An original Tarock deck from the pre-World War I era of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The dual manufacturer designation “Vienna & Budapest” reflects the historical structure of the monarchy and clearly dates this deck to before 1918.
The original imperial tax stamp “60” on the Ace of Hearts is a key authenticity marker of the k.u.k. period and an important indicator for collectors of early Central European playing cards.
Around 1910, Tarock was one of the most sophisticated strategic card games in Central Europe and a central element of cultivated bourgeois gaming culture.
Manufacturer: Ferd. Piatnik & Söhne, Vienna & Budapest
Dating: circa 1910s, before 1918
54 cards, Austrian Tarock, double figure
Original imperial tax stamp “60” on the Ace of Hearts
Registered rider trademark (“Registrirte Schutzmarke”)
Reverse with red-beige dot and circle ornament
Card size: approx. 11.6 × 6.6 cm
Period multi-color print on lightly toned cardstock
Complete and evenly preserved
Very good collector’s condition for its age
The deck is stored in a historical metal tobacco tin marked “Duke of Edinburgh – High Class Cigarettes.” In the early 20th century, such tins were commonly used to protect valuable card decks and ensure long-term preservation.
Tin dimensions: approx. 14 × 7 × 2.5 cm
Age-related wear and minor deformations
Authentic period presentation
A collectible original from early Piatnik production, combining gaming culture, printing craftsmanship, and imperial fiscal history.
The deck has been carefully inspected, cleanly stored, and is in the condition described above.
Shipping is secure and carefully packed via DHL with tracking.
Please feel free to contact me if you would like additional detail photographs. This is an original one-of-a-kind historical piece.
