War Aid
Hadsegélyzö Kártya ('War Aid Pack' or 'War Aid Cards') Nr. 63 designed by Leo Kober and first published by Piatnik, Budapest, in 1917.
‘War Aid’ Playing Cards from Hungary
Hadsegélyzö Kártya Nr. 63 designed by Leo Kober, 1917.

Above: Hadsegélyzö Kártya ('War Aid Pack' or 'War Aid Cards') Nr. 63 designed by Leo Kober and first published by Piatnik, Budapest, in 1917. Three editions are known: the one shown here is the 1st edition, two more editions were published during 1918 with different backs. The cards were sold in the years following WWI to help war victims (soldiers, not civilians). Click here to see the Tax Stamp. Images courtesy Andrew Norton
See also: Hungarian ‘Seasons‘ pattern by Piatnik, c.1991 • Balázs Pál Nagy's playing cards • Hofämterspiel, c.1460 • Tungsram Playing Cards, c.1930 • Austrian Tarock Cards • Adametz Rural Scenes Tarock • Hungarian 'Seasons' playing cards by G. Berger, Buenos Aires c.1940 • Hungarian Playing Cards by IGOR L. M. DOMICELJ & Naipes VIGOR S.R.L. (Argentina) • Andrew Dougherty 'Seasons' deck, c.1920s

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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