UPDATED! The original 48 card deck this is based on did not include aces, but we recently created our own aces based on details from the original cards so our version of it is a 52 card deck.
Nicknamed the "poop deck" by some historical hobbyists due to some of the naughty images, this is our own replica of a satirical deck of cards dating from 1545 and designed by the German artist Peter Flötner. It uses traditional German suits of bells, acorns, hearts and. Leaves, as well as "unter" and uber" figures rather than jacks and queens, but no Aces.
48 card decks were commonly used for a trick-taking game "Karnoffel." It was played mostly by the lower classes, and some naughty or satirical images on this deck reflect the game's lower class origins. The name Karnoffel itself translates as "hernia". It includes several satirical images such a monk vomiting, scenes of farting, spanking and people defecating.
They are about 3.5 " x 2.25" the same size as a modern "Bridge deck". (modern Poker decks are slightly wider.) They are printed on plain uncoated card stock for an authentic look, and they are blank on the backs and have square corners as was most common for early cards. Printed for us here in Minnesota. Since they are uncoated card stock they are packaged in a re-closeable "Ziplock" style bag to protect them from moisture.
See our youtube channel "MacGregor Historic Games" for more info about our period cards
Buy any combination of four of our period cards and we'll include a free copy of our "Early Card Games" booklet
Wholesale pricing available.