Mesmaekers 1880

It is clear to see the heritage of the the English pattern in the French Rouen design. This example was produced in Belgium in the 1880s. The Rouen design was exceedingly poplular in Flanders, and across many of the countries of Europe including Spain, Russia, England, Switzerland, Sweden and Denmark. As you can see, the card is drawn in full-length, preserving many of the original elements that made up the type and are seen repeated in the English standard. It was from these very patterns that the double ended version would emerge.