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The 2nd version Shown here is the title card. A quick comparison with that of the first version shows that the design on the card remains the same, but that the words "made in France" were added. We see a similar thing on another card, so it is possible that the second version was made for the export to Anglo-American countries, as the "extra information" is already given on the card, but....in French. |
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The differences are not numerous enough to show all the cards of the second version. The major change lies in the design of one of the courts. The designs of the courts in both versions are all the same, except for the Jack of Diamonds. On this card the original design was almost completely left intact, except for the head and hat of the Jack (see fig.1 and 2 for details). Because of this change the whole upper right part had to be re-designed. The Jack's dagger has been redrawn and has a somewhat different shape in the second version. Also the Jack's index finger was redrawn. |
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fig. 1 (first version) |
fig. 2 (second version) |
A second important change is in the type font and the placing of the letters in the design of the courts (fig. 3 and 4). The type font in the first version was probably designed by Cassandre himself. It is in line with the modern designs. The new chosen type font is more classic and could work better for Anglo-Americans.
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The first version has a type font without serif, the small horizontal lines on top and underneath. The letter and the repeated small suit sign are placed beside the large suit sign. |
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fig. 3 |
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In the second version the type font with serif is also a bit bolder, higher and wider, so the letter and small suit sign had to be placed closer to the large suit sign, thus cutting a piece off the suit sign. This is seen in all suits. |
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fig. 4 |
Other -smaller- differences can be found on the Ace of Clubs and Joker(s).
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The designs of the Aces remain the same in both versions. However in the second version the names of Hermes and Paris were added underneath (fig. 5).
<Ace of Clubs and Joker from 2nd version>
The change
of type font is probably also important for joker collectors. They are
often interested in small differences between similar jokers and treasure
different versions of a joker (fig. 6). |
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| fig. 5 | fig. 6 |
The last difference is the number of cards. The deck from the first edition was published as a "53 cartes" deck: 52 cards and 1 joker. The title card apparently wasn't counted. The cards have gold edges.
This card isn't counted in the second edition either, but the deck has 2 jokers now, as is printed on the sides of the box. The type font on the box is the same as that of the first version, but slightly slimmer. The cards have gold edges.
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The 3rd version Shown here again is the title card. A quick comparison with that of the first and second version shows that the design on the card remains the same until "a été imprimé par", but then the name of B.P. Grimaud is mentioned as manufacturer. The back design was also changed. It exists in opposite too, red with a blue line. All courts, Aces and Joker have the same design as the second version. |
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The "Grimaud" deck consists of 52 cards, 2 jokers
and 1 extra (title) card.
The same type font was used as in the second
version. The cards have gold edges. Our deck came without a box.
I found the latest version on the French eBay in April
2020, but at a ridiculous price.
So copying the picture was the cheaper way to add this here.
And maybe the 2nd double deck, published by La Montre Hermès, dates from that
same year.
