You are bidding on a huge original antique print from an 1880s illustrated journal.

It depicts a charming scene. The grandparents are playing a lively card game called speculation. Usually a gambling game with money chips, it appears the children are betting with candy and grandfather is winning. A Christmas tree is in the background.

Speculation is a simple gambling card game that was popular in the late 18th century and early 19th century. The object is hold the highest trump card when all cards in play have been revealed. The dealer antes six chips. The other players each ante four. The dealer gives each player three cards, face down. One additional card is placed face up. This card determines the trump suit, and the card belongs to the dealer. Play If the trump determining card was an Ace, the dealer wins immediately. Otherwise, the dealer may choose to keep it or to sell it to another player. Play passes to the left. If the trump-determining card was purchased, play passes to the left of the purchaser. Each player in his turn reveals a card. If the card is the highest current trump, he may keep the card or attempt to sell it to the highest bidder. The holder of the current high trump does not take a turn revealing his cards unless all other cards have been revealed. If no trump is revealed in the round, the pot carries over to the next round.

It is very large (double folio size), measuring approximately 22 x 15.5 inches (56 x 40 cm). The picture fills most of the page, with a caption below. There is unrelated text/photos on the back of this print.

The print has a fold in the middle, where it was folded into the magazine long ago. The fold line is clean.  However, there are four small holes along the fold line from where it was sewn into the journal long ago. They are barely visible.  See scan for an accurate view of the condition.

This print will come with a Certificate of Authenticity.
 

This print will come with a Certificate of Authenticity.