Engraved map with fine original outline hand-colour, backed with early marbled paper to make a playing card. Hoffman published two sets of playing cards, one of the world, the other of Europe. That of the world survives in just two known examples. The present example is from the Europe pack which was entitled 'Europeisch-Geographisches Spiel-Charte'. It is extremely rare. The world map in the set bears the imprints of 'J.H. Seyfrid, delineavit' and 'Wilhelm Pfann. sculpsit', probably those responsible for all the cards. The date 1678 comes from the accompanying text volume which resides in the Willshire Collection at the British Museum. Hoffman was born in Frankenberg, Saxony, 17 March 1629. He was often in trouble with the authorities in Nuremberg for various illegal activities including plagiarism. He died 27 March 1698. Provenance: this example is ex Rimington-Wilson Collection sold at Christies November 1971 lot 295 to Sylvia Mann. References: S. Mann & D. Kingsley Map Collector Series no. 87 p. 22 no. 5; Catherine Perry Hargrave A History of Playing Cards p. 109; Geoffrey King Miniature Antique Maps (2003) pp. 146-7; Shirley Britain pp.67-8. Seller Inventory # 86031

Contact seller

Report this item

Bibliographic Details

Title: Moscovia.

Publisher: Nuremberg

Publication Date: 1678

Store Description

Shapero Rare Books is an internationally renowned dealer in antiquarian & rare books and works on paper. Our specialists have particular expertise in fine illustrated books from the 15th to the 20th century, travel & voyages, natural history, modern firsts, rare children?s books, guidebooks, Hebraica & Judaica, works of Russian interest, and Islamica. We have possibly the largest selection of Baedeker and other Travel Guides and our Print Gallery has an enormous selection covering every topic of Antique Prints including Maps and Photographs. Please visit us at http://www.shapero.com

Visit Seller's Storefront

Association Member

Members of these associations are committed to maintaining the highest standards. They vouch for the authenticity of all items offered for sale. They provide expert and detailed descriptions, disclose all significant defects and/or restorations, provide clear and accurate pricing, and operate with fairness and honesty during the purchase experience.

Seller's business information

Shapero Rare Books
32 Saint George Street, London, W1S 2EA, United Kingdom

Terms of Sale:

The condition of all books has been described; all items are guaranteed to be complete unless otherwise stated. Invoices will be rendered in Sterling. The title of goods does not pass to the purchaser until the invoice is paid in full.

Shipping Terms:

Shipping costs are based on books weighing 2.2 LB, or 1 KG. If your book order is heavy or oversized, we may contact you to let you know extra shipping is required.

Payment Methods
accepted by seller

PayPal Invoice Bank/Wire Transfer

Add to Wants