Hundertjahrkarte

Dondorf GmbH: ‘Hundertjahrkarte’, 1933
Playing Card manufacture: B. Dondorf (1833-1933), Frankfurt am Main, Germany.

In 1933 the Dondorf company was 100 years old. This is their special centenary deck. The mood is serious and heroic, suggesting rigour and self-determination. This is different to previous Dondorf decks which were more cheerful and exuberant. We also have a new ‘medieval look’ in the costumes, front and back, which is intended to suggest the power and virtue of the German character. The Kings lead the church and the army, protecting the empire; the noble Queens represent the power of love, domestic virtues and art; the Jacks portray chivalry, hunting, poetry and music. Attendants can be seen standing behind each figure, amongst castles, tiles and wall patterns, garlands and architecture all printed in delicate colours.

Above: Dondorf's 'Hundertjahrkarte' 100th anniversary deck, 1933. Ironically, at this time the Dondorf business was in the process of being taken over by Flemming & Wiskott so these cards were designed and produced during difficult economic circumstances. Images courtesy Barney Townshend.

Above: the Four of Hearts acting as a title card; the Ace of Hearts with the tax stamp; the Joker with Gothic typeface and the double-ended back design.