Bavaria pattern

Published December 22, 2023 • Updated December 29, 2023

Classic German-suited Bavarian pattern by Joseph Fetscher, Munich, early 19th century.

The Deuce of hearts features a blindfold cupid within an elaborate frame. The maker’s name appears on the 8 of hearts: “Joseph Fetsche b. Karten-Fabricant in Munchen” and the king of hearts supports a cartouche bearing the maker’s mark and initials. The king of bells supports a cartouche charged with the arms of Bavaria.

The deuce of bells shows a boarhound attacking a boar; the deuce of acorns shows a boy sitting on a barrel holding a tankard. The numeral cards show little vignettes depicting leisure pastimes. The designs are very old and several of the court cards resemble those from the Franconian pattern.

Classic Bavaria pattern by Joseph Fetscher, early 19th century. © The Trustees of the British Museum

Above: Classic Bavaria pattern by Joseph Fetscher, 36 cards, hand-coloured woodcut, backs printed with a pattern of blue spots, early 19th century. The seven of hearts shows the tax stamp in use in Bayern from 1826 to c. 1837. © The Trustees of the British Museum • Museum number 1896,0501.261►

References

Endebrock, Peter: playing-card pages: Tax Stamps from German States►

Mann, Sylvia: Collecting Playing Cards, Arco Publications, 1966

Mann, Sylvia: All Cards on the Table, Jonas Verlag/Deutsches Spielkarten-Museum, Leinfelden-Echterdingen, 1990

O’Donoghue, Freeman M: Catalogue of the collection of playing cards bequeathed by Lady Charlotte Schreiber (German 24), Trustees of the British Museum, London, 1901 [digital version here]

1,487 Articles

By Simon Wintle

Spain • Member since February 01, 1996 • Contact

I am the founder of The World of Playing Cards (est. 1996), a website dedicated to the history, artistry and cultural significance of playing cards and tarot. Over the years I have researched various areas of the subject, acquired and traded collections and contributed as a committee member of the IPCS and graphics editor of The Playing-Card journal. Having lived in Chile, England, Wales, and now Spain, these experiences have shaped my work and passion for playing cards. Amongst my achievements is producing a limited-edition replica of a 17th-century English pack using woodblocks and stencils—a labour of love. Today, the World of Playing Cards is a global collaborative project, with my son Adam serving as the technical driving force behind its development. His innovative efforts have helped shape the site into the thriving hub it is today. You are warmly invited to become a contributor and share your enthusiasm.

History & Culture

Design & Symbolism

Collecting

Tarot & Cartomancy

Bavaria pattern

References

Related Articles

Most Popular