This playing card deck from the 1880s was produced by the Vereinigte Stralsunder Spielkarten-Fabriken and belongs to the early advertising editions of the German Empire. The tax stamp “Deutsches Reich No. 4” securely dates the deck to this period. The rare reverse design “Sefer Pascha Cigarettes” represents an early example of commercial advertising on playing cards in the late 19th century – a striking cultural artifact for collectors.
A charming original from the early phase of German playing-card advertising: the French-suited deck features fine lithography, strong colors and a warm, authentic age patina. The unusual advertising back “Sefer Pascha Cigarettes” increases the collector appeal and turns the deck into a distinctive historical document.
The deck is complete and shows only light signs of age such as small creases, minor edge marks and a corner flaw on the Ace of Clubs – characteristic traces of a genuine object more than 130 years old.
Manufacturer: Vereinigte Stralsunder Spielkarten-Fabriken AG, Stralsund
Period: approx. 1880–1889
Tax stamp: Deutsches Reich No. 4 – 30 Pfennig (1879–1889)
32 cards, French suit, rounded corners
Card size: approx. 59 × 92 mm
Reverse: advertising print “Sefer Pascha Cigarettes” (blue on light background)
Condition: complete, with an even natural patina from age; minor creases and edge traces, plus a small corner flaw on the Ace of Clubs, without affecting stability or usability
Supplied in a clear protective sleeve for safe storage and display
The deck has been carefully inspected and stored in clean, dry conditions.
Shipping is carried out carefully packed with DHL and tracking.
If you have any questions or would like additional detail photos, feel free to contact me at any time.
This is an original one-of-a-kind historical deck.
