic missions by the British government, attending the Congress of Vienna and playing a key role in fostering alliances with various European powers to counter French expansionist ambitions. In 1815, he received a knighthood for his work with Wellington in securing the peace and guaranteeing that Louis XVIII could safely return to Paris. After his illustrious naval career, Smith retired from active service in 1816 and was later promoted to the rank of Admiral. He settled in Paris, where he lived a retired life, writing memoirs and assisting with British diplomatic efforts. Smith died in Paris in 1840, leaving behind a legacy as one of Britain's most distinguished naval commanders.This item is offered for sale in accordance with the Ivory Act 2018 and has been assigned an exemption certificate, Ref. No. W9251N2V.Examined out of frame. Good overall condition. There appears to be little retouching lower centre. Dust sealed from the glass round the back of the ivory. 15.7 x 13.2cm framed
Geoffrey Holder, a signed 3. 5x2. 5 James Bond 007 Live and Let Die playing card, in character as Baron Samedi. All autographed items come with a Certificate of Authenticity. We combine postage on multiple winning lots and can ship worldwide. UK postage from £5.99, EU from £7.99, Rest of World from £9.99.
A George III inlaid mahogany domed rectangular box, of typical form, lacking escutcheon, with felt and paper lined interior, raised on ball feet, one lacking, 8 x 13.7 x 10.3cm, together with an inlaid playing card box, 19th century, the lid with decoration of a fan and four playing card pips contained within a border, opening to reveal a three section interior, 5 x 22 x 12.5cm (2)Condition Report: The domed box with condition issues. As mentioned in the cataloguing, the escutcheon and one ball foot is missing, two of the other three are loosely attached. One hinge is detached from the lid, the other is loosely attached. A large crack and missing piece across the top of the cover, the back of the cover with a lifting and dirt-filled section of panel. The back right of the box with a large crack and lifting dirt-filled panel, a loose piece of wood near the hinge. Two cracks across the front panel and escutcheon. The lining faded and stained. The playing card box in better condition, with light general knocks and scratches to the exterior
George Wendt signed A white card (measuring approx. 5"x2.5") in black pen. Wendt - best known for playing Norm in 'Cheers'. Good condition. All autographs are genuine hand signed and come with a Certificate of Authenticity. We combine postage on multiple winning lots and can ship worldwide. UK postage from £5.99, EU from £7.99, Rest of World from £10.
Regency rosewood and brass inlaid card table, the rectangular fold-over and swivelling top with rounded corners, inlaid with brass stringing and decorated with star motifs, baize lined interior playing surface, the frieze with a raised panel with brass stylise foliate decoration, turned column with gadroon carved base on a circular platform, quadruple splayed supports with cast brass hairy paw castorsDimensions: Height: 73cm Length/Width: 92cm Depth/Diameter: 45cm
Late Victorian novelty silver miniature playing card box with hinged cover containing two packs of miniature playing cards, by Andrew Barrett & Sons, London 1889 (cards unchecked but appear to be complete) W 2.8cm D 1.7cm H 2cmCondition Report: Marks are rubbed on back of box, but clear inside coverLight surface marks consistent with age and useCards appear complete and in good order but have not been removed from the box to check
Green, purple, and pink coloration.The Ugly Duchess lives in Wonderland and plays croquet with the Queen. Alice found the game a curious one, with live hedgehogs for balls, flamingoes for mallets and playing-card soldiers, who doubled over to serve as the arches. Series: Alice in Wonderland. Royal Doulton backstamp. Artist: Max HenkIssued: 1965 - 1973Dimensions: 2.5"HManufacturer: Royal DoultonCountry of Origin: EnglandCondition: Age related wear.
