Postillion Schafkopf

While on vacation in Bavaria I visited Schloss Thurn und Taxis in Regensburg, the home since 1748 of the Princely House of Thurn and Taxis, a family of German nobility, which was a key player in the postal services in Europe during the 16th century through to the end of the Holy Roman Empire in 1806. It was here that I came across this pack of Schafkopf playing cards, dedicated to the history of the German postal service. It was published by A.S.S. (Altenburger und Stralsunder Spielkartenfabriken), Leinfelden, c. 1994, and the court cards feature the original designs of Monika Dostler (Artwork Marketing), depicting 19th century Postillions from various towns and cities of Germany. The aces show different post horns used by Postillions of the 18th and 19th centuries to signal the arrival or departure of a post rider or mail coach.

The 36 cards have standard German suits of acorns, hearts, bells and leaves. Schafkopf (also called Bavarian Schafkopf), is a popular German trick-taking card game for four players that evolved, towards the end of the 19th century.

Above: Postillion Schafkopf with artwork by Monika Dostler, published by A.S.S. (Altenburger und Stralsunder Spielkartenfabriken), Leinfelden, c. 1994.

Note: Dostler has also produced a pack celebrating Mercedes-Benz►

In addition, a “Postillion Skat” pack of 32 cards was produced with the same illustrations on the courts (but not the aces), and with standard international suits of hearts, clubs, diamonds and spades. The card reverse is also different.