Costume playing cards

A deck of playing cards, Germany or Switzerland, probably late 17th century, 36 (complete?) hand-coloured engraved cards, comprising 4 suits of 9 (French suits), all full-length figures with captions below in German and French, each with suit sign upper left corner, and early manuscript numeral 1-36 added to top right corner, some slightly toned and dusty, 3 heart suit signs a little rubbed, plain versos, square corners, each card 95 x 54 mm, contained in a later marbled paper-covered cardboard box with pull-off lid, with gilt lettered morocco label 'Cartes Antérieures  1710' QTY: (1) NOTE: Provenance: 'Early Playing Cards from the Collection of the late Jaime Ortiz-Patino', Children's & Illustrated books, Modern First Editions, Dominic Winter Auctioneers Ltd, 12th December 2013, lot 30; Collection of David Temperley.

The cards are divided equally between the standard French suits yet curiously, rather than each suit being numbered 1-9 as one would expect, the cards are devoid of numbers, except for the manuscript 1-36 added later. Each card shows a full-length figure attired in a particular garb demonstrating variously ranks (from the nobility to servants), professions, or social occasions. Most of the cards show women, but a few men are represented, and three of the cards include children.

Many of the figures are shown sporting large neck ruffs, ornate hats, wigs, and headdresses, or holding various objects including fans, vases, muffs, baskets, and flowers. Captions in translation include: 'A Midwife Carrying a Child at Baptism'; 'The Mayor's Bailiff'; 'Female Funeral Attendant'; and 'Girl Handing Out Garlands to Wedding Guests'.