c1703 Jean Valet Thiers French Jack Diamonds Playing Card Auvergne Antique For Sale

Rare early 18th-century French playing card, a Jack / Valet of Diamonds, attributed to the cardmaker Jean Valet of Thiers, France, and dating to approximately c.1700–1710, likely around 1703.The card belongs to the historic French regional tradition generally known as the Portrait d’Auvergne, associated with cardmakers working in and around Thiers and related regional markets.The figure is an armored and helmeted man-at-arms holding a polearm or halberd and sword, with a red diamond suit symbol beside the head. Across the lower banner is the clearly visible inscription JEAN VALET, identifying the maker associated with this early French cardmaking tradition.The card appears to have been produced using the traditional methods of the period, with a printed black outline and hand-applied or stencil-applied color in red, blue and yellow.The reverse is plain and shows substantial natural age toning consistent with considerable age. The front retains strong visual character and surprisingly attractive surviving color for a card of this period.Approximate size is shown in the photographs.Condition:Antique condition with expected age toning, handling wear, surface marks, softened and rounded corners, edge wear and other evidence of long use and age. The colors and central figure remain quite strong and the JEAN VALET inscription is clearly readable. No cleaning, restoration or alteration has been performed by the seller.Dating is conservatively stated as c.1700–1710, likely c.1703, based on documented early 18th-century examples associated with Jean Valet and Thiers.A scarce survivor from the early French regional playing-card tradition and an appealing example for collectors of antique playing cards, gaming history, early French printing and decorative folk art.Please review all photographs carefully for exact condition, dimensions and details. Sold as one antique playing card.

---