This is a rare collector's item: a limited edition reproduction from 1996 by the renowned Milan-based company Il Meneghello of the "Tuscan Transformation Playing Cards" originally created in Florence, Italy, in the mid-19th century! The designs, created by satirical artists and illustrators of the time, are faithfully reproduced, making this a masterpiece of "transformation cards" known for their skillful integration of suits into the figures and scenes depicted. The set is complete, including a genuine wax-sealed dedicated box, a ribbon band, all 52 cards, and an explanation card. The card illustrations humorously and delicately depict Italian society, the military, and performing arts around 1850, making this reproduction highly valuable for both aesthetic appreciation and historical research. Il Meneghello is a world-renowned workshop specializing in the reproduction of tarot and playing cards, characterized by its handcrafted production. Therefore, the number of existing sets is small, and it is currently difficult to obtain. The cards themselves are in generally good condition. The outer box shows some wear and tear due to age. The wax seal remains intact from the original. All cards are present. 【Playable as Regular Playing Cards】 The suits are: Spades / Clubs / Hearts / Diamonds All suits are present. Common games are possible. ・Daifugo (Japanese card game similar to President) ・Poker ・Concentration ・Blackjack ・Old Maid (with a Joker) You can use them the same way as regular playing cards. The only difference is that the cards have pictures, so they might be a little difficult to read. 【Original Purpose】 The artistic expression is "the suits are integrated into the illustrations." ・Clubs look like soldiers' weapons ・Spades look like stage props ・Hearts become hats for the figures ・Diamonds transform into flags and boxes etc., enjoy it! 【Translation of the last photo】 52 Rare Italian Transformation Playing Cards Florence 1832–1877 Mattarelli was one of the leading Italian illustrators and satirical artists of the 19th century, born in Florence in 1832 and died in San Gregorio Bergamasco in 1877. He drew these cards around 1850, and created a deck known as "Transformation Cards". His expression was very skillful, and it attracted great praise and attention at the time. This set is a reproduction by "Il Meneghello" of Milan limited to 100 copies in 1996. (From the collection of Osvaldo Menegazzi) "No. 232 / 1000" #Florence1850 #CollectorsItem #VintagePlayingCards