An exceptional collector’s ensemble combining two authentic witnesses of German gaming and industrial history.
This set brings together a rare Stralsund Skat deck “Feine Deutsche Karte – Preußisches Doppelbild” from the 1920s with an original metal playing card press from the 1930s, produced as an advertising gift by the Gustav Schulze Coal, Coke and Anthracite Works in Dresden.
The card deck was manufactured by the Vereinigte Stralsunder Spielkarten-Fabriken A.G. (VSS) and features finely colored views of German cities on the number cards – including Berlin, Dresden, Leipzig, Wartburg, Munich and Breslau.
The card backs display a particularly rare advertisement for “Nicolai-Tabake”, a promotional print known today as a scarce collectible motif from the interwar period.
The accompanying metal playing card press is made of tinned steel with a decorative aged patina and bears the printed company name of the Gustav Schulze Anthracite Works, Dresden.
Such presses were produced in the early 1930s as promotional gifts and served to keep card decks flat and protected – a charming example of everyday gaming culture.
Both objects originate from the same era of German playing card and advertising history and complement each other as a harmonious, museum-like ensemble.
Manufacturer (cards): Vereinigte Stralsunder Spielkarten-Fabriken A.G., Stralsund
Period: card deck ca. 1920s // card press ca. 1930s
32 cards – German suited deck, Prussian pattern
Card size: approx. 58 × 102 mm
Card backs: advertisement “Nicolai-Tabake”
Tax stamp: “Deutsches Reich Nr. 4” (slightly faded, typical for the 1920s)
Number cards with architectural motifs and city views
Metal playing card press with advertising imprint “Gustav Schulze Anthracitwerke, Dresden”
Press size: approx. 13 × 7 × 2 cm
Condition
The cards are complete and well preserved, showing an even patina with clear colors.
The metal press displays characteristic age-related wear and remains both decorative and functional.
A fascinating collectible set from the interwar period, combining playing card culture, advertising history and industrial design.
The item has been inspected and is in the condition described.
Shipping will be carefully packed with DHL and tracking provided.
Please feel free to contact me if you would like additional photos or further information.
This is an original one-of-a-kind piece.
