Postgeschichte

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.