Prussian Double-Ended Pattern, Kölnische Spielkarten-Fabrik Johann Peter Bürgers Cologne, German-Suited Playing Cards, One-of-a-Kind, 1880s

This rare 19th-century playing card deck was produced by the Kölnische Spielkarten-Fabrik Johann Peter Bürgers in Cologne on the Rhine. It represents an early period of German playing card history, shortly after the introduction of standardized imperial playing card taxation in the German Empire. With its Prussian double-ended pattern, German suits, maker’s mark and historic tax stamp, this deck is a distinctive collector’s piece with strong historical character.

Original historical playing card deck by Kölnische Spielkarten-Fabrik Johann Peter Bürgers, Cologne on the Rhine

Pattern: Prussian double-ended pattern

Type: German-suited deck with Hearts, Acorns, Leaves / Greens and Bells

Card size: approx. 101 × 58 mm

Dating: approx. 1880s, probably 1879–1889

Maker’s mark on the heart card: “Kölnische Spielkarten-Fabrik – Johann Peter Bürgers, Köln am Rhein”

Historical imperial tax stamp on the heart card / Heart Ace

Tax stamp: “Deutsches Reich … DREISSIG PF.”, faded with age but still recognizable as a German imperial tax stamp from the late 19th century

Colour lithographed design with attractive red, green, blue and yellow tones

Rounded corners, typical for playing cards of the late 19th century

Reverse with a fine diagonal line / grid pattern

Characterful collector’s item from Cologne playing card production

Suitable for collectors of antique playing cards, German playing card history and early German card games

The deck shows a genuine age-related patina, giving it the strong historical presence expected from an original playing card deck more than 130 years old. The cards show visible signs of play and handling, including creases, edge and corner wear, and age-related surface wear. Some cards have stronger traces of use, small paper losses or old storage marks on the reverse.

These details are part of the authentic character of the deck and underline its history as a preserved 19th-century playing card set. It is not a mint-condition collector’s item, but a rare and expressive original with a clear maker’s attribution, historic tax stamp and excellent display value for a collection of antique German playing cards.

The deck has been carefully checked, stored with care and is offered in the condition shown and described.

Shipping is carefully packed and sent with DHL including tracking.

Please contact me if you have any questions or would like additional detail photos. This is an original one-of-a-kind item.