Charles Hodges “Geographical”. Stopforth & Son, London,

Charles Hodges “Geographical”. Stopforth & Son, London, ca. 1827. 52 + Extra Stopforth Ace of Spades + America card with no suit symbol + OB (faded). Exc. Charles Hodges’ Geographical cards were originally published in 1827. The Aces carry maps of the four continents; the court cards depict historical persons representing the four continents and the other numeral cards show maps of the respective countries. The Aces of Spades, Hearts, Diamonds and Clubs respectively represent the Americas, Europe, Asia and Africa. George Washington appears as the King of Spades and King George IV as the King of Hearts. A magnificent Chinese Emperor appears as the King of Diamonds. There were six different versions printed until about 1830. The American Ace of Spades eventually lost its suit symbol and was then replaced by the Stopforth Ace. It is unusual to find all three Aces in the same deck, though one or two may have been added later.