"No.85 Carte di giuoco" (Piacentine pattern )-- Grimaud

"No.85 carte di giuoco italiane, tipo bologna"-- Grimaud, 40c.

Despite its name, the deck is what is known as the "piacentine" pattern. However, the maker's use of the designation is somewhat accurate, as the pattern is used around much of central and northern Italy, a region that encompasses both Piacenza and bologna.

Here is the rather elaborate box in which these cards come in:

 

Note the differences from the more standard Piacentine pattern -- the ace of swords ( top row, first from right), is straight. In the standard pattern, the sword is curved, and has a cherub perched in it ( see http://anthonylesq.blogspot.sg/search?q=piacentine )  

 

The ace of coins ( top row, first from right), is represented here as an eagle with a blank circle in it's chest. Although this may seem rather odd, in former times, the tax stamp ( to prove that the tax had been paid on this deck)  was stamped on the ace of coins. Hence, the makers left a blank space on the ace for this stamp. As the stamp had a coin-like design, when the stamp was impressed, the card looked more like a member of the suit.

However, when the card tax was abolished, there was no longer any need for such a stamp, and the card is left blank.

"sarde" (modanio)

Sardinian playing cards by modanio. 40 cards.
In my opinion, this pattern is the most artistic of all those used in italy
The design of this pattern barely conceals it's spanish origins. it probably was a copy of a luxury spanish deck made sometime in the 1820s. In fact, it can be said to be simply a copy of the " Baraja Neoclasica' by clemente roxas in 1810.(http://pictures.todocoleccion.net/tc/2009/06/20/13868554.jpg for a pic of the deck.)
also note the little pictures on the 4s.
compare http://anthonylesq.blogspot.com/2011/10/spanish-playing-cards.html

"Trentine" ( trent pattern)

Trentine pattern, modanio, 40 cards.
This pattern is the northenmost italin suited pattern.
some delightful features here, like the little dog at the jack of cup's leg.
The tax- stamp for theese cards was not applied on the ace of coins, as was the custom in other parts of the country. instead, it was applied on the blank circle you see between the king of coin's legs.

"Toscane "(Tuscan pattern)

Tuscan pattern by Modanio. 40 cards.
up till the 1960s there was another relative of this pleasing pattern, also from tuscany, called the "small tuscan " pattern ( Toscane formato piccolo). this pattern, therefore, is known as the "large Tuscan pattern" images of this elegant deck can be found here.--
http://www.wopc.co.uk/italy/tuscan.html

"piemontesi" ( piedmont pattern)

 Piedmont pattern by Modanio.
40 cards.
note the decorative borders round the aces.
This pattern retains some hints of the paris pattern. for example, the fan on the queen of clubs.

see also: http://anthonylesq.blogspot.com/2011/10/paris-pattern-single-faced.html

Salzburger bild "Einfachdutche"

Salzburg pattern/ "Einfachdutche" ( single german)
This deck is by ASS Altenburger
it is of 36 cards.
some features to note:
- the tens, as usual, have the large romn numeral "X" on them.
- the 6 of bells, with the additional acorn and heart suit marks, on which is written "WELLI"- this card is apparently used as a sort of top trump in local games.
- as with the saxon pattern, we have charming scenes at the bottom of the cards, but they are of a more pastorial nature than the whimsical ones on the saxon patten,
This deck is also made by some Italian makers ( despite that it has german suit symbols) and in decks of 40 cards ( german decks have at most 36 cards, as here)

see also: http://anthonylesq.blogspot.com/2011/10/saxony-pattern-cards-single-vs-double.html