Tordenskjold
Playing cards with an atmosphere of Scandinavian history.
The publisher's name is stamped on the ace of spades along with a duty stamp used from 1891 to 1910.
These cards from the British Museum collection come in a box with the title “Tordenskjold” and the text “No. 20 Spille-Kort”. According to the Museum notes, Tordenskjold ("Thundershield") was the title bestowed upon Peder Jansen Wessel (1690–1720), Vice-Admiral in the Royal Dano-Norwegian Navy, who was ennobled by King Frederick IV of Denmark in 1716 for his services during the Great Northern War. His portrait appears on the box and the Knave of Spades, where he is shown in military attire. The remaining courts, all unnamed, create an atmosphere of Scandinavian history, depicting generic kings, queens and warriors. The maker's name can be read on the Kn of diamonds' sleeve and the tax stamp.
Above: “Tordenskjold” No. 20 Spille-Kort published by N W Damm & Son, Kristiania, Norway, late 19th c. Chromolithography, backs printed with an ornamental panel in light blue. 52 cards in box, double-ended, small indices. © The Trustees of the British Museum
The image of Tordenskjold was copied from a portrait painted by Balthasar Denner in 1719. Rather than preserving French court figures, or representing a distinct national playing card pattern, this attractive Norwegian pack clothes courts in the costume and atmosphere of Scandinavian history. It is named after a naval hero, evoking patriotic sentiment, appealing to those with an interest in national history during the late nineteenth century.
References
British Museum : Museum number 1904,0511.42.1-52►
Peter Endebrock's Playing-card Pages : Tax Stamps from Norway ►
Wikipedia : Peter Tordenskjold ►
By Simon Wintle
Spain • Member since February 01, 1996
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.
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