The Makers

Joseph Glanz was a carpenter, medalist and printer, who is considered a founding figure of Vienna's artistic heritage. During his career, he produced numerous decks of cards, with a wide range of themes and styles. His company eventually acquired the firms of Max Uffenheimer and Johann Ritter & Cie, but was in turn absorbed by Piatnik in 1912.

The Cards

Sometimes known as the Prager pattern, the Bohemian pattern for playing cards is related to the more common Bavarian deck, with with Acorns, Bells, Hearts and Leaves as the suits. It is distinguished, however, by its court cards, which show Knaves, two in each suit, separated into military divisions and thus holding spears, halberds, swords and musical instruments, respectively, while the Kings are seated with two suitmarks above each.

Bohemian pip cards have their values represented by the corresponding number of suitmarks, and always have small vignettes along the lower edges showing rural or natural scenes, objects, animals or figures. Here the Eight of Leaves has an elephant beneath the suitmarks, while the Seven of Hearts shows a shrub flanked by flowers. The Aces each bear a large and striking design, with the Ace of Bells depictings the Austro-Hungarian coat of arms, and the Ace of Acorns Glanz's imprint above a wild mythical cat, clutching the Hapsburg double-headed eagle in its left paw, and architectural view in its right.