This deck was produced in celebration of the wedding of Edward (VII) to Princess Alexandra of Denmark in 1863. CB Reynolds is an unknown printer and whilst we have an address , 22 Seel Street, Liverpool. very little is known about this firm. Very little is documented about these cards so much more research is required.
The deck 52 cards is extremely ornate and must have been fairly costly to produce. The Ace of hearts has a picture of the newly married couple. The courts are non standard and have a mix of South American natives (clubs) alongside European style courts (Diamonds, Hearts) whilst the Spade courts reflect ordinary folk as farmers etc.
All the pip cards have small caricatures within each of the pips, very similar to cards designed by Alfred Crowquill (see below) printed at a similar time by Reynolds. Is there a connection here?
So what about the marriage... Edward married Princess Alexandra, elder daughter of King Christian IX of Denmark on 10 March 1863 at St Georges Chapel Windsor. Alexandra was both elegant and beautiful and their relationship has been described as "affectionate". Despite this, Edward indulged in many affairs with actresses and society beauties throughout his marriage. However, Alexandra showed amazing tolerance of his behaviour, remarking that "he always loved me the best".
