Some antiques are just too charming to pass by. While I see these Victorian desktop items regularly described (and accurately so, for today's collectors) as flower press (layers of blotter paper cut to size and between which one places blossoms to press as they dry), the actual initial use was as a playing card press. The old cards tended to warp a bit from use and from the nature of the hard-bonded paper. If you're a playing card collector, you've seen this phenomenon. Homes with card players (nearly all in the leisure classes) would always have a card press to maintain playable flatness in their decks of cards. Some were more elegant decorative objects (like the 2nd one pictured in final photos) and some were utilitarian. This is a 19th century French card press. simple wooden box, machined metal posts and braces, work perfectly, nicely preserved, even if you don't have antique cards, this will delight just about anyone who has ever taught a child to press/dry flowers and make their own greeting cards. The measurements are noted on the photos. The few antique cards shown do go with this press, and they are an incomplete old Tarot card grouping - cards are included.
Very good to excellent condition for age and type, once painted creamy white with red trim, I've washed the surface and it is going to retain what's left of it's "antiqued" look. The cards are Tarot cards and it is not a complete deck. They did come with this press and are perfectly fitted for it. Imagine a fortuneteller's table, the appeal of such to people in the 19th century, France. A little tuck-away window-front with a bit of a Gypsy-looking fortune teller. Photos show it well. I love the modest sort-of home made look of it. Imagine the fortunes told (and made) with the set. Measurements noted on the photos.
