German hunting pack by Theodor Wegener
Hunters, animals and birds feature on all but the Kings in this pack by Theodor Wegener, c.1863-70.
Hunting was a popular theme on German playing cards during the 19th century. Here each pip card features a charming hunting scene at the foot, with hunters carrying rifles on the Obers and Unters. The Kings are seated. The maker’s name, Theodor Wegener of Stralsund, is on the Daus of Hearts. T. Wegener died in 1863. The slightly later tax stamp was in use in Prussia between 1868 and 1874. Square corners. Purple wash backs. Packs such as this one may have been the inspiration behind what became the Prussian pattern.
Above: German hunting pack by Theodor Wegener, possibly involving a lithographic process, c.1863-70. 36 cards. Size: 61 x 100 mm. The backs are a mottled purple/white wash pattern.
By Roddy Somerville
France • Member since May 31, 2022 • Contact
Roddy started collecting stamps on his 8th birthday. In 1977 he joined the newly formed playing-card department at Stanley Gibbons in London before setting up his own business in Edinburgh four years later. His collecting interests include playing cards, postcards, stamps (especially playing cards on stamps) and sugar wrappers. He is a Past President of the Scottish Philatelic Society, a former Chairman of the IPCS, a Past Master of the Worshipful Company of Makers of Playing Cards and Curator of the WCMPC’s collection of playing cards. He lives near Toulouse in France.
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