A charming “Schwarzer Peter” card game from the early GDR era, illustrated by the well-known Altenburg card artist Otto Pech (“Pix”).
This humorous children’s game belongs to the first generation of post-war card games produced by the VEB Altenburger Spielkartenfabrik, which resumed the production of family and children’s games in the mid-1950s.
The playful animal characters and the distinctive Pix illustration style make this deck a delightful example of early East German card game design.
Title: Schwarzer Peter
Design / Illustrations: Otto Pech (“Pix”)
Manufacturer: VEB Altenburger Spielkartenfabrik, Altenburg (Thuringia)
Dating: circa 1954–1958
Cards: 33 cards + 1 instruction card
Printing: fine multicolor offset printing
Card backs: black cat silhouette in cross motif
Packaging: original cardboard tuck box with Pix illustration and Fraktur lettering
Card size: approx. 106 × 65 mm
Motif & Design:
Humorous animal characters with individual personality (mole lady, frog lady, mouse buck etc.)
“Peter” depicted as a black cat wearing boots – typical for Otto Pech’s playful illustration style
Soft coloring and finely drawn details
Clear numbering system (1–16 pairs plus the “Peter”)
Classic early-1950s GDR graphic design
Condition:
Complete card set (33 cards present)
Cards overall clean and playable
Some small age-related bends on a few cards – typical signs of use but not affecting gameplay
Original box with authentic patina
The closing flap of the box is missing; the opening edge shows some age-related creasing and minor damage
Overall stable box, suitable for storage and display
This is an honest and well-preserved example of early East German playing card culture. The light signs of use underline the authentic character of the set without significantly affecting its collector or play value.
The card game has been inspected, carefully stored and is offered in the condition described.
Shipping is securely packaged and sent with tracked DHL delivery.
If you have any questions or would like additional detail photos, please feel free to contact me at any time.
This is an original vintage item – a unique piece.
