In 1983, The Metropolitan Museum of Art bought a 52-card deck of South Netherlandish playing cards. The cards dated from the 15th century and were in incredible condition - but they were almost lost to history.
They were said to be a unique pack of tarot cards from the 16th century. But an Amsterdam antique dealer was skeptical. He thought they might be even older. After five years of research, he was able to successfully date the playing cards to between 1465 and 1480 thanks to the style of the paintings, watermarks on the pasteboard, as well as the costumes and hairdos worn by the Burgundian court figures on the cards.
(thanks Cora)
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