Dondorf Tarot Microscopique ~ 4 Aces     1 • 2 • 3

B. Dondorf (1833-1933), Frankfurt am Main, Germany

Dondorf's “Microscopique Tarock“ was first published in c.1870, but the example shown here was produced sometime between 1923 to 1929. The four suits are associated with four countries: Clubs = Germany, Diamonds = UK, Spades = Russia and Hearts = France. Each pictorial Ace shows two nationally symbolic buildings from each country. The court cards (shown on next page) follow the same format.

Above: the “Deutsches Reich” tax stamp on the Ace of Hearts was used during the period 1923 to 1929. The Nr.2 refers to the regional tax office in Frankfurt/Main.

Above: the back design and the unnumbered trump card 'Excuse' as a harlequin. Images courtesy Barney Townshend.