J. W. Spear & Sons – Fairy Tale Quartet No. 856

J. W. Spear & Sons – Fairy Tale Quartet No. 856 – Historic card game from around 1919

This historic fairy-tale quartet by J. W. Spear & Sons dates from around 1919 and is a fascinating insight into the early history of German toys and card games. The game, produced by the long-established Nuremberg manufacturer, bears the model number 856 and combines lovingly crafted fairy-tale illustrations with the characteristic graphic design of historical card games. Particularly noteworthy is the exceptional state of preservation of the individual card pieces, which offers an insight into the likely original method of manufacture.

The 24 illustrated card pieces feature motifs from well-known fairy tales, including Snow White, Little Red Riding Hood and Hansel and Gretel. The colourful illustrations draw on the visual language of classic fairy-tale books from the early 20th century. The illustrations are attributed to the artist J. P. Werth, whose works are associated with this historical edition of the game.

A distinctive feature of this copy is the additional 24 separate card backs featuring a blue geometric pattern. According to a toy expert, the illustrated fronts and the patterned backs were originally intended to be glued together. In this copy, however, they are still separate. Apart from one unprinted reverse side, which has a crease, the remaining card parts are not creased. Whether this represents an unusual state of manufacture or a special edition has not yet been conclusively clarified.

The game is offered in its original historical box, complete with an additional sliding box for storing the cards. The packaging and the surviving card pieces convey an authentic impression of the design of early parlour games. A historical catalogue entry from 1919 documents this particular edition in collectors’ research and allows it to be dated to around 1919.

The Fairy Tale Quartet No. 856 is in a condition commensurate with its age, bearing visible traces of its history spanning over a century. The 48 existing card pieces are not glued together. The exact original method of production and the completeness of the set compared to its historical state upon delivery have not been conclusively established. 

Product details

• Manufacturer: J. W. Spear & Sons
• Model: Fairy Tale Quartet
• Model number: 856
• Product type: Historical fairy-tale card game / Quartett
• Place of origin: Nuremberg, Germany
• Date: c. 1919
• Historical evidence: Catalogue entry from 1919
• Illustrations: Attributed to J. P. Werth
• Material: Paper and card
• Technique: Printed and illustrated map sections
• Number of map sections present: 48
• Image sections: 24 colour-illustrated fairy-tale motifs
• Back pieces: 24 separate pieces with a blue geometric pattern
• Motifs: Including Snow White, Little Red Riding Hood and Hansel and Gretel
• Special feature: Front and back pieces are supplied separately and unstuck
• Folding: One unprinted back piece is folded; the remaining card pieces are unfolded
• Packaging: Original historical box with an additional sliding box
• Completeness: Not definitively established in relation to the original condition on delivery
• Condition: Used, as befits its age, with signs of historical wear
• Contents: Original box, slipcase, 24 illustrated face cards and 24 patterned back cards
• Collectors’ category: Historical card games, fairy-tale games, toys and paper antiques

About J. W. Spear & Sons

J. W. Spear & Sons was founded in 1879 by Jacob Wolf Spier in Fürth and developed into a leading manufacturer of parlour games, card games and toys. The company, which was later based in Nuremberg amongst other locations, became particularly well known for its diverse range of board and card games. Many of its historical editions are characterised by elaborately designed illustrations, decorative packaging and game concepts typical of the era.

The fairy-tale and quartet games of the early 20th century reflect the enthusiasm of the time for illustrated stories and classic children’s fairy tales. Today, such games are fascinating testimonies to European toy culture. The Fairy Tale Quartet No. 856, dating from around 1919, with its historical illustrations and separately preserved card pieces, is a particularly attractive item for collectors.