The World of Playing Cards Logo

Pilys

Published June 08, 2012 Updated June 28, 2023

'Pilys' playing cards ('Castles') manufactured in Lithuania by Spindulys Printing House, Kaunas, c.1930-40.

Lithuania Spindulys Pilys

Castles

'Pilys' playing cards ('Castles') manufactured in Lithuania by Spindulys Printing House, Kaunas, c.1930-40. The four Aces depict national monuments, whilst the court cards show local costumes and regal kings. This deck has been reprinted by Piatnik (Austria) in 1995 & 2004.

Above: 'Pilys' playing cards ('Castles') manufactured in Lithuania by Spindulys Printing House, Kaunas, c.1930-40. 36 cards.

avatar
14 Articles

By Albinas Borisevičius

Member since July 01, 2010

I have been collecting cards since 1968, of course, then there were no contacts with world collectors, so my collection was very small. It was only in 1991, when Lithuania declared its independence, that it was possible to have contact with the world. It was a great honor for me to attend the IPCS convention in Munich, where I found many friends-colleagues. I managed to make an agreement with the Viennese card factory to print the ancient cards of Lithuania (PILYS).

My area of collecting - classic mirror-type cards and tourist cards - with images of cities, countries, photos. Also topics Sherlock Holmes, Alexander Dumas, Discover, Chess, Basketball, postage stamps on the cards. Since I am already 75 years old, I don't work, so I can't buy old cards (I really like classic cards from the 1920-1950 period). But my opinion is that it is better to have a card copy than nothing, so I will print one set of cards in Vilnius for my collection. Of course, if anyone wants, I can print it for them too. You can see my printed cards here: Lithuania - Orija.

I have published one book in Lithuania about cards and card games (in Lithuanian, about 400 pages): Albinas Borisevicius. Pirmasis padalijimas (The first deal)

Related Articles

1989 Four Races

Four Races

“Four Races” playing cards designed by Latvian artist Vilnis Rasa in 1989.

Lithuanian

Lithuanian

Lithuanian Playing Cards, reprinted by Piatnik, 1995, 2004.

Lithuanian Playing Cards

Lithuanian Playing Cards

During the 20th century Lithuanian printers produced striking playing cards containing Lithuanian sy...

Pilys

Pilys

'Pilys' playing cards ('Castles') manufactured in Lithuania by Spindulys Printing House, Kaunas, c.1...

Vaivorykste (The Rainbow)

Vaivorykste (The Rainbow)

Vaivorykštė ('the Rainbow') playing cards manufactured in Lithuania by Spindulys, 1930s. The deck ha...

Istorinės

Istorinės

Istorinės Historical Deck from Lithuania manufactured by Spindulys Playing Card Manufactory, Kaunas,...

1930 Gedimino Stulpai

Gedimino Stulpai

Gedimino Stulpai playing cards made in Lithuania by Spindulys Printing Co., Kaunas, depicting Lithua...

Kunigaiksciai

Kunigaiksciai

Kunigaiksciai ('Dukes') playing cards published by Spindulys Printing Co., Kaunas, Lithuania during ...

1930 Klubams

Klubams

Klubams (for the clubs) playing cards manufactured in Lithuania by Spindulys Printing House (Kaunas)...

Gironda

Gironda

8 cards and two jokers from the 'Gironda' pack, showing eminent statesmen and politicians from Lithu...

2001 Dviracio Kortos, 2001

Dviracio Kortos, 2001

Dviracio Kortos playing cards, based on 'Dviracio Zynios' ('The Bicycle's News'), a popular Lithuani...