Robert Sauzade Playing Cards. American, ca. 1830s. 52 (lacks 2S, includes duplicate 9S). Block-printed, color stencil. Jack of Spades signed in plate R. Sauzade. Backs dots and dotted curved bands. “In the New York City Directory of 1830, Robert Sauzade is listed as a playing-card maker, with a manufactory at 114 Leonard Street, and his name is also in the business directory for 1837” (Hargrave, A History of Playing Cards). Sauzade was probably French and became a playing card manufacturer in New York, appearing in city directories in the 1830s—40s. The Ace of Spades is plain, and other than the court card being subtly signed, the deck could “easily be overlooked” (Hochman U32). EARLY AMERICAN RARITY. This is the first Sauzade deck to appear at auction. Well-rubbed from handling, evenly discolored, red completely faded.