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"The Dondorf firm was founded in 1833, and in the 100 years of its existence produced possibly the finest playing cards ever manufactured.
On the occasion of the one hundredth anniversary of the firm in 1933, it was decided to mark the centennial by issuing a special deck to be presented as a souvenir honouring guests attending the ceremonies. These decks were not offered for sale on the German or any other market.
The project was so lavish, the printing so complicated, and the costs so exorbitant, the firm never recovered. Instead it was forced into bankruptcy and was acquired by the Altenburger-Stralsunder Playing Card co..
Some 16 separate colour printings were required for the court-cards, and 12 colour printings for the backs of this unusual deck. A total of 28 separate colour printings! Surely the pinnacle in the printing of playing cards was reached in this idealistic and ill-fated venture.
The deck is German in character throughout. While no definite personalities are depicted, one can see in the Kings the founders and rulers of old Germania.
The Queens are all of noble mien, full of virtue and good works, pious and given to the gentle arts. The Jacks depict knights in various activities."
This article first appeared in Hobbies magazine in 1960. It was written by Fred Taylor, an ardent collector, scholar and writer on a wide variety of playing card subjects. Mr. Taylor died at the age of 85 in 1995 a significant loss to the world of playing card collectors.
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