Birkel Schwarzer Peter
The Birkel company has produced several promotional “Schwarzer Peter” packs over the years and this one is themed on the circus.
Birkel Schwarzer Peter Zirkus Kartenspiel
The Birkel company is Germany’s No. 1 noodle manufacturer and the first Birkel-brand noodle products came onto the market as early as 1902. The company has produced several promotional “Schwarzer Peter” packs over the years and this one is themed on the circus. Noodles can be seen on both sides of the box and the Birkel logo is printed on each card, showing typical circus acts.
The set contains 12 matching pairs of circus cards plus a “Schwarzer Peter” card showing a clown being thrown off a donkey. This is the “loser” card and the object of the game is complete matching pairs and to avoid being left holding this single card.
Above: Birkel Schwarzer Peter Zirkus Kartenspiel, 25 cards in box, c.1950.
By Simon Wintle
Member since February 01, 1996
I am the founder of The World of Playing Cards (est. 1996), a website dedicated to the history, artistry and cultural significance of playing cards and tarot. Over the years I have researched various areas of the subject, acquired and traded collections and contributed as a committee member of the IPCS and graphics editor of The Playing-Card journal. Having lived in Chile, England, Wales, and now Spain, these experiences have shaped my work and passion for playing cards. Amongst my achievements is producing a limited-edition replica of a 17th-century English pack using woodblocks and stencils—a labour of love. Today, the World of Playing Cards is a global collaborative project, with my son Adam serving as the technical driving force behind its development. His innovative efforts have helped shape the site into the thriving hub it is today. You are warmly invited to become a contributor and share your enthusiasm.
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