FLEMING (IAN)Casino Royale, fourth printing, a little foxing at top of first and last few leaves and to fore-edge, publisher's black cloth with red heart and spine lettering, in a PROOF DUST-JACKET, slight knock to top edge of front panel [Gilbert A1a (4)], 8vo, Jonathan Cape, 1957Footnotes:The first 'playing card' edition in a proof dust-jacket originating from the estate of its designer Pat Marriott.Pat Marriott (Patricia Marriott, 1920-2002) is best known as the designer of the dust-jackets of the first editions of Diamonds Are Forever, Dr. No and the present edition of Casino Royale. Marriott was at the time known as an illustrator of children's books, and in 1954 had married Fleming's literary advisor and a director at Cape, Michael Howard, who drew the author's attention to her work. Following the success of her design for Diamonds Are Forever in 1956, she was asked to design a new version for the fourth printing of Casino Royale, which she did 'creating a design using a playing card motif' (Graham Thomas, 'Pat Marriott - Bond illustrator', on Mid-Century Bond website, 2019).The proof dust-jacket corresponds to Gilbert's description of the finished version in all but one aspect, the paper being slightly glossy as opposed to 'finished by Samuel Jones in spirit varnish (laminate)', with some green ink showing through to the reverse.Provenance: Pat Marriott; by descent until purchased by the present owner.This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: •• Zero rated for VAT, no VAT will be added to the Hammer Price or the Buyer's Premium.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
ROWLING (J.K.)Correspondence from J.K. Rowling to the parents of her ex-boyfriend, and a presentation copy to him, comprising: i) Autograph letter signed ('Jo') to Brenda and Ken ('Dear Brenda & Ken'),writing shortly after the publication of book four, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire ('...madness...'), and now bracing herself '...for the announcement of the boy who is playing Harry in the film...', expecting the Daily Mail to turn up at her door '...to find out whether I hate him or not...' but says she is delighted with him, 2 pages, creased at folds, 297 x 210mm., Edinburgh, [no date but 2000]; ii) Autograph letter signed ('Jo') to Brenda ('Dear Brenda'), a fond letter thanking her for her kind words about the books and hoping that Mike (her ex-boyfriend and Brenda's son) will read his copy of the first one ('...I'm thinking of pretending there's a character based on him in the next one, just to fool him into ploughing through it...'), ending with news of her daughter Jessica and recommending Harry Potter et l'Ecole des Sorciers to her family in France, 2 pages, creased at folds, 297 x 210mm., Edinburgh, 14 December 1998; iii) Pictorial greetings card depicting a row of owls, signed ('Jo') to Brenda ('Dear Brenda'), on her return from a US tour and telling her she is about to move house ('...Daily Mail journalists keep turning up at this one and I'd like a bit more privacy!...'), delighted that Mike has finally read the books ('...He seems to think he deserves a dedication for this – or possibly some sort of medal...'), 2 pages, 178 x 210mm. closed, Edinburgh, 11 September [19]99;iv) Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, first paperback edition, first printing, INSCRIBED BY THE AUTHOR on the dedication page 'To Micky, who learned to read late in life and should be encouraged. Love Jo', with the number sequence 10 to 1 on the reverse of title page, slight toning to margins, publisher's pictorial wrappers, spine and adjacent strip of front cover slightly faded, corner tips knocked, 8vo, Bloomsbury, [1998] (4)Footnotes:'THE BOY WHO IS PLAYING HARRY IN THE FILM... I'M DELIGHTED WITH HIM': J.K. ROWLING WRITES TO THE PARENTS OF HER EX-BOYFRIEND, WHO WITNESSED THE GENESIS OF HARRY POTTER, and jokingly inscribes a copy of the Chamber of Secrets for him.Jo Rowling met Michael, the son of the recipients of our letters, whilst they were students at Exeter University in the mid-1980's. After university he travelled the world on a gap year and returned to study in Manchester, where the couple resumed their relationship. Rowling was at the time living in London, working for Amnesty International, and regularly took the long train journey from London to Manchester to visit him whilst they were looking for a flat together. It was on one of these delayed journeys that, famously, the inspiration for Harry Potter came to her: '...It was after a weekend's flat-hunting, when I was travelling back to London on my own on a crowded train, that the idea for Harry Potter simply fell into my head. I began to write 'Philosopher's Stone' that very evening... I moved up to Manchester, taking the swelling manuscript with me...' (J.K. Rowling, biography, online). Indeed, Brenda recalls how Rowling was constantly scribbling down ideas for the books and leaving pieces of paper everywhere when she went to stay. However, at the end of December 1990 Rowling's mother died and she describes the following year as one 'of misery'.By November 1991 she and Mike had split up and she had moved to Portugal. As our letters attest, she kept in touch with Mike and his parents throughout her troubled first marriage and the birth of her daughter