Postgeschichte
A celebration of different postal systems in Germany from 1630 to 1850, with designs by Volker Hartmann.
Four different German states or principalities which were major contributors to the development of the postal system in Germany are represented in this colourful pack: Thurn und Taxis (acorns), Saxony (leaves), Prussia (hearts), and Mecklenburg (bells). Postal officials in their different uniforms can be found on the court cards, while black-and-white vignettes of post offices, carriages, distance markers and post riders decorate the numeral cards. Each image is named and dated. Splendid coats of arms are featured on the Aces. On the reverse are two yellow post horns against a silver background. The idea for the pack came from Heinz Wehner, with the graphic design being carried out by Volker Hartmann.
Above: Postgeschichte playing cards designed by Volker Hartmann, printed and published by Altenburger Spielkartenfabrik, Altenburg, DDR, 1987. 32 cards + 1 extra card in clear plastic box. Size: 57.5 x 87.5 mm.
This pack may deliberately have been issued in the run-up to the 500th anniversary of postal services in Germany - an event which was celebrated in 1990.
By Roddy Somerville
Member since May 31, 2022
Roddy started collecting stamps on his 8th birthday. In 1977 he joined the newly formed playing-card department at Stanley Gibbons in London before setting up his own business in Edinburgh four years later. His collecting interests include playing cards, postcards, stamps (especially playing cards on stamps) and sugar wrappers. He is a Past President of the Scottish Philatelic Society, a former Chairman of the IPCS, a Past Master of the Worshipful Company of Makers of Playing Cards and Curator of the WCMPC’s collection of playing cards. He lives near Toulouse in France.
Related Articles
The UCR Deck
Giant-size cards designed by Thomas Sanders to advertise courses and facilities at UCR.
Verkeers Kwartet
A helpful quartet game celebrating the 75th anniversary of road safety exams making traffic safer.
Politiker-Skat by Bubec
Caricatures of world leaders, including many German politicians, by the artist Bubec.
Le Poker Politique
French politicians and various world leaders caricatured by the German artist Bubec.
Gibson’s History of England
History without tears for young and old, 1920s.
Historical Characters
Double-ended deck with historical characters and jacks as jesters by Daveluy, c.1850.
Hispania Romana
Educational card game depicting the Roman period in Spanish history.
The Heart Deck™
Useful information about heart health on every card.
Unimog UX 100
Cartoons promoting the Unimog UX 100, a small truck produced by Mercedes-Benz.
Juristenskat
Caricatures of lawyers and judges by Philipp Heinisch for HEEL Verlag.
Battles in Mexico, 1847
Uncut proof sheet with Mexican Battle scenes on the aces and portraits of American generals on the c...
Double-ended German-suited pack by Josef Glanz, Vienna.
From the British Museum collection.
Medizin Skat
Promotional pack for a hospital group in the Saarland, with non-standard suits and courts designed b...
Opernkarte I
Humorous designs by Peter Becker on the theme of the Opera.
English cards from the reign of Charles II
This article explores a historic pack of English playing cards from circa 1675, likely used by King ...
Hummingbirds of the Americas
Colour photographs of hummingbirds with data about each species to aid recognition.
Trending Articles
Popular articles from the past 28 days
