Postgeschichte
A celebration of different postal systems in Germany from 1630 to 1850, with designs by Volker Hartmann.
Four different German states or principalities which were major contributors to the development of the postal system in Germany are represented in this colourful pack: Thurn und Taxis (acorns), Saxony (leaves), Prussia (hearts), and Mecklenburg (bells). Postal officials in their different uniforms can be found on the court cards, while black-and-white vignettes of post offices, carriages, distance markers and post riders decorate the numeral cards. Each image is named and dated. Splendid coats of arms are featured on the Aces. On the reverse are two yellow post horns against a silver background. The idea for the pack came from Heinz Wehner, with the graphic design being carried out by Volker Hartmann.
Above: Postgeschichte playing cards designed by Volker Hartmann, printed and published by Altenburger Spielkartenfabrik, Altenburg, DDR, 1987. 32 cards + 1 extra card in clear plastic box. Size: 57.5 x 87.5 mm.
This pack may deliberately have been issued in the run-up to the 500th anniversary of postal services in Germany - an event which was celebrated in 1990.
By Roddy Somerville
France • Member since May 31, 2022
Roddy started collecting stamps on his 8th birthday. In 1977 he joined the newly formed playing-card department at Stanley Gibbons in London before setting up his own business in Edinburgh four years later. His collecting interests include playing cards, postcards, stamps (especially playing cards on stamps) and sugar wrappers. He is a Past President of the Scottish Philatelic Society, a former Chairman of the IPCS, a Past Master of the Worshipful Company of Makers of Playing Cards and Curator of the WCMPC’s collection of playing cards. He lives near Toulouse in France.
Activity for Postgeschichte
Sign in to comment or save this article.
Related Articles
Munich is Trumps
Famous men and women associated with Munich on a pack with dual suits.
VEB Kombinat Kali
Advertising pack depicting old means of salt production, with designs by Hannelore Heise.
Haushaltgeräte
Publicity pack for VEB Kombinat Haushaltgeräte, makers of household goods, with designs by Volker Ha...
Historical playing cards by Joseph Fetscher
Historical playing cards by Joseph Fetscher, Munich, c.1820.
Spielkarten für Sammler
Cards on cards in celebration of playing-card collector Franz Braun’s 75th birthday.
Nordbräu Ingolstadt
Publicity pack for the German brewery Nordbräu with Bavarian pattern courts (adapted).
Deutsche Dampflokomotiven
German steam locomotives from the period 1892 to 1950.
Münz-Spiel GmbH
Advertising playing cards for a data bureau depicting German politicians.
Andere Zeiten - Andere Kleider
‘History of fashion’ cultural quartet game designed by Erika Werner-Nestler, 1954.
Geschichte des Buchgewerbes
Geschichte des Buchgewerbes illustrated by Ludwig Winkler, published by Verlag für Lehrmittel Pößnec...
Musikinstrumente
Musikinstrumente quartet game published by Verlag für Lehrmittel, Pössneck, 1984.
Wie Wird das Wetter
Wie Wird das Wetter, a Black Peter game about the weather created by Gunter Eckhardt, published by R...
Historische Verkehrswege
“Historische Verkehrswege” quartet game published by Verlag für Lehrmittel Pössneck, 1988.
Hannelore Heise: “Essay” & “Gracia”
Two charming designs by Hannelore Heise from Germany.
Berliner Originale
“Berliner Originale” designed by Manfred Bofinger, 1986.
DSA Textil Berlin
Felix-Karte pack for Erste Deutsche Sack-Centrale / DSA Textil Berlin manufactured by VEB Altenburge...
Porträt
“Porträt” designed by Walter Krauss, 1969
Chérie
Chérie No 7022 designed by Hans & Louise Neupert, nice vibrant artwork, swinging 60s
German Saxon Pattern
The German Saxon Pattern or “Schwerdter Karte”.
Dresdner Originale
‘Dresdner Originale with scenes of Dresden, designed by Günter Schmitz, 1989.
Most Popular
Our top articles from the past 60 days