Jessica up until her second marriage in 2001. Throughout the letters, the last written during the frenzy that accompanied the making of the first film, there is a glimpse of her new life as a celebrity author, with mention of trips to Cannes, book tours and frustrations with the press, particularly the Daily Mail (notably newspaper of choice for the odious Dursley family). She writes with evident fondness to Brenda and Ken, who witnessed the genesis of the Harry Potter books, and gently teases Mike for finally getting round to reading them ('...He seems to think he deserves a dedication for this – or possibly some sort of medal...'). It was after a row with Mike that Rowling invented the sport of Quidditch whilst staying in a Manchester hotel: '...It [sport] infuriates men... which is quite satisfying given my state of mind when I invented it...' she later wrote.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
GERSHWIN (GEORGE & IRA)Group of items sent by Ira Gershwin to a British fan, comprising: i) Signature ('George Gershwin') clipped from a cancelled cheque, affixed lower left to a black and white portrait publicity photograph of George Gershwin in a pin-stripe suit playing the piano, 165 x 229mm., slight vertical crease towards right, mounted in 'Diamond-Color' card folder, [1934]; with accompanying typed letter signed ('Ira Gershwin') to Mrs Peggy Dunne, explaining '...His actual signature, clipped from a canceled check, is pasted on the photograph...', continuing '...As for Cleo Laine, I have of course heard of her and like her voice and her interpretations... she and Ray Charles have just completed a Porgy & Bess album...', one page on 'Ira Gershwin' headed notepaper, creased with some marks, 4to, 1021 North Roxbury Drive, Beverly Hills, 29 July 1976 ii) GERSHWIN (IRA) Lyrics on Several Occasions, AUTHOR'S PRESENTATION COPY, inscribed on half title ('Best wishes/ Ira Gershwin/ Beverly Hills, 12/24/'77/'), The Viking Press, 1973; with accompanying typed letter signed on behalf of Ira Gershwin ('Walter Reilly'), to Mrs Peggy Dunne, apologising for not replying to her sooner and sending a signed book in recompense, one page on 'Ira Gershwin' headed notepaper, creased, small tear along centre fold, remains of old tape, 4to, 1021 North Roxbury Drive, Beverly Hills, 10 May 1978 (4)Footnotes:'THE LEFT HAND PLAYS THE MELODY UPSIDE DOWN, WHILE THE RIGHT PLAYS IT STRAIGHT, ON THE THEORY THAT YOU SHOULDN'T LET ONE HAND KNOW WHAT THE OTHER IS DOING' (George Gershwin, Music by Gershwin radio broadcast, 19 February 1934).This publicity photograph of legendary composer George Gershwin was taken for his little-known 1934 radio programme, Music by Gershwin which, according to Sarah Sisk, was '...crucial to the existence of one of Gershwin's greatest works, Porgy and Bess... It highlights an important aspect of Gershwin's popularity in his own lifetime – his penchant for being at the forefront of music technology... public broadcast radio...'. Conceived as a way to raise funds for Porgy and Bess, his first full-length opera, the programme aired for the first time on the NBC Blue Network on 19 February 1934, running twice a week until the following May and revived again in September to December. It was sponsored by Feen-a-mint, a chewing gum laxative, and Gershwin selected and introduced the numbers for each programme, his informal dialogue peppered with jokes and anecdotes. The New York Times wrote after his death in July 1937: '...his genius freshened the life blood of radio... his growth and triumphs paralleled the magic advances of broadcasting which in a flash introduced his popular melodies to the entire nation...' (Sarah Sisk, 'Music by Gershwin' University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance online blog, 2017). The photograph, book and accompanying letters were sent to Mrs Margaret ('Peggy') Dunne, an avid fan of the Gershwins, and have remained in the family since then.Provenance: Peggy Dunne (d.1992); thence by descent to the present owner.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
FLEMING (IAN)Casino Royale, FIRST EDITION, third impression, owner's presentation inscription to front free endpaper, both free endpapers with some toning and faint tape adhesion marks, label of Foy's Book Dept. on front paste-down, DUST-JACKET (third state, slight vertical crease to front panel, light foxing to rear panel, reverses of flaps toned, price clipped from front flap but intact at rear), [Gilbert A1a (3)], 8vo, Jonathan Cape, 1954Footnotes:FIRST EDITION, THIRD IMPRESSION - IN ITS VERY GOOD ORIGINAL AND UNRESTORED DUST-JACKET. Encouraged by the success of Live and Let Die, Fleming wrote to Cape asking them to print another thousand copies of Casino Royale, resulting in this third impression, the smallest of the three runs and the last to feature the famous red heart jacket before Pat Marriott's playing card design replaced it for all later printings.This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: •• Zero rated for VAT, no VAT will be added to the Hammer Price or the Buyer's Premium.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
Craig, Edward Gordon Proof of a woodcut to Virginia 1950, 'An Unfinished Oddity, Lorenzo and Jessica Running Away with Wild Music Playing', numbered in pencil state 2 no 1 block no 223 (170 x 150mm) glued to card plus Leeper, Janet 'Edward Gordon Craig, design for the Theatre', King Penguin 1948 x 2 with dedication by Janet Leeper and E.G.C (?) (3)
