Miniature Tarock Playing Cards, Schafkopf Deck in Matchbox, B. Dondorf Design in ASS Era, Fine Double Image Cards, One-of-a-Kind, 1930s

An exceptionally charming miniature Tarock / Schafkopf card game from the late 1930s – produced during the transitional period when B. Dondorf, Frankfurt am Main, had already been integrated into ASS (Vereinigte Altenburger & Stralsunder Spielkartenfabriken).

The Saxon double image deck (36 cards) still carries the unmistakable elegance of the classic Dondorf design: the distinctive lion medallion with the inscription “Feine Doppelbilder Karte” and the delicate heraldic cartouche on the Ace of Hearts. These details reflect the high printing quality and refined aesthetic tradition of the Dondorf workshops, continued by ASS in the late 1930s.

The miniature deck is complete, unplayed, and remarkably well preserved, featuring a red fine checkered back design.

The cards are stored in an original matchbox of the German Match Monopoly Company (DZMG) from the same period. The small wooden box is covered with violet paper and bears the original label with the Reich eagle and Reichspfennig price indication.

Remarkably, the matchbox itself is also unused and in exceptionally well-preserved condition for the 1930s.

A small but fascinating piece of German everyday and gaming culture, combining history, craftsmanship, and nostalgia in miniature form.

Details:

Period: late 1930s (approx. 1937–1939)

Manufacturer: B. Dondorf / ASS (United Altenburg & Stralsund Playing Card Factories)

Game type: Tarock / Schafkopf, 36 cards

Card pattern: Saxon double image

Design: “Feine Doppelbilder Karte”, lion medallion & Dondorf cartouche

Card back: red checkered pattern

Card size: approx. 34 mm × 26 mm (miniature format)

Box: DZMG matchbox, wooden core with violet paper covering

Box size: approx. 51 mm × 35 mm × 15 mm

Condition cards: unplayed, excellent preservation

Condition box: unused, exceptionally well preserved for the 1930s

Materials: wood, paper, printing inks of the 1930s

Special features:

Original Dondorf design from the ASS transition period

Rare miniature Tarock / Schafkopf deck in Saxon double image pattern

Unplayed miniature deck – a highlight for collectors

Period-correct unused DZMG matchbox used as presentation box

Authentic piece of German playing-card and design history

The deck has been carefully inspected and stored and is offered in the condition described.
Shipping will be carefully packed and sent with DHL including tracking.
If you have any questions or would like additional detailed photos, I will be happy to assist.
This is an original one-of-a-kind collector’s item.