Detail from Schiller deck made by Conrad Ludwig Wüst, c.1830

Schiller deck, C. L. Wüst, Frankfurt/Main, c.1830

Johann Christoph Friedrich von Schiller (1759 – 1805) was a German poet, philosopher, historian, and playwright. The ‘Schiller’ deck was made by Conrad Ludwig Wüst (1811-1927), Frankfurt/Main, ca. 1830. Copper engraved by J. Wulf, stencil coloured, 36 cards. The court cards depict figures from different dramas by Schiller. The King of Hearts is reminiscent of Schiller as a translator of Shakespeare; the pip cards depict scenes from the Schiller drama ‘Kabale und Liebe’.

Schiller deck made by Conrad Ludwig Wüst, Frankfurt/Main, ca. 1830 Schiller deck made by Conrad Ludwig Wüst, c.1830 Back from Schiller deck made by Conrad Ludwig Wüst, c.1830

Above: Schiller deck made by Conrad Ludwig Wüst, Frankfurt/Main, ca. 1830. The manufacturer's name can be read on the Eight of Hearts.   Images from the collection of Klaus-Jürgen Schultz (http://spielkarten-sammlung.de).

C. L. Wüst was eventually taken over by the Vereinigte Altenburger Stralsunder Spielkarten Fabriken AG (V.A.S.S.), Altenburg (1931-1945), who from time to time made use of the old designs and plates.   See also:   C.L. Wüst: Brazil Scenic Aces • Swiss Album Patience • Shakespearean Playing Cards • Germany Homepage