Czechoslovakia

Published December 13, 2013 • Updated November 18, 2024

The Republic of Czechoslovakia was founded in 1918 from the former Austro-Hungarian empire.

Playing Cards from Czechoslovakia

The Republic of Czechoslovakia was founded in 1918 from the former Austro-Hungarian empire. Before this the Czech lands were provinces of Austria and followed much the same course as Germany, but during the 19th century Czech language, culture and national identity were revived and several packs of playing cards were published reflecting Czech national culture. After independence was achieved the tradition of German-suited cards continued, including Hungarian-style ‘Seasons’ cards where the knaves represent medieval central European heroes, the ‘Prague’ or ‘Bohemian’ pattern as well as French-suited cards and tarot (Tarock). Either side of the borders between Czechoslovakia and Austria cards tended to be similar and Bohemian playing cards were often manufactured in Vienna. Czech tax stamp

The old Italian suited Trappola cards, which flourished in Czechoslovakia from 18th to mid-20th centuries, were known as Spady cards. Czechoslovakia introduced its own playing card tax regime: the tax stamp had a Bohemian Lion in the centre with the inscription "KOLEK Z HRACICH KARET" printed in blue around the edge.

Czech Nationalistic Playing Cards, 1895

Above: Czech Nationalistic playing cards designed by Emanuel Neumann, c.1895 more →

Czech ‘Hussite’ Pack, 1895

Above: Czech “Hussite” pack engraved by Karel Hoffmann and first printed by Jan Ritter in 1895 more →

Prague 1908 Jubilee

Above: Prague 1908 Jubilee playing cards more →

‘Jugendstil’ designed by Artuš Scheiner, 1920

Above: ‘Jugendstil’ designed by Artuš Scheiner, 1920 more →

Ritter & Cie

Jan Ritter & Cie of Prague was acquired by Piatnik, who subsequently opened a branch in Prague (1923-45) and which later became Obchodní Tiskárny. Other manufacturers include Jan Šrámek and Česká Grafická Unie AS.

Čierny Peter

Above: Čierny Peter card games manufactured by Obchodní Tiskárny.

Czech Bohemian playing cards

Above: Czech Bohemian playing cards manufactured by Obchodní Tiskárny.

Special pack manufactured by Obchodní Tiskárny with advertising for ZPA Trutnov electronics, 1988

Above: special pack manufactured by Obchodní Tiskárny for ZPA Trutnov electronics, 1988.

Above: mining-themed deck for Rutek Alliance, 2012.

See also: ‘Historic Ships’ • ‘Detektiv Fuk’ and ‘Dudák’ card games.

Czech postage stamp designs incorporating playing cards by František Tichý (1896-1961)

Above: Czech postage stamp design incorporating playing cards by František Tichý (1896-1961).

Above: the Bohemian pattern which has roots in the 16th century.

Above: Czech Nationalistic Playing Cards, 1895.

Above: Czech “Hussite” pack engraved by Karel Hoffmann and first printed by Jan Ritter in 1895.

Above: Ace of Spades by the Eagle Playing Card Company Limited (Conrad Jäger, Proschwitz), Czechoslovakia, c.1900.

Above: Prague 1908 Jubilee pack manufactured by Jan Šrámek.

Above: ‘Jugendstil’ designed by Artuš Scheiner, printed by Česká Grafická Unie AS, 1920.

Above: ‘Castles Quartet’ designed by by Vladimir Kovářík.

Above: ‘Derby’ card game.

Czech Matchbox labels SOLO Lipník Factory

Above: Czech Matchbox labels.

During the 1950s and 1960s cards by Obchodni Tiskarny of Prague were imported into England with the brand name “Casino”, often with charming designs.

No.240 'Casino' playing cards manufactured by Obchodní Tiskárny, 1955, in importation duty wrapper

Above: No.240 'Casino' playing cards manufactured by Obchodní Tiskárny, 1955, in UK importation duty wrapper. The Pegasus motif was inherited from Ritter & Cie, Prague. See also: Casino Patience No.140→

Above: “Dvouhlavé Hrací Karty” (Czech Seasons playing cards) made by Obchodní Tiskárny, c.1980

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By Simon Wintle

Spain • Member since February 01, 1996 • Contact

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.