Bezique Set - 1869

We have this beautiful original Bezique Set dating from 1869 by Reynolds and Sons. Spelt 'Bésique' presumably to appear more elegant at the time. The box has also been signed underneath by its first owner; K.Morland October 11th 1969. 

Reynolds was one of the first card makers to produce a double-ended version of their 'modernised' card designs, as double-ended playing cards were becoming accepted at this time (early 1800s), but still without indices. 

Box dimensions: 14 x 10 x 2.5cm 

One of the King of Diamonds and one of the Queen of Diamonds are replacement replicas (see last image). But the original 'gas meter' scoring cards with brass pointers and the little rule book are present. The box has seen better days but its leather exterior has held up well and the rest of the cards are in great condition. Grade 2/3 under the Hoyles Vintage Grading System.