F.X. Schmid "Wittelsbach" Playing Cards, Ltd. Ed. (1605/2000), c.1980 (Reprint of 1819 "Teutschen Spielkarten für das bayrische Volk," Published by Johann Christoph Freiherr von Aretin, Joseph Peringer Designs)

Beautiful set of cards made c.1980 by F.X. Schmid on the occasion of the 800th anniversary of the House of Wittelsbach. It is an extremely fine reprint of a deck first published in 1819 by Johann Christoph Freiherr von Aretin, with handsome designs by Joseph Peringer. The cards are accompanied by an elegant small book and a paper booklet, both in German, describing the deck and cards. The set was published in a limited edition of 2000, of which this set is #1605. It is also worth noting that on the 6 of each suit there is a description of what is depicted on the cards of that suit.

The deck is complete at 36 cards (Ace, 6-10, Ober, Under, King), with German suits. The cards are long and thin, measuring 101mm x 53mm. As noted there is a book and a booklet, and they are housed with the cards in the original box.

The cards, book, booklet and box are all "as new."

Reference: Fournier, Playing Cards, Germanic Countries 67.

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