The National Gallery card game - 1880s

Presenting a truly unique and rare antique card game from the 1880s, published by J. Jaques & Son, London. 

In this captivating game, players aim to collect sets of picture cards featuring works from various artists. The deck includes an index card for each artist, detailing how many cards belong to their set. The player who collects the most cards emerges as the winner.

Additionally, there are alternate rules for a variant where one player, known as the "President," begins with all the index cards and requests cards from other players until all sets are complete. Players earn and lose counters from a central pool throughout the game, with the one holding the most counters at the end declared the winner.

This game was published in at least two versions: one focusing on the "British school" of art and the other on the "Dutch school."

We currently have two copies of this game. 

The first set includes a complete set of 60 cards with plain blue backs, housed in a box that features a charming rules sheet (which has a slight misprint). The box has been repaired with invisible tape on the top of the lid and has some graffiti on the back. Grade 3 under the Hoyles Vintage Grading System. 

The second copy has a box in better condition (remarkable considering its age) and is still intact without needing repairs. The cards are in very good condition, but this copy is missing the original rules booklet. Grade 1 overall under the Hoyles Vintage Grading System. 

A remarkable find for collectors and antique enthusiasts! Over 130 years old!