An early Tunbridge ware print and pen decorated rosewood card box attributed to George Wise, of octagonal form, the lid with pen work border centred by a paint and pen work panel of assorted playing cards within a typical George Wise black on gold border, small crack running across cards, the compartmentalised interior in original green paper, 26 x 20.5 x 7cms. For a similar box see Austen(B), Tunbridge Ware, opposite page 96, plate 5. From the collection of Dr. Brian Austen
Three cased sets of 19th Century playing card counters and four pearl discs, comprising a bone circular box, the screw cover with pique work cornucopia of flowers, containing three tortoiseshell and gold inlaid counters, 2 / 3 / 4 of diamonds, box 3cms, a tortoiseshell circular box with gold circle to lid, base section with losses around rim containing four gold inlaid circular tortoiseshell counters 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 of clubs, a bone circular box with loss to side of cover engraved with fish inscribed 'Whist', between a ribboned and flower branch and containing four fish form counters 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 of spades, and four mother of pearl discs 1 / 2 / 3 / 4. (7)
An unusual early Tunbridge ware white wood print and paint decorated rectangular playing card box, the sides in green with red, yellow and black line border, the sliding lid in green with a circular colour printed map depicting London and the counties of Middlesex and Surrey set in a whitewood diamond painted with trailing flowers within a red line and black dash border. The four compartment interior in original pink paper, 14.5 x 15.7 x 5cms. From the collection of Dr. Brian Austen
A collection of French gaming counters and playing card related items, comprising eight black painted card markers of cut corner rectangular form painted in gilt with hearts or diamonds on a black ground, 7cms, three pierced bone counters, 2.5cms, three bone suit markers, 5.7cms, a bone wedge painted with flowers and a diamond, 5.5cms, a group of eight cut corner rectangular counters engraved with numerals within colour painted borders, 3.5cms, and twenty three bone circular counters decorated with flowers against red, yellow and purple backgrounds, 3.4cms. (46)
Four pin cushions and retainers, comprising a rectangular pin card in the form of the jack of hearts playing card, pin stuck edge, 4.5cms, a pink silk square pin card, 2.1cms, a circular silk pin disc each side with beadwork garland, 5cms dia., and a blue and black silk buttoned pin cushion, 9cms. (4)
Tunbridge ware - the modern makers, Robert Vorley, two pieces, comprising a rectangular playing card box, the pull off lid with two panels of floral mosaic, signed to base 'Robert Vorley, 1985', 13.6 x 10.7 x 3.2cms, and a rectangular box, the lid with a mosaic panel of a butterfly, signed to base 'Robert Vorley 1985', varnish degraded, 8.2 x 7 x 4.8cms. (2) From the collection of Dr. Brian Austen
Carl Gerich (Mid 20th century), hand coloured artwork for playing cards, two uncut sheets, signed and dated by the artist. Hand coloured etchings. 35x18cm approx. (2) (B.P. 21% + VAT) One is mounted on card and one is unmounted (smaller unmounted marked 1982). Generally good. Some small marks/stains to surrounding paper/card. Smaller 1982 unmounted printed cards have flecks of ink. No tears/holes/foxing noted.
Box of metalware mostly silver plate to include: toast rack, Viners of Sheffield wine coaster, tankard, hot chocolate cup, sugar sifter, miniature trophy cups, basket, napkin rings, teaspoons, card box containing playing cards, tray, tea strainer, lobed sugar bowl and milk jug etc. (B.P. 21% + VAT)
Trump card indicator / ''Trumps'' playing card game marker silver. Rare piece. This is an example of a trump card indicator for the well-known Bridge game. It contains ivorine squares to indicate the trump suit, hearts, clubs, diamonds, or spades. Also there is a blank to indicate 'No Trumps' which stands for: no trumps. United Kingdom, London, Henry Perkins & Sons, 1919, hallmarks: lion, panther's head, maker's mark, d - signs of wear and dents. 37 grams, 925/1000. Dim. L 2.6 cm, W 5.5 cm, H 4.8 cm.
A French boxed doll’s Toilette set, the burgundy paper-covered wooden box with label of children playing ‘Les Quilles’, opening to reveal pink lining with mirror, porcelain jug and basin, two brushes and two bottles —10in. (25.5cm.) wide (nine empty compartments); a UFDC New Orleans 1998 Lisette by Cathy Hansen all-bisque dolls’ house doll in Sac du Voyage with certificate and clothes pattern, in original box; a recent card of doll’s toilette, a wooden violin and recent pedlar’s tray
Games and Card Games, Jaques & Son - The World Parliament or Vote by Ballot, Candid Confessions and The National Gallery, in original boxes; a H N Myers & Co Ups & Downs, a Chad Valley Fleet Street and Parker Brothers The Game of Great Artists, in original boxes; Hunt & Sons playing cards; Halma board and wooden box; a Jacques red and black leather rolled Portable B.C.D. Board with draft pieces, in case; empty The Auction House box, cribbage board and unboxed Who Buys?
