Waisenfond
Intended to attract donations on behalf of the Imperial Royal Austrian Military Widows’ and Orphans’ Fund, this elegant and refined deck was designed by Nellie Stern. The deck was printed by Ferdinand Piatnik & Söhne, Vienna in 1916.

Wiener Waisenfond Whist No.1
Manufactured by Ferdinand Piatnik & Söhne, Vienna, 1916.
Intended to attract donations on behalf of the Imperial Royal Austrian Military Widows’ and Orphans’ Fund, established in 1914, this elegant and refined deck was designed by Nellie Stern, a member of the Wiener Werkstatte (the Vienna Workshop, a community of visual artists which flourished 1903–1932, famous for it's Art Deco designs). The cards display beautiful subtle colours and intricate detail. The deck was printed by Ferdinand Piatnik & Söhne, Vienna in 1916 and reprinted in 1981 by A.S.S.

Above: Aces and Court cards from Wiener Waisenfond Whist No.1, manufactured by Ferdinand Piatnik & Söhne, Vienna, for the Imperial Royal Austrian Military Widows’ and Orphans’ Fund, 1916. Designed by Nelly Stern. Colour lithography: 52 cards + Joker + 1 extra card: 91mm x 61mm. Images courtesy Barney Townshend.

By Barney Townshend
Member since October 06, 2015
View ArticlesRetired Airline Pilot, interested in: Transformation Playing Cards, Karl Gerich and Elaine Lewis. Secretary of the EPCS. Treasurer of the IPCS.