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.
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