An English delftware Popish Plot tile, circa 1680-1700Painted in manganese with 'The body of Sir E.B.G carry'd to Prim rose hill on a Horse', the supposed murderers Robert Green, Lawrence Hill and Henry Berry taking the slumped body of magistrate Sir Edmund Berry Godfrey to the foot of Primrose Hill, his corpse depicted a second time lying run through with his own sword, 12.8cm squareFootnotes:ProvenanceFelton House, North SomersetThe Five of Spades playing card is the source for this tile.On 28 September 1678 Titus Oates and Israel Tonge, a fanatic protestant minister implicit in the fabrication of the Popish Plot, presented their testimony to magistrate Sir Edmund Berry Godfrey. The disappearance of Godfrey on 12 October and the subsequent discovery of his dead body at Primrose Hill five days later caused uproar and those seeking to benefit from the exposure of a Catholic Plot stoked the fire. It was assumed that Godfrey was murdered by the Jesuits in connection with his taking Oates' and Tonge's deposition.Other playing cards from the same series depict Godfrey's supposed murder by Green, Berry and Hill. The perjured evidence given by Oates, William Bedloe and Miles Prance was enough to condemn the three men. Lord Chief Justice, Sir William Scroggs presided over the trial and did very little to supress his anti-Catholic bias. The three of spades depicts the 'murderers' hanging from the gallows. The true circumstances of Godfrey's death remain unsolved, but suicide has been presented as more than likely.The Felton House Tiles: Important English delftware tiles depicting the Popish Plot, circa 1680-1700The 'discovery' of the Popish Plot in the autumn of 1678 and the subsequent trials, political upheaval and mass hysteria that erupted in England, reads like a modern-day soap opera. The supposed Catholic conspiracy to assassinate King Charles II, replace him with his papist brother James, Duke of York, and overthrow the Protestant establishment turned out to be the invention of a disreputable priest named Titus Oates, whose many lies and inventions appealed to the anti-Catholic sentiment of the time. Oates was eventually convicted of perjury, but not before over a dozen innocent men were executed and others imprisoned, as the flames of anti-Catholic hatred and suspicion were fanned throughout the country.A set of playing cards depicting various scenes from the plot, printed from engravings by Francis Barlow, was first advertised in the newspaper True Domestick Intelligence in December 1679. A complete set of these Popish Plot playing cards is in the British Museum (inv. no.1896,0501.915.1-52). These designs were subsequently copied onto some of the earliest delftware tiles produced in England. The timing of the plot coincides with a warrant granted to the Dutch potter, Jan Ariens van Hamme, who had come to London'to exercise his trade and calling of making Tiles...after the way practised in Holland...whichhath not been practised in this our kingdome'.Several distinct versions of Popish Plot tiles were produced. One of these is painted in blue and the scenes are reserved in circular panels. These blue and white tiles have corner motifs and include inscriptions copied directly from the playing cards. See Frank Britton, London Delftware (1987), p.176 where three such tiles are illustrated. Anthony Ray suggests that these blue painted tiles were probably made at Vauxhall by van Hamme, who died in 1680, see English Delftware Tiles (1973), p.35. When found in manganese, each scene fills the available space save for a rectangular reserve at the bottom of each tile. An extremely rare set of twenty-one manganese Popish Plot tiles, matching the Felton House Tiles, was sold by Sotheby's on 15 March 1971, lot 21. A single tile depicting 'The Consult at Somerset House' was sold by Bonhams on 21 May 2014, lot 21. It has been suggested that the manganese examples were made a few years after their blue counterparts. However, the discovery of the Felton House Tiles adds weight to the argument that these were produced much closer to 1680, whilst the satirical playing cards were still topical. Indeed, close examination of the tiles show that they were copied from a deck of the Popish Plot playing cards and not from the blue and white versions.Felton House in North Somerset is a late 17th century house, confirmed by a date stone for 1684. Recent restoration of the building involved the removal of a mid-18th century fireplace which revealed an earlier fireplace behind, retaining the remains of other Popish Plot tiles from this set. The seven tiles included in this sale were removed from the fireplace in the 1950s and were recently discovered tucked away in a box. Presumably they were installed around 1684 - the date inscribed on the datestone - when the furore of the plot was still fresh in the country's consciousness. King Charles II died just a year later and the fear upon which the fictitious plot was based came to be realised; Charles II was succeeded by his brother who became king James II of England and James VI of Scotland, a Catholic monarch.For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com
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