Antique John Wallis Historical Cards History of England Complete 32 Card Game 18th Century

This is a remarkably early and complete set of John Wallis's Historical Cards Exhibiting the History of England, an educational card game published in London in the late 18th century, circa 1780s–1790s.

The set consists of 32 numbered cards, beginning with William the Conqueror and ending with George II, and retains its original pasteboard slipcase.

Designed as both a game and a means of teaching English history, each card is devoted to an English monarch, with Oliver Cromwell included in the chronological sequence. A circular portrait appears at the top, followed by a series of statements concerning the sovereign's succession, character, battles, generals, statesmen, learning and arts, and important events of the reign.

The statements incorporate game instructions such as "Take one out of Successor," "Put two into Character" and "Take all out of Battles."

The cards are printed in black on pasteboard with plain backs and are numbered consecutively:

1. William the Conqueror through 32. George II

All 32 cards are present.

The original slipcase also survives. Although very heavily worn, portions of its printed paper label remain legible, including "WALLIS," "HISTORICAL," "London" and "Published...". The publication date and some of the other information originally appearing on the label have been lost through wear.

Comparable examples are held in major museum collections. The Fitzwilliam Museum dates a closely related 32-card Wallis set to circa 1783–1801, while another documented example has been dated circa 1778–1799. Surviving sets show variations in their portrait cuts, colouring and printed details. This particular set does not have the segmented printer's imprint sometimes found along the lower edges of cards 25–28.

The cards themselves have survived remarkably well considering their age. There is general age toning, occasional staining, handling marks, minor edge and corner wear, and other evidence of use. Please refer closely to the photographs, which show all 32 cards.

The original slipcase is in very poor condition, with extensive wear, staining, losses, abrasions and deterioration to the printed label and covering paper. Nevertheless, its survival with the complete set is historically significant, and it is included exactly as found.

Publisher: John Wallis
Title: Historical Cards Exhibiting the History of England
Origin: London, England
Date: Late 18th century, circa 1780s–1790s
Number of cards: 32 — complete
First card: William the Conqueror
Last card: George II
Backs: Plain
Case: Original pasteboard slipcase with fragmentary printed label

An unusual survivor from the early history of educational games and children's publishing, particularly appealing as a complete 32-card set retaining its original case.