‘Deutsche Geschichtskarte’ (German Historical Deck) published by successors of Johann Conrad Jegel, Nürnberg, after 1850. The deuces (twos) show allegories of German rivers and Germania while the court cards depict legendary figures from local folklore. For example, the unter-knave of bells is William Tell. The numeral cards show important historical events, with a title beneath each engraving. The ten of leaves, for example, shows the Battle of Leipzig.

Above: historical deck published by Johann Conrad Jegel, Nürnberg, after 1850. Later editions by his successors in 1872 & 1897. Etching by Georg Pommer (fl.1815-1854), stencil coloured, 36 cards. The pip cards show scenes from the history of the German (Holy Roman) Empire.

Earlier Edition, c.1830

An earlier edition of the "German History" deck with engravings by Georg Pommer is preserved in the British Museum, described as having historical characters on the court cards, emblematical figures of rivers, etc. on the deuces, and uncoloured etched vignettes of incidents in the history of Germany on the other pip cards. The upper knave of leaves holds a paper lettered "Nürnberg... G. Pommer rad. d. 3 April 1830", and a similar inscription is on a paper held by two figures in the vignette on the 8 of bells. On the deuce of leaves a female figure holds a tablet lettered "Donau" as an allegory of the river of that name • Museum number 1896,0501.330►

Above: cards from the ‘Historical Deck’ with engravings by Georg Pommer, 1830. 36 cards. © The Trustees of the British Museum • Museum number 1896,0501.330►

Further References

O’Donoghue, Freeman M: Catalogue of the collection of playing cards bequeathed by Lady Charlotte Schreiber, Trustees of the British Museum, London, 1901 (German 36) • [digital version here]

Daniel Crouch Rare Books: 2nd item in “The thrill of the chase”►