An exceptional original from the era of the German Empire: the REICHS-KARTE Skat deck, circa 1915, combines political iconography, fine lithography, and imperial symbolism into a cohesive historical artifact of World War I Germany.
Designed by Fritz von Lindenau, the deck was issued in support of the “Luftfahrerdank Berlin-Charlottenburg.” It was produced by the Vereinigte Stralsunder Spielkartenfabriken (VSS Altenburg), one of the leading German manufacturers of the period.
The court cards depict prominent imperial figures as well as allegories of agriculture, welfare, technology, and science. The aces display the coats of arms of Prussia, Saxony, Bavaria, and Württemberg — a carefully composed national tableau.
Designer: Fritz von Lindenau
Publisher: issued in support of Luftfahrerdank Berlin-Charlottenburg
Manufacturer: Vereinigte Stralsunder Spielkartenfabriken (VSS Altenburg)
Period: circa 1915
Type: French suits, 32 cards
Card size: approx. 59 × 92 mm
Gilded edges with evenly aged, warm patina
Tax stamp: “Deutsches Reich No. 90 – Dreißig Pfennig” (used 1903–1919)
Print range: 700–799 thousand
Back design: Iron Cross with Imperial Eagle and oak leaves, black/red
Original tuck box included
Condition:
Complete deck
No creases or tears
Even age-related patina
Tuck box with missing closing flap
Minor tear at opening
Edges age-related rubbed and slightly bumped
Historical context:
This edition emerged during a period of intense national symbolism in World War I Germany. The tax stamp “Deutsches Reich No. 90” firmly anchors the deck in the Imperial era. Such issues were produced only for a limited time and are increasingly rare in complete condition.
A historically significant collector’s piece with strong iconography and clear period attribution.
The item has been inspected and is in the condition described above.
Shipping is carefully packaged with DHL and tracking.
If you require additional photos or details, please feel free to contact me.
This is an original one-of-a-kind piece.
