David Hurter, Schaffhausen
David Hurter built up a playing card business in Schaffhausen during the 18th century.
David Hurter, Schaffhausen
David Hurter had begun to build up a playing card business in connection with a paper factory in Schaffhausen since 1793. The cards shown below are from a double-ended Swiss-suited deck which, although more convenient, loses some charming features from the designs. Click here to see a single-ended version. The business was subsequently taken over by his son David, and in 1863 was sold to Müller.
Above: cards from double-ended Swiss-suited deck made by David Hurter, Schaffhausen.
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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