Ansbach pattern by Emil Doll

The Ansbach pattern retains features from the earliest (medieval) days of cardmaking. The designs are pleasingly simple and non-military: only the upper knave of acorns carries a weapon. The format of the later Nürnberg or Ansbach pattern, like this example, is narrower than earlier ones. The 6 of hearts has the arms of Bavaria and Nürnberg with “Emil Doll in Neustadt” in decorative scrolls, supported by a naked figure. The deuce of leaves also has the arms of Bavaria with someone writing on a tablet “Der 18 Oct. 1813” (the date of the battle of Leipzig); the deuce of acorns has the Bavarian lion supporting the arms of Nürnberg with an empty scroll at the top. There are no vignettes on any of the other pip cards. The backs are decorated with a pattern of black crosses.

Above: cards from the later Ansbach or Nürnberg pattern produced by Emil Doll, Neuburg an der Donau, Bavaria, 1819. 36 cards, hand-coloured woodcuts. © The Trustees of the British Museum • Museum number 1896,0501.352►

References

O’Donoghue, Freeman M: Catalogue of the collection of playing cards bequeathed by Lady Charlotte Schreiber (Germany 31), Trustees of the British Museum, London, 1901 [digital version here]

NOTE: these cards can also be found on the British Museum website alongside a different pack by J E Backofen here►