When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
This is a remarkably preserved, complete 32-card antique deck manufactured by the legendary Ferd. Piatnik and Söhne of Vienna, Austria, dating to circa 1875-1883. This museum-quality set is complete with its original handmade red cloth travel pouch featuring a genuine 3-Cent Green Playing Cards U.S. Internal Revenue Stamp (Scott #R17) from the Civil War excise tax era. Decks of this age rarely survive intact with their original taxed travel wrappers.
Card Specifications:
- Manufacturer: Ferd. Piatnik and Söhne (Vienna, Austria).
- Pattern Style: Double-ended Berlin Pattern (Berliner Bild).
- Deck Composition: Complete 32-card Skat / Piquet pack.
Card Ranks: Aces, Kings, Queens, Jacks, 10s, 9s, 8s, 7s.
Corner Design: Factory die-cut rounded corners.
- Back Pattern: Light-blue repeating geometric cross-and-dot filigree grid.
Pouch and Tax Stamp Details:
- Pouch Material: Handmade red woven cloth.
- Tax Stamp: 3c Green Playing Cards U.S. Internal Revenue Stamp.
- Stamp Classification: Scott Catalog #R17 (First Issue).
- Historical Context: Applied at the port of entry for U.S. customs clearance.
- Dating Evidence: Locks the timeline to the late 19th-century tax period.
Condition Report (Very Good Plus / VG+):
- Paper Integrity: Excellent structural condition.
Tears: No rips or tears.
- Card Edges: Flat and dimensionally stable.
- Surface Wear: Honest age-related soil staining from historic play.
- Pouch Condition: Fabric shows fragile, authentic period wear. Tax stamp is partially intact and legible.
