A complete set of 12 reward cards printed by William Dickes for the SPCK (Society for the Protection of Christian Knowledge). They issued three sets of these as this is the original first issue. Each card shows an oval print with an embossed border and an embossed title beneath. In the reverse is the title and details about the bird. Meant to given for good attendance or good work at Schools or Bible studies etc.
 
The birds featured in this first series are: Nightingale - Goldfinch - Missel Thrush - Swallow - Blue Tit - Bullfinch - Red Breast - Woodlark - Black Cap - White Throat - Yellow Ammer (the correct name for what we would call a Yellow Hammer) - Red Backed Shrike
 
Date: 1850’s / 1860’s
 
Approx. size (cm ht x w): 9.8 x 13.7 cm (each card)
 
State: The full card as issued
 
Condition: The odd spot or minor damage else very good, three have odd bits of paper residue on reverse, please images