Rare set of playing cards with a military theme
By STAPF, Johann Ulrich , 1680
Sold

Das Festung Baues Spiel. In welchem die unterschiedene Wercke, so zu beschützung der Festung und Lager dienen fleissig und eigentlich auf die aller neueste art in grand gelegt, und mit allen ihren beschreibungen, und einer kurtzen und leichten Erklärung der Figuren, welche in diser Kunst üblich und gebräuchlich, entworfen sind.

Ephemera
  • Author: STAPF, Johann Ulrich
  • Publication place: Augsburg
  • Publisher: Stapf, J.U. der Ältere
  • Publication date: c. 1680
  • Physical description: 52 engraved playing cards, title, text, table of terms, and imprint, all pasted on to one sheet, all housed within brown marbled paper slipcase.
  • Dimensions: (each card) 85 by 55mm (3.25 by 2.25 inches).
  • Inventory reference: 1860

Notes

Games with the theme of fortification and siege are rare, and this game is moreover very early and complete. The engraver Ulrich Stapf worked between 1670 and 1700 in Augsburg (Thieme-Becker 31, p. 475; Nagler XIX, p. 300). Not to be found in any bibliography; there is a broadsheet, printed at Pieter Schenk, circa 1710, in the libraries at Gottingen and München.

Image gallery

/