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B. Dondorf

Dondorf

The luxury playing card factory founded in Frankfurt am Main by Bernhard Dondorf in 1833 existed for 100 years.

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10: Playing Cards in Germany

10: Playing Cards in Germany

The playing card manufacturers of Germany from 1900 until 1939 provide a complicated set of relationships that deserve closer investigation. Here are some of the standard English designs to be found.

B. Dondorf GmbH: Neue Klubkarte No.422 1930

B. Dondorf GmbH: Neue Klubkarte No.422

The designs are a meld between the standard international pattern and German-style French-suited cards. Elements from various other standard patterns can be detected.

Baronesse Whist No.160 1900

Baronesse Whist No.160

After the Second World War, the deck continued to be produced ​​both by the VEB Altenburger Spielkartenfabrik as “Rokoko” and by ASS-Spielkartenfabrik, Leinfelden-Echterdingen as “Baronesse”.

Birma Karte or Englische Karten 1867

Birma Karte or Englische Karten

Based upon older ‘standard’ patterns, the Kings and Queens are three-quarter length figures whilst the Jacks are full-length with legs giving the impression that they are walking about!

Cartes Comiques, 1870-1888

Cartes Comiques, 1870-1888

“Cartes Comiques”, published by B. Dondorf, printed by chromolithography, c.1870-1888.

Cartes Lenormand

Cartes Lenormand

“Cartes Lenormand” published by H. P. Gibson & Sons Ltd, London, printed in Germany by B. Dondorf, 1920s.

Club Karte

Club Karte

There have been many variations in the design of “Club Karte” including the introduction of borders, corner indices and rounded corners, and variations in the inscriptions on the Aces over the years.

Deutsches Luxusbild

Deutsches Luxusbild

The court cards in this well designed double-ended pack are realistically dressed in 16th century costumes with German suit symbols. The Kings and high ranking personnel are strict and austere.

Die Vogel-Welt No. 351 1905

Die Vogel-Welt No. 351

Dondorf’s “Die Vogel-Welt” No. 351 quartet game, c.1905

Dondorf 1833

Dondorf

The luxury playing card factory founded in Frankfurt am Main by Bernhard Dondorf in 1833 existed for 100 years.

Dondorf Patience playing cards No.26 1920

Dondorf Patience playing cards No.26

Patience playing cards with children in historical costumes

Dondorf related ephemera 1930

Dondorf related ephemera

A few items used for advertising or displaying Dondorf playing card products.

Dondorf Tarot 1870

Dondorf Tarot

Dondorf's “Microscopique Tarock“ was first published in c.1870. The scenes portrayed at each end of the trump cards are marvels of miniature graphic artwork and printing.

Dondorf Tarot Aces

Dondorf Tarot Aces

The four suits are associated with four countries: Clubs = Germany, Diamonds = UK, Spades = Russia and Hearts = France.

Dondorf Tarot Court Cards

Dondorf Tarot Court Cards

Dondorf Tarot Court Cards.

Einköpfige Deutsche Spielkarte No.303

Einköpfige Deutsche Spielkarte No.303

Dondorf's ‘Einköpfige Deutsche Spielkarte No.303’ (‘Single-ended German Playing Cards’) were produced during the period 1900-1930.

Empire No.170

Empire No.170

The Queens, who wear short sleeved dresses with bonnets adorned with chin straps and roses, hold a rose, a fan, a bird or a letter.

Englische Karten nr.190 1867

Englische Karten nr.190

Dondorf Nr.190“Englische Karten”, 1867-1895.

Figures Amusantes 1900

Figures Amusantes

French language edition of a children's quartet game published by B. Dondorf, c.1900, consisting of 40 amusing illustrations of birds and animals with humorous captions.