Photographic card set of Second Empire actors. Paris, Avril & Cie, [circa 1864]. Complete deck of 52 cards (95 x 62 mm); later case (worn). The first pack of cards illustrated with photographs. On 28 May 1864, Avril registered a fifteen-year patent for the manufacture of photographic playing cards. The figures in this game represent various dramatic artists of the period, photographed by Adolphe Bilordeaux (1807-1872). The point cards are lithographed. Very rare. Seguin: Marteau, n°356.