1914–18 Playing Cards: The Great War (Piatnik)
Step back in time with this historic deck of playing cards commemorating The Great War (1914–1918). Produced by the renowned Austrian card maker Piatnik in collaboration with the In Flanders Fields Museum in Ypres, this deck serves as a moving visual archive of World War I.
Instead of traditional standard faces, each card features a unique, carefully curated image—making it an exceptional collector's item for history buffs, militaria enthusiasts, and card collectors alike.
Key Features
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A Visual History: Includes 54 of the finest photographs and propaganda posters from the era, capturing the multi-faceted reality of the war.
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Museum Collaboration: Developed alongside the prestigious In Flanders Fields Museum in Ypres, ensuring historical accuracy and depth.
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Premium Quality: Printed by Piatnik, world-famous for durable, high-quality playing cards since 1824.
A Look Inside the Deck
Every suit and card number brings a different element of the global conflict to light, featuring legendary figures, poignant poetry, iconic machinery, and wartime propaganda:
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Military Might & Leadership: See historical heavyweights like the 2 of Spades featuring US President Woodrow Wilson, and naval engineering marvels like the 2 of Clubs showcasing the massive 15-inch guns of the HMS Renown.
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The Reality of the Trenches: Poignant wartime photography captures the grit of the front lines, such as Canadian machine gunners in the mud of Ypres (Ace of Spades) and Australian soldiers navigating shattered landscapes (10 of Clubs).
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The Human Face of War: Striking portraiture puts a face to the conflict, including a portrait of a German POW from 1917 on the Jack of Clubs.
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Iconic Propaganda & Recruitment: Vibrant wartime posters urge citizens to action, from the French “Versezer Votre Or” poster to classic American and British naval enlistment drives featuring iconic imagery on the Queen cards.
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Memorial Tributes: The Joker cards are dedicated to the cultural legacy of the war, prominently featuring John McCrae’s timeless poem, "In Flanders Fields," alongside his portrait and Canadian Expeditionary Force recruitment posters.
Product Specifications:
Brand: Piatnik
Theme: World War I / The Great War (1914–1918)
Card Count: 52 Standard Cards + 2 Jokers
Finish: Premium linen-finish playing card stock
Perfect for gameplay, historical study, or as a thoughtful gift.